Changing status of parks

[Steve L]

The caravan park where we have been staying, has changed it's status from family to adult only. That in it's self isn't too bad a thing. But the way it has changed seems odd.

The change took place after Easter but no one who was on the touring field knew. The park originally designated prior to easter a child as being under 12. Now they say 16.

The park is warden managed as the owner has 7 caravan parks. But what I find strange is that it is still advertised as a non adults only site on the web site and in the caravanning magazine advert's.

Also adding to my thought that the owner might not know, is that there is no "adults only" sign up either on the gate or reception. Only the self generated pirce list states it.

Considering that they are only operating at 50% capacity touring and that predominately they are a static park, they seem to be shooting themselves in the foot finacially. There are a lot more families staycationing these days and with overheads rising, i would of thought they would of wanted more people not less.

 

[Robtel]

Steve,

It is strange that it is still advertising as a non adult only site -perhaps adverts booked and paid for in advance before change od status confirmed? Although if that's the case it doesn't say a lot for their forward planning.

Re your thought of " they would want more people not less". More and more adult only sites seem to be appearing every year. I can only asssume that this means there is a demand for them so maybe change of status will mean more people.

Never used an adult only site....yet.. but seriously considering it.

 

[Steve L]

Hi Rob.

I'm not against using adult only parks as they do generally provide a quieter lifestyle. But you can still get some noisyness from latenight awning parties.

The park I'm on about is naturally a quiet place and advertised as such. The families that attend are quiet and encouraged their children to follow suit.

What I'm getting at is, what age is an adult? 16,18,21? Should a proper stratagy be in place to ensure that advertising, web sites etc are all updated appropriately. Also should adult only parks be made to state the fact at the entrance signage for instance.

It must be awkward for casual tourers & campers to calling in to a site they have previously been able to stop at but can't no more.

 

[Robtel]

Hi Steve,

Yes I do agree with you about proper signage and advertising. I would hate to turn up at a previously used site, say in early or late season, only to be told that my grandson couldn't stay.

I would say that in this day and age most,if not all, sites will have a database of previous customers with their contact details. It would be good practice to notify all of their changes and might also generate some business for them.

Re what age is a child an adult? Personally I would say 18, but I do know that a lot of sites where they charge different rates for adults and children have varying ideas on that. Some say 15, others 16.

 

[Philspadders]

i think the real issue of children is the young males who tend to charge around a lot, kick footballs around etc. There have also been issues with young groups , both male and female , setting up camp then being very noisy late at night.

To counter that i have found groups of adults staying up late drinking, bar-b-queing etc until well after midnight and when approached are usually very rude in there responses.

At least with kids you can tell them to shut up and they usually do.

I am 48 with a 9yr old and a 3yr old. (Dont ask, im too knackered to explain).

There are sites i would like to visit but they are adult only.... well folks its your loss. If you no longer enjoy the sound of a child's laughter, the sight of a child playing outside and having fun( a rare event it seems these days), the innocence of these kids without preconceived ideas and malice then you stick to your adult only sites, and stay with them.

Keep away from family sites ... they are much more fun, much more enjoyable and i find the people less old, less grumpy and far less set in their ways and it makes me feel younger and more alive than being stuck with a bunch of old misery guts.

I feel a campaign coming on .. Family only sites. No singles or couples over 18 unless they have a family.

 

[Steve L]

I quite agree Phil.

I'm at the opposite end of the child scale I'm at my half century and my kids (if they can be called that) are 22 and 27. But as a parent who in the near future could be a grandad, I feel that people loose out on a lot of life if segragation takes place.

It doesn't bother me that kids play football,cricket, rounders etc as long as it is in the appropriate place and the site I'm on about has a 3 acre field for that.

What I've also found out is that while they police tourers to the enth degree, the static faternaty can still have all family members. This does rub the tourers noses in it, because the access road passes right by them.