In the latest chapter of its long and sometimes turbulent history, Marina del Rey in Kingston has appointed a new manager as it embarks on a revitalization of its Lake Texoma operations under fresh leadership. Kingston itself traces its roots to 1894, when it was founded under the name 'Helen' soon to be renamed after local resident Jeff King.
Originally a railway town in the Chickasaw Nation, it grew around essential community assets, a cotton gin, schoolhouse, church and general store. The creation of Lake Texoma in 1944 transformed the region into a tourism hub.
By 1950, Kingston’s population had risen from under 500 in the 1940s to over 670, spurred by new recreational infrastructure including marinas and lodges Marina del Rey, established in the mid-20th century, became a full-service resort offering boat docks, fuel services, lodging, a restaurant and event spaces.
Owned since 2016 by Garrett Johnson, the site has seen millions of dollars poured into improvements like 'Barbay,' lodging upgrades, a new restaurant and covered slips. Yet recurring storm damage and repair delays have fueled tenant concerns, including petitions in October 2024 demanding urgent upgrades to infrastructure and amenities.
On May 22, 2025, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a formal notice citing “critical safety deficiencies” at several docks, including sinkingplatformsandbroken walkways, and warned the public to avoid unsafe areas until repairs are made. This followed earlier November 2024 closure notices and growing pressure from tenants and the Corps for immediate action.
In response to increased oversight and calls from the community, a Marshall County Judge recently appointed Bill Glascock as the newbusinessmanagerofMarina del Rey. Glascock brings over two decades of regional experience; he served as owner/ operator of Alberta Creek Resort on Lake Texoma from 2001 to 2021.
In a public Facebook announcement, Marina management wrote, “UPDATE*** Please welcome Bill Glascock, our new Marina Manager.Formerowner/ operator of Alberta Creek Resort on Lake Texoma from 2001 to 2021. Retired …” Court records confirm the judge's appointment is an effort to stabilize operations and coordinate necessary repairs.
“On Thursday, a Marshall County Judge appointed Bill Glascock as the new manager to take over operations at Marina del Rey,” reports said.
Recent developments suggest an ambitious roadmap. The first step is to coordinate with the U.S. Army Corps to shore up dock infrastructure and meet federal standards, then Glascock will re-open administrative functions, liaise with tenants and restore utilities.
Plans include repairing or relaunching the restaurant and fuel dock, contingent upon resolving insurance claims and completing storm damagerepairs. Tenantsand boaters have expressed relief at the change in leadership, hoping the new manager will rebuild trust and service quality.
Longtime residents and marina users have expressed cautious optimism. After months of frustration over utilities, unsafe docks and organizational neglect, locals expressed some hope that this marks a genuine turning point. Kingston’s Marina del Rey stands at a critical crossroads. WithGlascock now at the helm and pressure from federal authorities, community members and the courts, a transformation appears underway. The coming months will be pivotal, will the docks be made safe, services restored and reputation rebuilt? Kingston and Lake Texoma are watching closely.