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Some 300 million years ago (give or take), massive glaciers
crunched their way across the northern U.S. and Canada, creating lake
beds, ravines, and all sorts of other interesting topography. One of the
last of these Earth-changing ice flows was the Wisconsin Glacial Stage,
which inched its way through eastern Pennsylvania approximately
70,000 years ago (again, give or take) and left in its wake a gaping frac-
ture in an otherwise solid sandstone formation. According to legend, that
very split rock is the namesake of what is now one of the Poconos’ most
well-known timeshare resorts.
Split Rock’s evolution, however, is far from complete. In fact, as
compelling as the reported connection to prehistoric time is, the
company’s most exciting moment may be happening right now.
Stabilis Capital, a New York–based investment firm, recently purchased
the resort collection — which includes The Galleria at Split Rock,
Westwood at Split Rock, Willowbrook at Lake Harmony, and Mountain
Laurel Resort and Spa. Stabilis installed the team at Boutique Real
Estate Advisors (BREA) to oversee both refurbishment projects and
day-to-day operations.
“Over the past year, new ownership has been committed to reposi-
tioning the resort to be the best-in-class family vacation location in the
region,” says Jay DiGiulio, president of BREA. “An extensive capital
improvement plan was launched during 2014, with millions of dollars
being invested in the resort thus far. The enhancements are continuing,
with more amenities being updated in order to provide guests, timeshare
owners, and visitors the best experience possible.”
Oooohh, the Amenities!
That experience certainly is comprehensive. The Galleria, Westwood,
and Willowbrook complexes all are situated around Lake Harmony on
more than 1,200 acres (486 hectares) of prototypical Pocono Mountains
property. Mountain Laurel is located a short 13-mile (21 kilometers) drive
away outside of White Haven. All together, they provide “virtually every
amenity a vacationer would wish to access,” says DiGiulio.
Lake Harmony itself is a centerpiece, and a seasonal hotbed of
activity, with various water sports, fishing, a sandy beach, and boat
rentals available. Other fun-time features include indoor and outdoor
pools, an arcade, eight-lane cosmic bowling center, first-run movie
theater, indoor and outdoor sport courts, 18-hole miniature golf
course, and the fitness center.
But even with all this, there is one singular Split Rock amenity
that consistently ranks as a guest favorite: the H2Oooohh! indoor
water park. “It’s one of the most marketable components of the
resort, and definitely a popular attraction — even among people
who aren’t staying with us, as it’s open to the general public,” says
46
SPLIT ROCK RESORT
By J.B. Bissell
RESORTDEVELOPER.COM
vacation industry review
APRIL – JUNE 2016
There are plenty of vacation ownership properties with colorful-origin stories. From famous guests and
owners to serendipitous construction circumstances to the occasional tragedy giving rise to a bigger and
better development, and ultimately a more meaningful all-around project. In terms of pure history,
though, few narratives can compete with
Split Rock Resort
.
Poconos Mainstay
Gets a Makeover
WILLOWBROOK AT LAKE HARMONY