Metroparks Toledo, in collaboration with a local family-owned business, is set to acquire and preserve 113 acres of land near Oak Openings Preserve. The initiative, which includes the acquisition of a campground, aims to enhance recreational opportunities and protect natural habitats in the region. The property transaction is expected to be finalized by the end of the year.
The park system has been awarded an $818,944 grant from the Clean Ohio Fund to support the acquisition. The funding will help safeguard more than 70 acres of “high-quality habitat,” some of which is classified as “globally imperiled.”
Superior Made RV Resort, a family-owned business, will take ownership of the campground portion of the property. The new resort, set to open in 2025, will feature upgrades, including refurbished campsites, a swimming pool, sports courts, and kayak access on an adjacent lake.
Located on S. Berkey Southern Road in Swanton, the campground, known as Big Sandy, will be rebranded as Superior Made RV Resort. The renovations will begin in 2026, with plans to add two new bathhouses and enhance recreational amenities over several years.
The resort will offer 180 RV sites, with 60% designated for seasonal campers and 40% for transitional or nightly stays. Alicia Lawson, representing the family, assured that current seasonal campers will not face a rent increase in 2025, with gradual adjustments planned as improvements are made.
“In appreciation of current loyal guests, current seasonal campers will not experience a rent increase for the 2025 season, with small, incremental increases that are reasonable for the improvements over the next five years,” Lawson said in a press release.
Dave Zenk, executive director of Metroparks Toledo, expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the importance of preserving natural areas in the Oak Openings Region. He noted the Lawson family’s experience and commitment to maintaining the campground’s legacy.
“This is an opportunity for us to continue our important work of preserving natural areas in a corridor through the Oak Openings Region while partnering with an experienced local family to carry on a tradition of camping in this beautiful area of Lucas County,” Zenk explained.
The Lawson family, who will operate the resort, brings experience to the table. They previously developed Time Away RV Resort in Talladega, Alabama, and currently manage Superior Made Spaces in Toledo, which offers multi-purpose office suites.
For more information about Metroparks Toledo, visit metroparkstoledo.com.
