4 minute read
News from Modern Campground
These stories first appeared in Modern Campground, moderncampground.com
NEWS & PRODUCTS
NORTH CAROLINA STATE PARKS RECEIVE $17.4M FOR IMPROVEMENTS & LAND ACQUISITION
Pettigrew State Park, located in Washington and Tyrrell counties, will receive more than $2 million in improvements to the campground through the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund or PARTF.
The North Carolina Parks and Recreation Authority is responsible for PARTF and has just granted $17.4 million to finance nine capital improvement projects and six acquisitions of land in North Carolina state parks, according to N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.
The authority approved the funds at its meeting on Nov. 4. North Carolina Arboretum, located in Asheville, the state announced on Thursday.
“These land acquisition and park improvement projects will both expand our state parks system and repair and restore facilities and trails for the benefit of the people of North Carolina as well as visitors to our state,” N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary D. Reid Wilson said in a statement.
“We are grateful to the General Assembly and Governor Cooper for providing significantly increased investments in the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund over the last two years.”
Alongside the $1.94 million to be spent on campground improvements in Pettigrew State Park, other capital improvement projects funded by the program include historical enhancements to the buildings in the Carvers Creek and Hanging Rock state parks, a revamped drainage systems in Chimney Rock State Park, and the construction of a trailhead as well as trails along Northern Peaks State Trail at Elk Knob State Park.
Some of the approved projects will be a part of Connect NC Bond projects at Carvers Creek, Grandfather Mountain, Pettigrew, and Hanging Rock state parks. Connect N.C. Bond projects are government investments in public infrastructure like state parks, community colleges, and public security.
The park planning funding approved by the fund projects will be used to fund the management plan for parks in the state and the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. Also, the funding was approved for renovations and repairs for state park facilities throughout the state.
An amount totaling $2.1 million was approved for land acquisition in 5 state parks. This includes 215 acres that will join two Mount Mitchell State Park tracts and the 58 acres needed to join Elk Knob State Park to Peak Mountain.
Wichita Falls Jellystone Park (Texas) will undergo massive upgrades as the award-winning resort transition to a Yogi Bear and friendsthemed destination.
According to a report from the Times Record News, the campground resort will add bigger and better larger attractions and activities for all the guests to enjoy.
December last year, Northgate Resorts, which had recently bought the campground, decided to re-partner with the Jellystone franchise.
The campground has received numerous awards throughout the years and, most recently, the 2021 best large campground of the year from the Texas Association of Campground Owners
Jellystone features more than 75 camping resorts across both the United States and Canada. Northgate Resorts, a company based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has a fleet of cabin and RV resorts throughout the United States, including 18 Jellystone locations.
Jellystone is famous for its glamping-style accommodation, fun activities in the company of Yogi Bear characters, as well as non-stop activities for families during the main season.
The improvements will come in two phases, with the first phase scheduled to be completed before Memorial Day 2023.
Phase one will include 50 more RV sites located northwest of the property. There is also the massive splash pad, amphitheater, renovation to the chapel and grand lodge, new restrooms, security check, and basketball courts.
Upgrades will also include new appliances, decor, and amenities for many cabins and the demolition of old barns and animal habitats.
The second phase will comprise another 50 RV sites and several additional camping sites close to the pond, housekeeping facility, and a new bathhouse.
The construction process at Jellystone Wichita Falls is carefully designed to avoid any disruption to the experience of guests as it progresses. The campground will not be closed at any time during the construction.
Visitors can rent RV sites, cabins, or campgrounds for nightly rentals or long-term rentals. The chapel, as well as other venues with stunning views, are available for rent for weddings and family reunions, as well as other events.
While the campground is open all year long, Yogi Bear and the other characters are in “hibernation” for the winter and are only available for activities during this time on weekends.
