Wyoming state officials are evaluating the structural integrity of the historic Star Plunge water park in Thermopolis after inspectors identified serious safety defects, including gas leaks and compromised support beams. The findings complicate plans to reopen the facility at Hot Springs State Park, which has been shuttered for nearly two years amid legal disputes with its former operator.
Why It Matters
The Star Plunge is a central attraction at Hot Springs State Park, one of Wyoming’s most visited state parks. Determining whether to repair the existing structure or construct a new facility will impact tourism revenue, taxpayer spending, and the preservation of a landmark that has operated continuously since 1975.
What Happened
Nick Neylon, deputy director of Wyoming State Parks, reported the inspection results to the Legislature’s Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee on Tuesday. The assessment revealed significant infrastructure failures that raise questions about the viability of restoring the current building.
The state reached a $1.8 million settlement with Roland Luehne in August regarding capital investments and business concerns related to his tenure as operator. Luehne’s family had managed the facility under a 50-year concessionaire lease since 1975, with Roland purchasing the operation from his parents in 2012. He operated on short-term management agreements starting in 2008 after the original lease terms shifted.
Legal conflicts escalated when Luehne filed lawsuits alleging the state exceeded its authority and violated regulations. A court dismissed his initial lawsuit, but a second suit concerning compensation is scheduled for trial in October. The Star Plunge closed to the public in early 2025 following the expiration of Luehne’s management agreement.
In 2024, Wyoming State Parks selected Wyoming Hot Springs LLC to operate the facility through a request-for-proposals process. Mark Begich, the primary representative for the new operator, purchased the nearby Tepee Pools in late 2023. The state also settled with Big Springs Spa, Inc., which operated the Hot Springs Hotel, for $1.2 million.
By the Numbers
$1.8 million — Amount paid to Roland Luehne in August settlement
$1.2 million — Settlement amount paid to Big Springs Spa, Inc.
$3 million — Funds earmarked by lawmakers for concessionaire remedies at Hot Springs State Park
Nearly two years — Duration Star Plunge has been closed to the public
1975 — Year the Luehne family began operating Star Plunge
Zoom Out
The situation at Thermopolis reflects broader challenges in managing state-owned recreational assets that rely on private concessionaires. Balancing historical preservation with modern safety standards and financial sustainability is a common issue for state park systems across the West. The legislative allocation of $3 million for “concessionaire remedies” signals an effort to resolve outstanding liabilities while planning for future operations.
What’s Next
The parks department is awaiting inspection reports on the facility’s electrical system before making a final decision on repair versus replacement. Lawmakers and state officials must determine how to utilize the allocated funds to ensure the Star Plunge can safely resume operations for visitors.
Source: wyofile.com