What improvements do you plan to make to your park by summer of 2010? Are you adding more campsites? Are you redoing your electrical service? Plumbing? Adding new facilities, such as bathrooms or clubhouses? Are you investing in cabins, park models, yurts or teepees? What, in short, will be new at your park in 2010 in terms of amenities and accommodations?

The news media are VERY interested in green initiatives by campground operators. Are you doing anything green at your park? Are you investing in solar power, solar pool heating, saltwater filtration systems, or other energy- or water saving devices? If your park is located in an arid region, are you investing in water-efficient landscaping or micro-irrigation systems?

Do you have any unusual accommodations or attractions at your park? For example, an ARVC-member park in Ohio has a zipline. Some parks have corn mazes. A park in Virginia has train cabooses that have been remodeled into cabins. A park in West Virginia has tree cottages and tree houses. What’s the most unusual attraction or accommodation at your park you wish the rest of the country knew about?

What new and exciting things are you doing in terms of activities and special events? Tell me about your special Mother’s and Father’s Day activities, your Oktoberfest celebrations and your Harry Potter weekends as well as other unique, family friendly activities you provide.

Do you have any families that come to your park each year for your activities who would be willing to be interviewed? If so, please provide their names and contact information.

Richard Louv made headlines a few years ago with his book, “Last Child in the Woods,” which lamented how so many of our children are losing their connection with nature and the outdoors as a result of computer games and other changes that have taken place in our society. What activities do you have at your park to help children and their families reconnect with nature?

Outdoor writers are always asking us for leads on parks with great hunting and fishing opportunities. Tell me what makes your park an exceptional place for hunting or fishing. Describe the types of hunting and fishing that are available and the times of year when your guests can engage in these activities.

Outdoor writers are eager for leads on parks that have great river tubing and kayaking opportunities nearby. Tell me if your park fits into this category and if you offer classes on tubing or kayaking as well as equipment rentals. Also, tell me when peak season is for tubing and kayaking at your park.

Many parks are investing in water attractions, such as waterslides and spraygrounds. Others are investing in Water Wars games or purchasing floating jumping pillows. What kinds of water toys do you have at your park and are you buying any new water toys for the upcoming camping season?

Many parks have chili cookoffs. Others have other types of culinary competitions. What’s cooking at your park? And what are some of the best recipes your guests have produced for these competitions?

Some parks are offering elaborate food service options. Some have onsite restaurants that are so good even the locals from town come to eat there. Do you offer food that’s just as good or better than anything people are likely to find in town? Tell me the details.

 Reporters are interested in dog-friendly parks. If your park is fido-friendly, or if you are investing in a new dog run, dog wash station or other pet friendly amenities, tell me about them.

News reports this year have highlighted an increase in tent camping and tent sales. Have you added more tent sites at your park? How many sites of your park’s total are designated for tent camping?

We hear stories from time to time of executives who have left corporate America for a chance to own and operate a campground. Have you done this? Do you know of any private park owners who have good stories to tell about their transition from the corporate world to the campground business?

Travel reporters and magazine writers are often looking for romantic getaways. Does your park fit into that category? Do couples escape to your park for romantic weekends? Do you host weddings or anniversary celebrations? Do you do anything special for Valentine’s Day? What is that makes your park perfect for a romantic getaway?

Is your park located near any popular hiking trails that would be of interest to readers of hiking magazines? If so, which trails? And do people do day hikes in your area or overnight trips? Also, is your park near one of the nation’s longest trails, such as the Pacific Crest Trail, the Intercontinental Divide Trail or the Appalachian Trail?

Is your park a “Gateway Park,” near the entrance to a state or national park? How many RV sites and rental accommodations do you have? Do you have any special amenities or services that RVers won’t typically find at a state or national park campground?

What other story ideas do you have that you think we should consider for 2010?
Also, please include both your name, park name and address, and how we can contact you if needed.