Commissioners weigh options for Camp Chowan after staff says facility runs a $538,351 operating deficit

Justin Pierce, director of Parks & Recreation, reported that Camp Chowan’s operations are substantially loss-making and identified potential service-level adjustments and revenue ideas for commissioner consideration.

"Camp Chow is 100%, undeniably, a losing proposition. It's $538,351 to operate and only bringing in $160,000," Pierce said, citing FY25 figures for cabins and pool revenue and describing usage patterns (higher in cooler months for cabins). He said annual revenue from cabin rentals and related services has not covered operating costs.

Commissioners and staff discussed deed restrictions from the Florida Communities Trust that limit certain types of changes to the property and noted that some revenue ideas (wedding rentals, catering, fee changes) would require legal review and potentially FCT approval. Several commissioners suggested exploring enhanced marketing, third-party leases for hospitality uses, and adjusting fee schedules (e.g., pool entry). Staff was directed to prepare a breakdown showing operational costs for cabins, pool and passive park maintenance, and the legal constraints on changing use or leasing portions of the property.

The board asked for revenue and staffing breakdowns and asked staff to return with options that would quantify savings from making the park passive, revenue potential from events or leases, and the legal steps required to alter deed restrictions.