Blowing Springs campground gets an update
A quiet renovation has been going on inside one of the few POA amenities that actually makes a profit. Blowing Springs campground is being updated and expanded.
The campground is made up of 64 RV sites and 11 tent sites. Until recently, almost half the RV sites had limited services. They were closed most of the winter and, during the summer, RV’s could only access a 30 amp electric service. Now those 28 sites are full service.
Each one has 60 amp electric available, as well as water and sewer and Wi-Fi. Previously, RVs had to use the parks dump station rather than a sewer connection. Even RV’s equipped with their own satellite for television like the availability of Wi-Fi, recreation director Joan Glubczynski said.
The plan was to make some of the upgraded sites “pullthroughs” so an RV could park there without backing up to get in or out, Glubczynski said. That turned out to be more difficult than expected, so the “pullthrough” sites are on hold, but they may be ready later this year.
The RV area has a facilities building which includes restrooms, showers and laundry. There are also two covered pavilions for campers to use.
Last year, after the Back Forty Trails became so popular, POA administrators realized that bikers and RV campers aren’t always looking for the same thing in a campground, and tent camping was introduced at Blowing Springs Park.
Eleven sites were created in a grassy area along the main road. The sites are marked with a number and each has a parking space, a picnic table and a fire ring. It was a cost-effective addition to the park.
This year showers were added and an existing rest room was winterized. The renovated facility is located across from the picnic pavilion and stage, not far from the cave entrance. Although the tent sites are a little ways up the road, the new showers are closer than the restroom facility in the RV park.
But the renovated restrooms will also serve people who use the pavilion and the trail system, Glubczynski said. Even the showers, which are outside but still enclosed for privacy, can be used by people on the trails. Soon a water station will be installed across from the restrooms so trail users can refill water bottles.
The park — at least the picnic area — is still private, she explained, but the trails and the restrooms are open to the public.
Also new are a line of electric hookups, beyond the restrooms. The small boxes can be used by food trucks during events like the “Flea In the Park” event in October or by bands that are performing for special events.
The park also has a stage and a scenic but a locked entrance to Blowing Springs Cave. Within a year or two, Glubczynski hopes to add a small playground.
Also coming later this summer is the first “glamping” cabin. The cabins are remade in Missouri and each will have its own bathroom, a bed and a small seating area. Each will also have a front porch. If the first one works out well, more will be added in the future.
Pam Whorton is one of the part time workers who man the front gate. The building there has also been expanded and updated, although it’s not completely finished. She’s happy that restrooms for the workers have been added to the building. Once the shelving comes in, it will be stocked with snack food and some convenience items for the park users.
Whorton said she’s talked to people from all over the country who are staying in the RV park. She believes the trails have already brought in many young people and they tend to be knowledgeable and well educated.
When there’s a function on the trails like the recent Enduro race, the park is full, she said. In fact, it’s full most weekends.
Glubczynski said that, while summer weekends are busy, the busiest season for Blowing Springs is fall, especially around craft fair season.