The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) in British Columbia (Canada) is developing new campsites at Wycliffe Regional Park. The new campsite configuration at the park will operate from May through September each year.
Wycliffe Regional Park, covering 164 hectares, currently features various amenities, including hiking and biking trails, horseshoe pits, disc golf, ball diamonds, and picnic areas. The park also recently expanded its services to include a winter trail bike network.
In a press release on May 10, Jamie Davies, the supervisor of Recreation and Control Services at RDEK, outlined plans for the park’s expansion: “We are proposing to develop 20 non-serviced seasonal campsites, including 10 tenting/small trailer sites in an un-developed treed area and 10 pull-through sites along the existing hayfield.”
Park officials plan to introduce seasonal campsites, which they say will not affect existing facilities. Davies emphasized the initiative aims to broaden public access and allow more people to enjoy the park’s scenery and recreational offerings.
The process for selecting a contractor to oversee the campground development concluded after the closing of a Request for Proposal on May 8. The RDEK Board is expected to award the contract during the summer, after which a more detailed construction timeline will be established.
The initiative has been made feasible through financial backing from the Province of B.C., which has allocated CA$518,223 to the project via its Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program.
The RDEK development at Wycliffe Regional Park underscores the advantages of expanding and diversifying camping options to accommodate various preferences for campground operators and RV park owners.
By introducing non-serviced, seasonal campsites, the park can accommodate different visitor demographics. This strategy not only broadens the appeal of the park but also has the potential to boost occupancy rates across different seasons. Campground owners might consider adopting similar approaches, assessing their landscapes and visitor patterns to develop flexible camping options that enhance guest traffic and satisfaction.
Additionally, introducing new campsites demonstrates how park developments can complement existing facilities rather than compete with them. This expansion method is an example for other RV park owners, emphasizing the strategic planning and integration of new features that align with the existing landscape and facilities.
For more information, visit the Regional District of East Kootenay’s website here.