MODERNIZE SHILOH PARK

 

Greers Ferry Lake, Arkansas

50-AMP ELECTRIC • CAMPSITE WATER • LONGER CAMPING SEASON • FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS

Petition to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Little Rock District, Arkansas Congressional Delegation, Governor of Arkansas, and other state and local leaders

The Petition
We, the undersigned residents, campers, property owners, visitors, business owners and supporters of the Greers Ferry Lake area respectfully request that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers prioritize a comprehensive Shiloh Park Campground Modernization Project.

Shiloh Park is an important public recreation and tourism asset on Greers Ferry Lake. However, much of its campground infrastructure does not meet the needs of today's RV travelers. The campground has approximately 100 campsites, but only 53 currently have electrical hookups, and only a small number provide 50-amp service. Individual water hookups are not generally available at the campsites.

We are asking the Corps to modernize this existing federal campground so it can better serve today's campers, strengthen tourism, and remain a valuable Greers Ferry Lake destination for decades to come.

What We Are Asking For
·       Expand 50-amp electrical service to substantially more RV campsites.

·       Install individual potable-water hookups at appropriate RV campsites.

·       Extend the camping season further into the spring and fall so visitors can enjoy Greers Ferry Lake during Arkansas's cooler and more comfortable camping weather.

·       Upgrade campground electrical distribution, water lines and other aging infrastructure.

·       Improve campsite pads and access, where practical, to better accommodate today's larger fifth wheels and motorhomes.

·       Renovate and reopen the group camping area.

·       Improve restrooms, showers, roads, drainage and other campground facilities where needed.

·       Evaluate additional electrified campsites and other improvements that would increase the usefulness and appeal of Shiloh Park.

Why Extend the Camping Season?
Some of the best camping weather in Arkansas occurs outside the hottest summer months. Cooler spring and fall temperatures can be especially attractive to RV travelers, retirees, families and visitors who want to enjoy the outdoors without extreme summer heat.

Keeping appropriate portions of Shiloh open longer could give campers more opportunities to visit, encourage longer stays, increase campground revenue from infrastructure that is already in place, and bring additional off-season business to restaurants, marinas, grocery stores, fuel stations and other Greers Ferry-area businesses.

Why This Investment Makes Sense
Other U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds on Greers Ferry Lake already provide modern amenities, including campsites with 50-amp electrical service and individual water hookups. Shiloh should be considered for the same type of investment.

The Corps' Greers Ferry Lake planning has also recognized the need to modernize recreation facilities and bring campsites toward current industry standards as funding becomes available. We are asking our elected officials to help turn that need into a funded project.

Rather than building an entirely new campground, this proposal would improve an existing federal recreation facility in one of Arkansas's premier lake destinations.

Benefits to Greers Ferry and the Region
·       Better accommodate modern RVs and encourage repeat visits.

·       Encourage longer stays and additional spring and fall tourism.

·       Increase spending at local restaurants, marinas, grocery stores, fuel stations, shops and other businesses.

·       Protect and improve an existing federal recreational asset.

·       Strengthen the Greers Ferry Lake area's appeal as a camping and outdoor-recreation destination.

Our Request to Government Leaders
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Little Rock District: Conduct an engineering and cost assessment for Shiloh Park modernization, identify needed infrastructure improvements and place the project among future recreation-funding priorities.

Arkansas Congressional Delegation: Work with the Corps to identify and secure appropriate federal funding for the project.

Governor of Arkansas: Support the project and encourage cooperation among federal, state and local officials, including tourism and outdoor-recreation partners.

Local governments, tourism organizations and businesses: Support the effort and document the economic value of improving Shiloh Park and extending its camping season.