The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) recognized the “best of the best” in the outdoor hospitality industry at its annual Awards of Excellence.
The evening opened with the Plan-It Green Parks of the Year, an award given to ARVC member-parks that exemplify environmentally friendly practices across all areas of park operations. It was awarded in the small/medium park category to Guadelupe River RV Park & Nature Trails in Spring Branch, Texas. The large/mega park category winner was Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve in Santee, California.
Park of the Year Awards were given in four categories to ARVC member-parks delivering an extraordinary guest experience as a result of all-around excellence in operations, professionalism, marketing, customer service and industry involvement. Awards are given in four categories—small, medium, large and mega.
The award recipients for those categories, respectively, are Aspen Grove RV Park in Tremonton, Utah; Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Quarryville, Pennsylvania; Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve in Santee, California; and Clay’s Park Resort in North Lawrence, Ohio.
The Supplier of the Year Award is given to an industry supplier exemplifying excellence in product solutions, innovation, customer service and support. This year it was awarded to Utility Supply Group.
The Pioneer Award recognizes early industry leaders and visionaries whose groundbreaking efforts have contributed over the years to the growth and success of the RV and campground sector of the outdoor hospitality industry. This year Larry Helms, the executive director of the Missouri Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (MOARC), was given the award for his many decades of leadership, commitment to friends and family, and dedication to his many peers within the outdoor hospitality industry.
The Stan Martin Award, ARVC’s highest honor, recognizes industry leaders whose commitment to the RV park and campground sector of the outdoor hospitality industry is evident in their involvement, leadership, creativity and dedication.
This year’s recipient was Toby O’Rourke, Kampgrounds of America president and CEO. O’Rourke was recognized for her strong support and dedication to the improvement and growth of ARVC and the outdoor hospitality industry.
