Action Strategy

Goal: T = TourismED = Entrepeneurial DevelopmentRLE = Attracting Retirees & Lone EaglesAG = Value-Added AgricultureCI = Community ImprovementsOC = Organizational CapacityVCA = Volunteers & Community Attitude
Strategy OC4 Develop an RV park at the Fremont County Golf Course
Background/Concept:
Fremont County owns a golf course located outside of St Anthony, which has 9 holes with room for 18 holes. There is land available on that site which could be used to construct an RV camping park. Given the demand for RV parking in the summer, that national RV sales were the highest in 30 years in 2007, the popularity of golf, the presence of the large stream of pass-through visitors in the summer heading to Yellowstone Park, and the potential that some dune users may also like to golf or to camp in someplace green, it is very likely that such an RV park would see heavy use in the summer, and not compete with other RV facilities in the area. There are 3 other benefits to this idea: 1) The county may be able to get funding assistance to construct the facility. 2) RV campers mean more golfers which will make the economics of the golf course tip toward the profitable. It may even lead to justifying an expansion to 18 holes, thus benefiting existing Fremont residents, and 3) The county may be able to generate a profit from the campground, especially if they can leverage capital costs with grant dollars. These funds could be used to support other recreation programs or the economic development program.
The RV park will require both water and septic services. An expanded drain field to service the campground is a likely requirement. Other costs include landscaping with trees at every site, picnic tables, fire rings, shaded awnings at some sites, and electrical service.
Potential Partners:
Tamara C, the county Parks & Rec coordinator should take the lead on this project. It will require some grantwriting for park development. It will also require work with Jeff Patlovich's Planning Department. Marla Vik may be able to help assess electric, water and septic needs.
Potential Resources:
Idaho Parks & Recreation Recreational Vehicles Fund offers about $3.4 million in grants each year. These could be used to add RV camping capacity to the golf course and South Fremont County area. A P&R staff member thought this project could score quite well for funding. this same program helped fund improvements at the Egin Lakes campground. It may be possible to get community and corporate donations. Grant research would be needed
The High Country RC&D may be an asset for doing the landscape architecture design of the RV park. RC&Ds are able to engage the services of NRCS specialists.
The Eastern Idaho Entrepreneurial Center may be able to assign a student intern to research and business analysis of this idea.
Concerns:
Private RV park operators may raise questions, but competition should not be an issue in high season. In fact, having more facilities available may make travelers more likely to look for a stopping place in south Fremont County.
Ranking Score
Plausibility (To what degree will a success fix the problem? i.e. size of community reward) Score 1-10 / 5
Feasibility (Can we access the resources to succeed? i.e. probability of success) Score 1-10 / 8
Community Readiness (Score 1-5; 1=Not Ready, 5= Very Ready) / 3
Total Score = Plausibility x Feasibility x Community Readiness / 120
Action Steps
a.  Investigate the site and estimate costs for water, septic & drainfield, and electric service. Look for ways the county could use equipment, labor and materials as in-kind contribution. Consider using a BYUI student intern to do legwork on assembling analysis. / Not Done* = In ProgressX = DoneOn-going
b.  Work with Steven Smart to get a NRCS to design the RV park / Not Done* = In ProgressX = DoneOn-going
c.  Develop an application for ID Parks & Rec funding. This will require a design, cost estimates, budget, and estimated usage / Not Done* = In ProgressX = DoneOn-Going
d.  Conduct grant research to identify other sources of foundation and corporate donations. / Not Done* = In ProgressX = DoneOn-going
e.  Construct the RV park. / Not Done* = In ProgressX = DoneOn-going