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RV park may locate in Harrisburg

Harrisburg Mayor Dale Fowler is looking for public feedback about the proposed creation of an RV park on the city's north side.

During the past couple of years, Fowler said he has received requests from RV camping enthusiasts, tourists and leaders of various organizations asking about the possibility of the city, also known as the Gateway to the Shawnee National Forest and the Hub of Southeastern Illinois, opening an RV park.

Fowler said one of the requests came to him from a Vietnam veteran who told him that his division would like to commemorate their 50th anniversary by having a reunion in Harrisburg next September.

The gathering would bring in well over 100 people, many of whom choose to travel by RV.

Excited about the idea, he presented the unofficial plans for the project to members of the city council at its August meeting.

Fowler asked council members to carefully consider the project's feasibility. He had members of the Southeastern Illinois College Small Business Development Center working on a business plan and crunching numbers.

Fowler said, although the initial figures could change, the majority of work on the RV park could be done by the city at a high estimate of between $25,000 and $30,000 and would utilize existing public property.

The project could be worked on over the winter months by members of the city's Public Property Department.

"I want to see what the public perception is on this," Fowler said. "The business plan is being worked on now. We own the property and it would be a minimal investment.

"It's a low-cost endeavor," he continued. "So far, the response from people I have spoken with has been nothing but positive. In time, the project would pay for itself from the money collected from the rental fees." Fowler said the city is waiting to hear back about construction costs and insurance coverage.

"Within the next month or so, I'd like to get concrete estimates in, so it can be discussed at our open meeting. I'd like to get the public's input and involvement. I'm all for bringing more people to town and the more businesses, events and attractions we have, the easier that is to do."

Streets and Public Improvements Commissioner Natalie Brown has said that she supports the project and the RV park might be an additional way of bringing in revenue for Harrisburg further down the line.

"We are looking into bringing in more businesses and bringing more people in town to enjoy our local businesses<" she said. "We are looking at possible road expansions and available properties that could be of interest to future businesses. We have lots of things going on and are always looking for ways to improve the city."

Harrisburg resident Peggy Garrett said she was unaware of plans for the proposed RV park.

"I am not against the idea. I am fairly neutral about it, " she said. "I am not a camping girl. I have never been RV camping."

Pittsburg resident and RV park enthusiast Kim Peters said she would consider staying in an RV park in Harrisburg, but it would have to offer family-friendly activities.

"I would need a pool for them to swim safely in, as well as fun-planned activities such as nature hikes, crafting, and bingo," she said.

Most of the people Peters knows who camp at RV parks prefer to visit parks that include such activities in a convenient location, allowing them to enjoy themselves without necessarily having to leave the park.

"I love RV camping because it allows our family to camp and experience the world and all the beauty while still having the comfort of home.

"We are able to drive down the road and still have all we need regardless of the weather," she said. "We love that. We love mingling with folks from all over the country."

Peters added that the advantage of RV camping is you can see the countryside with the comforts of home.

"No, we are not back-country camping, but we can get to great parks that allow us to visit other places."

Peters, who RV camps at least five times a year, said she loves being able to experience the natural areas surrounding RV parks.

"We have traveled from Illinois as far as Colorado so far, but we plan to visit all the states. Harrisburg is a small town that is in the center of a lot of natural beauty. Not only is Garden of the Gods nearby, but there are also hidden treasures such as Bell Smith Springs," she said.

Peters said it is also important to remember that those who RV camp versus just roughing it still have campfires, hike, hang out with neighbors, and enjoy access to showers and bathrooms, television, and climate control.

"I would live in the RV or be a full time RV person if i did not have to work," she said.

According to Fowler, continued business development is critical to revitalizing Harrisburg's economy and the proposed RV park, which could host up to 25 RVs at a time, is just one of many improvement projects city officials are actively working on.

"I'm optimistic about the future of Harrisburg with the possible RV park, the auditorium preparation, the hospital expansion, and our local businesses downtown. There's a lot to be excited about right now," he said.