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Grand Bear at Starved Rock has new leadership, outlook

Have you been to Grand Bear since the fire in 2018? Nearly two years later, the water park is fully repaired and operational. Bill Peterson, general manager at the renamed Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock, points where portions of the ceiling, water bucket and new fan have been installed since the pump room fire at the water park. The new owners even welcome local families to enjoy the water park with sporadic “pop up” passes made available during non-peak times. (Scott Anderson)

Have you been to Grand Bear since the fire in 2018? Nearly two years later, the water park is fully repaired and operational. Bill Peterson, general manager at the renamed Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock, points where portions of the ceiling, water bucket and new fan have been installed since the pump room fire at the water park. The new owners even welcome local families to enjoy the water park with sporadic “pop up” passes made available during non-peak times. (Scott Anderson)

The pump house where the fire originated has been fully rebuilt. Kurt Clark engineer and Matthew Kosch vice president, at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock, describe where the fire originated on that cold January day two years ago. (Scott Anderson)

Matthew Kosch, vice president, and Bill Peterson, general manager at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock, stand next to the bear fountain at the front of the lodge. The owners have completed all repairs in the water park since a mechanical room fire caused extensive damage in the pool area and are excited to welcome guests to the renamed resort. (Scott Anderson)

Indoor water park after the fire in January 2018. (Scott Anderson)

Repaired, refreshed water park, January 2020. (Scott Anderson)