So what's the latest on April Plaza? Haven't been up there for a few months but last time the ramps were starting to get torn up from dragging crap out of the lake up the ramps. I heard that it has new owners so not sure what changes might be coming. Increased fees? Improved docks?

I'm hoping to get up there this weekend and would like to know before I get there.

Thanks.

Looks like we are heading up tomorrow since we didn't make it last weekend thanks to the wonderful weather

I guess I will take a look at April Plaza and see how they are this year and report back. I'm thinking you guys already know seeing that I think most of you live around there but for others to know it will be posted.

Time to burn some gas

Sorry we don't use that ramp

Is there a better ramp nearby? I have just always used them because that's what I know and never ventured out. I've used Inland (I think that's the name) a few times when April Plaza was closed after Ike.

I have plans to try different ones this year and see if any are nicer and/or easier.

Can't speak for the condition of the ramp, but lots of boaters are still using it. The rumor is that the same owners of Sunset Harbor Resort have bought April Plaza and plan to move the paddle boat, Southern Empress, there. Also, they don't plan to add anymore docks, but by the looks of things, they are in the process of rehabing the ones damaged by the hurricane. So, some of the trailer parking area looks to be taken up by dock material. Also have noticed they are working on the old hotel. And the rumor i heard the other day was it was going to be a Holiday Inn Express. Again, this is what i heard and might just be rumors. By the looks of things driving down 105, they are open for business and ramp is being used. If I were you, just take a quick drive through there when you come up and see what it looks like.

April Plaza, Inland Marina and Lakeview (next to Papa's) is your only choice of ramps off of Hwy 105

I have started using Lakeview even though I have never paid to launch a boat in my life. It is too convenient not to use because it is right across the street. $10 for a tandem axle trailer and more for triple. Decend gradual ramp but stay on the side closest to the RVs. The other side isn't bad but it is not as level as the RV side.

We went up Saturday and used April Plaza. Pretty much in same condition as before with some of the parking being taken up with building of new floating docks. The parking lot was more full than when they have tournaments out of there.

I talked to the new owner briefly about changes coming. He said the hotel was being redone, was putting in bar and restaurant, putting in some new floating docks and going to repave the entire parking lot and lots more but didn't really say what.

We were told basically the same thing. Definitely looks like they're stepping up. I just like their ramp...nice gradual slope, etc. Supposedly, they're going to have some special recipe purple margaritas before too long. Not sure what to think about that one.

Quick update -- plenty of construction going on at April Plaza. They built a nice wall about 2' high on elevated portion above ramp and in process of building a gazebo there as well. Looks like they resurfaced the building some to look like stone. Construction of some sort on back side over looking the lake as well. I remember the owner saying something about a bar and/or restaurant. Hotel doesn't look like much has been done recently. Docks in same condition needing some work... not real real sure about plywood over lay where boards are missing.

I'm not sure who the new owners are but seems like they are trying to turn it around. Be interesting to see how this goes with boating season getting into full swing.