City officials and the La Porte community gathered on October 14 for the groundbreaking of the Bowers Family Lodge, a new lakeside facility made possible by a generous donation from longtime residents Ed and Karen Bowers. Located on the south shore of Stone Lake in Soldiers Memorial Park, the lodge will serve as a premier venue for weddings, receptions, and community events, bringing new life to the park and boosting local tourism.
“We hope the lodge will be used for weddings, receptions, and meetings — creating a space that people will enjoy for years to come,” Ed Bowers said. “This is something that connects our family’s legacy with the future of La Porte.”
Mayor Tom Dermody praised the Bowers' contribution as a transformational gift for the city.
“This project wouldn’t exist without Ed and Karen Bowers,” he said. "They have been relentless in their drive to improve the lives of La Porte residents, and today is truly their day. They have a deep love for this community, and their generosity will benefit future generations.”
Mark Schreiber, Superintendent of La Porte Park and Recreation noted the significance of the project.
“This lodge started as a concept in 2019 as part of the Soldiers Memorial Park master plan,” Schrieber said. “There was a clear need for a larger venue, and this project will help us achieve our goal of bringing residents and visitors to our beautiful lakes.”
Bowers gave some insight into the need for this new event space.
“Cummins Lodge, which was built in 1966, has served us well, but with its capacity of 88 people, we recognized the need for something bigger and better to serve our community, especially for events like weddings, civic gatherings, and large celebrations,” Bowers said.
The Bowers Family Lodge will span 6,800 square feet, with a capacity of 225–250 people, and will feature side rooms for event preparations, as well as a kitchen. Schreiber highlighted the park’s natural beauty.
“We plan to preserve as much of the surrounding nature as possible," Schrieber said. "Even indoors, with all the glass, you’ll still be able to enjoy the views of Soldiers Memorial Park.”
Attorney David Sirugo reflected on his role in the creation of the Bowers Family Lodge.
“As an attorney, you don’t often get the chance to be part of something so important for your hometown,” Sirrugo said. “Being involved in the creation of the Bowers Family Lodge has been both humbling and exciting."
The event began and ended with a prayer, and guests were treated to a complimentary lunch following the program. With the Bowers’ generous donation, construction is set to begin in the spring, with the lodge expected to become a central hub for community activities and a major draw for tourism.
The addition of the Bowers Family Lodge is set to bring significant economic benefits to La Porte. As a large, modern event venue, it will attract a range of events, from weddings and corporate gatherings to casual celebrations. By providing a facility that can accommodate up to more people, the lodge will draw visitors from outside the area, increasing demand for local hotels, restaurants, and other businesses.
The lodge’s scenic location on the south shore of Stone Lake will enhance the city’s reputation as a desirable destination for both residents and tourists. As La Porte continues to invest in its parks and recreational amenities, projects like the Bowers Family Lodge help potentially attract new residents and businesses. The long-term economic impact of the lodge positions La Porte as a hub for gatherings, bringing growth to the city for years to come.
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