Tulare County family bringing Lake Success back to life

SPRINGVILLE, Calif. (KFSN) -- A marina is bringing life back to Lake Success near Springville. Mark Winton has been building it for a few years and he expanded the dock just in time for Easter Weekend.

"I poured everything I have into this," Winton said.

When he started, the lake wasn't living up to its name. It was more like a puddle and the marina was just a small dock with a shack.

"I think I said back then, there can't be a drought forever," he added.

This year, things have changed. Storms brought rain and there's snow in the mountains, which means more water for the lake and more room to build.

"It's a really good start," Winton said, "it's just gonna keep expanding from here."

The dock is four times bigger than it was last spring and Winton added a building that will soon be a store.

Anthony Correa who was fishing near the marina said, "It's good having the marina back."

He says the construction made it easier to catch fish, "It's been a lot better than the last two years."

There's also been more life above the lake. At the campground, people claimed their spots early for the weekend and Christina Cortinas was one of them, "It's a lot greener, everything is better this year," she said.

Back at the water, Mark Winton said, "It's just gonna keep expanding from here."

The marina is sitting in the spot where the old one used to be - where hope floats and dreams bring success.