ORWELL – A packed house greeted William “Bill” Burkley at the Orwell American Legion hall Saturday, April 25, for a surprise party honoring the 50th anniversary of Pine Lakes Campground.
Ashtabula County Commissioner Casey Kozlowski cracked a joke about the crowd of dozens of people – family, friends, coworkers, businessowners and community boosters – who came out to celebrate the popular campground and its founder.
“I think Kathryn (Whittington, Ashtabula County commissioner) and I had to park in Windsor because it’s so packed out there,” Kozlowski said. “So, while we’ve got a bit of a walk back to our car, it’s tremendous to see such a phenomenal turnout for this special occasion.”
Burkley and his first wife, Kathy, opened the campground in 1976, as well as operating other businesses in Orwell. Kathy passed away in 2014. Burkley is now married to his current wife, Anne.
The other duties Burley had in Orwell over the years included stints as assistant fire chief and fire chief, a local constable and a village councilman, just during the 1960s and ‘70s.
He owned and operated a feed mill gas station in East Orwell during that time as well.
He also operated Pine Lake Campground while working full-time at Lincoln Electric from 1976 until his retirement from the company in the 2000s.
Pine Lake Campground bills itself as a family-friendly place offering nature trails, multiple lakes for fishing or kayaking, a heated swimming pool, an arcade, playgrounds and more.
It features 240 campsites, five fishing lakes, flush toilets, hot showers, water and electric hookups, playgrounds, an enclosed pavilion, nearby paved Greenway bike trails, as well as some planned activities.
“The campground and my grandfather support the Grand Valley area businesses by bringing customers to their stores and events,” Jennifer Burt, Burkley’s granddaughter and secretary of the Grand Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, said.
“The Grand Valley Chamber would like to thank you for being a member for 50 years and for giving so much to this community,” she said. “The Grand Valley area and all the businesses wouldn’t be what they are without your business.”
On being honored, Burkley found himself at a bit of a loss for words.
“Thank you very much – it’s quite an honor,” he said.
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