Dick_B wrote:
Maybe the reason more new parks are not being built is because of all of the really good suggestions of all of the criteria to be aware of starting with zoning, etc.
Seems to me it might be a good idea to talk to someone who has more recently built a park. I think there is a relatively new park in Michigan called Sunnybrook.
I think you have reason 1-A at the very worst.
If I was to rank all the issues working against construction of new parks it would go something like this.
1. Permitting, including zoning, public opposition, environmental concerns, waste treatment etc.
2. Out of pocket costs, since very little RV park construction can be financed.
3. Overall costs including land.
4. Time from inception to profitability
5. Opportunity costs. You can often make more money, faster and easier with other developmental options on your land. Hotel, commericial buildings, storage facilities, residential development etc.
6. Lack of an easy exit strategy. There is no established resale marketplace for parks.
It isn't a bad business, once you are in it and established, which is why several people have echoed my opinion that it is much better and easier to buy an existing park and redevelop it to that buyer's vision. Many of the barriers to entry have already been removed.
