RV Camping project progressing at Quarry Springs Park

Work is continuing to bring RV camping to Quarry Springs Park. Kim Seebeck, Quarry Springs Board President, shared the progress on the project with the Colfax City Council during its last meeting.

“I think the biggest focus of our energy right now is the RV camping,” Seebeck said. “We are working closely with (city administrator) Wade (Wagoner), (city clerk) Nancy (Earles) and the mayor (David Mast) on details.”

Along with applying for grant funding, local fundraising efforts have gathered about 25 percent of their $50,000 goal. The total project is anticipated to cost $400,000 to $450,000.

“The design has been a little bit stalled with our consultant because they can’t shoot the elevations because of the snow so we are going to have to modify them, they might have to do some work based on aerials and then readjust later,” Seebeck said.

The concept includes the construction of 30 stalls and a restroom/shower facility at the park. Fifteen of the stalls would be located between the block building and office while an additional 15 would be south of the office in the north section of the parking lot. Of the total 30 stalls, 29 would be available to rent while one would be reserved for a caretaker.

There would be lighting, landscaping and gravel at each stall and the proposal would require water and electric upgrades be brought to the island for RV stalls and restroom facilities. The current office would be converted into a restroom and shower facility along with a storm shelter.

The campground would operate seasonally with a paid caretaker and an online reservation system. The anticipated rate per night would be $40. Additional dumping fees could be added if a dumping station is installed.

Estimated annual operating costs sit at $20,000 to $25,000. Projected revenue for full occupancy 180 nights is $208,800 or $104,400 for 50 percent full. Should the campground operate year-round, the revenue could reach $423,400 if full or $211,700 at 50 percent capacity.

The board referenced two local campgrounds for occupancy comparisons.

Along with grants and local fundraising, the board is also looking to obtain a loan at $300,000.

Also at Quarry Springs, the board is working on details to rent out the block building. A proposal is likely to go before the council in the coming weeks with terms on the rates and what an agreement would look like.

Summer activities including the annual Kids Fishing Derby and Paddle Skedaddle are set to return, pending COVID conditions. The derby is typically the first Saturday in June to coincide with the free fishing weekend in Iowa.

“We think with some modifications we can pull that off,” Seebeck said. “Paddle Skedaddle, which we had in 2019 is still a little up in the air.”

Further details on the events will be shared as available.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com