Crews Tear Down Old Resort

It's time to say goodbye to an Oklahoma landmark. For more than four decades, hundreds of thousands of people have visited the Fountainhead Resort at Lake Eufaula.

But, now demolition crews are tearing down the old resort. News On 6 anchor Craig Day went to McIntosh County to see the new plans for the site.

For construction crews and many people who have spent time at Fountainhead Resort on Lake Eufaula, it's hard not to get nostalgic about the old building.

"It's a very interesting project. You hate to see something pass. The grand old lady, but you're very excited about seeing what we're going to do next," said Jim McCallie, Tribal Construction.

Demolition work is underway to level the old resort, which was once a state owned facility. It was bought a few years ago by the Creek Nation. The demolition will be finished by the end of August.

The Creek Nation is still working on a master plan for a new resort, but whatever the finals plans are, it promises to be something big, putting Fountainhead back on the map as a major destination.

Selina Jayne-Dornan is a national tribal representative with the Creek Nation. Jayne-Dornan says the Creek Nation will build a new hotel, including a convention center and casino, and possibly a marina.

"I think we can create a really nice tourist attraction, a destination attraction, being right here on beautiful Lake Eufaula. Some economic development for our area and jobs, lots of jobs," said Selina Jayne-Dornan, Tribal Representative.

Eventually, the project will bring hundreds of new jobs and millions of dollars to the area economy.

Once federal and tribal legal hurdles are crossed and plans are developed and finalized, it will be about five years before a new resort would be finished.

Many are looking forward to that day.

"I challenge you. You come back here in five years and if I'm still breathing and alive, we'll interview right here and see what's behind me," said McCallie.

"I would like to see it as the top destination spot in Oklahoma," said Jayne-Dornan.

The Creek Nation is also negotiating with the state to take over operations of the nearby Fountainhead Golf Course. That should be complete by September 5th.