During the City Council’s meeting on October 7th, the rates for Chapman Park Campground were a focal point of discussion. Concerns from the community regarding the high daily rates and the restriction on long-term stays led to a lack of consensus among council members on how to proceed. Alderperson Laurie Foster mentioned that some campers want to stay for the summer, but they prefer to remain at the same site. “It takes a lot of work to unhook it and move it,” she said referring to the camping units. Currently, there are long term stay sites, but campers have to move after two weeks.
“I think we need to maintain the spots if it’s grass underneath it. You can’t be there all summer in one spot,” Alderperson Mark Fitzsimmons said questioning if there should be designated long term sites.
Foster reported that she has received information about campers exploiting the system in Stanley by waiting for the park attendant to leave before setting up at a site, only to depart before the attendant arrives to avoid paying for their stay.
“We can’t make staff change times,” said Fitzsimmons.
“I mean you can solve that with security cameras. If you level them right you can get license plates,” replied Alderperson Aaron Dickson.
Alderperson Jacob Huff answered, “People that tell you this, tell them to take down their license plates and let us know. Be a good Samaritan.”
“No matter what if they’re going to cheat, they’re going to cheat. How much time are we going to spend chasing?” commented Fitzsimmons. “The biggest thing is to maintain the sites and not to take the best sites and sit there all year.”
Alderperson Jason Meyer questioned if lowering the daily rate from $40 to $35 is enough to fill the campground.
Fitzsimmons stated that he talked to people who regularly camp and they told him that they pay rates that can be up to $50 or $60 per night with amenities. He cited staffing, site maintenance, and lawnmowing and collection. “I guess I don’t camp so I really can’t tell you.”
Discovering that Chapman Park Campground’s sites lack water hook ups, Dickson said he wouldn’t stay there without water for anything over $35. “At that point I’d be looking at other places. $35 seems reasonable to me. A little on the pricey side but then again, you’re basically right on a lake.”
City Administrator Nicole Pilgrim told the council that daily camping rates for all Chippewa County Parks are $25 with electric and $18 for sites without electric. Otter Lake campsites are $18 per night.
Fitzsimmons pointed out that the camping rates present a more affordable option compared to hotel stays stating that a hotel stay typically costs $100 a night and camping is $70 for two nights.
“That’s a cheap hotel,” said Alderperson Ben Wald.
Huff inquired whether everyone was comfortable with the proposed rate of $35 per night. “People have to move after two weeks, just is what it is, got to be able to maintain the site,” said Huff.
While Foster voted against it, the rest of the council members supported the motion.
Camp sites 3, 23, 8, and 18 will be designated for long-term use, allowing campers to rent a site for two weeks or longer. After the initial two weeks, campers will need to relocate to accommodate for lawn care site maintenance. The rates are as follows: $35 for daily site rentals, $175 for weekly site rentals, $300 for a two-week stay, and $500 for a monthly stay.
The City Council then voted to work with Chippewa County for Chapman Park Campground reservations at a cost of $3,000 with training and set up.
“They’re willing to have us piggyback on with their program,” Pilgrim shared.
Fitzsimmons questioned if this would eliminate the current campground employee, but Pilgrim reassured that they would still need the campground employee. The camp sites would be reservation only with specific check in and check out times. “They would have to be moved out by a certain time so other people can see what is available,” Pilgrim explained.