park model living august 2007

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Features

Departments Notes from the Boss 2

Letters to the Editor 3

Park Profile 6

- Tiger Run Resort

Dealer Profile 8 - Total Recreation RV

Healthy Living 13

The Model Life 14

Manufacturer Profile 15

- North Park Manufacturing

The Ad Spot 16

Classifieds 19

Show Us Your Park Model 21

Featured Resources 22

m a g a z i n e

Cover Story

What Lies Below Just what do they put under those

Park Models?

7

10

Destination -

Breckenridge, Colorado A great place to visit or just to stop

along the way

Cover photo courtesy of Mountain Creek RV Resort - www.MountainCreekRVResort.com

◊ N o t e s f r o m t h e B o s s ◊

It seems that I get to August and realize there hasn‟t been enough relaxing fun in my summer.

Frank and I try to plan fun events – like a concert at

Blossom Music Center, an Aeros baseball game and tickets to the theatre. I have good intentions, but they often go awry. Suddenly, it‟s Labor Day weekend and I wonder how I missed all those

opportunities for fun.

August in Ohio brings steamy heat, interspersed with thunderstorms. Our home has a large, screened porch with a swing. It‟s ideal for lounging, whatever the weather may be. Many Park

Models owners add decks or screened porches to expand the livable space. These are perfect

places to enjoy the sound of rain on the roof and sip your morning coffee or evening chardonnay. Our yard is small and I enjoy cutting the grass with my lightweight, little battery operated

electric mower that hums as it cuts the grass. I savor the smell of fresh-cut grass – one of the ten

best smells in the world. When it gets hot and humid though, I wilt. The flowers in the garden droop and so do I.

My lack of gardening energy also directs me toward Park Models. Most parks cut the grass for

you and container gardening works very well on the deck. Two or three lush containers with plants appropriate for your area may provide enough visual treat (and a little dose of weeding) to

substitute for a half acre of flowers (and a large dose of weeding).

Our cooking column continues with this issue. The staff agrees that Marie should test all meals with us. However, since she‟s in Connecticut and most of the staff is in Ohio, that‟s a challenge.

Our website is always changing so please check that resource. In the next issue we‟ll tell you

the steps to close your Park Model for the season in the parks that close for the winter, and how to open and refresh the ones that will be waiting for snowbirds to return.

Kaeth S. Gauthier

Editor in Chief

www.ParkModelLiving.com Park Model Living Magazine 2

www.ParkModelLiving.com 3 Park Model Living Magazine

PUBLISHER

Peter F. Gauthier

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Kaeth S. Gauthier

PRODUCTION MANAGER

T. M. Brown

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Carol Hering

DISTRIBUTION CO-ORDINATOR

Martha Shaughnessy

STAFF WRITERS

Pete Franks

K. Shaughnessy

Lillian Mason

Ryan W. Patterson

COLUMNISTS

Bill Garpow, RPTIA ED

Marie Rotondo

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

Sarah Shaughnessy

FRENCH LANGUAGE EDITOR/

WEBMASTER

Marie Rotondo

INTERNS

Carlie Shaughnessy Administrative

Ed Buchanan Editorial

Lindsey Whited Marketing

Letters to the Editor Have a suggestion?

We need to hear from you!

So…

E-mail us your letters to the editor at: [email protected]

Or

Send us a letter by mail at:

Park Model Living Letters Dept. P.O. Box 13571 Fairlawn, OH 44334

Delivery Issues - We send your magazines as a standard pre-sort and

the US Postal Service tells us they will de-liver it within 7-14 days. Several of our readers waited more than 20 days for their

last issue and one magazine was delivered 25 days after we mailed it. We let the USPS know about these issues and have no specific

solution. To send the magazines first class would almost double the cost. We continue to ex-plore options to get the

magazine to you in a timely and cost-effective way.

Just finished reading the June/July issue

and will be sending photos of our Park Model soon.

You shared with your readers the

“meeting-marriage-magazine” and since

quite a few business ventures in our country involve fam-

ily, who is the Shaughnessy gang filling up the staff

list?

Judi G., Texas

Judi – We will be happy to publish your Park Model photos (see Show Us Your Park Model, p.21). The Shaughnessy clan is (as you guessed)

all related to me. We have drafted my sib-lings, in-laws, nieces and children to work with us. It’s a bit of chal-

lenge sometimes to change our family hat for our working hat. I can’t go to family gath-erings and complain about my co-workers. Most days we have

a great time working together.

How do I find a park, dealer or

manufacturer in a specific area? Many of you have asked this. Because of your recommendations

we changed the website www.parkmodelliving.com. Now, when you choose a directory for a manufacturer, dealer, park or supplier or ser-

vice, a map appears and you highlight and click a state. The next screen gives you a se-lection. Highlight and click

a selection which then gives you contact infor-mation. The compa-nies listed have an op-tion to add comments. For example, when a dealer has a special

sales event, they can post it here. Let us know how this works for you.

Park Model Living Magazine is an independently owned and produced magazine. Magazine and all original design copyrighted 2007, PML Publishing, LLC.

If you have a question or are interested in

a subscription, please visit our website at

www.parkmodelliving.com

E-mail us at [email protected]

Or you can write or call at

Park Model Living Magazine

P.O. Box 13571 Fairlawn, OH 44334

1-866-766-0564

Mission Statement

Park Model Living is a website and monthly magazine designed to provide information and re-sources for people who enjoy the Park Model Life-style. Park Models are recreational homes for sea-sonal living. They are factory built on a single chas-sis and are no more than 400 square feet for the es-

sential building (approximately 34‟ x 12‟). Park Models are licensed and taxed as recreational vehi-cles, although they are not designed to be towed. Park Models are placed on private property, in rec-reational parks and campgrounds.

Park Model Living Magazine 4 www.ParkModelLiving.com

299 N. Smith Ave. Corona, CA 92880

1-800-382-0709 [email protected]

www.silvercrest-rv.com

Silvercrest is proud of the quality built into every Luxury Park Model, and we back it up in writing with our EXCLUSIVE,

“SILVERSHIELD” 7 YEAR WARANTY. Covering all originally installed, or Dealer included systems, and appliances.

SERVICES & PROMOTIONS

Available Services for our RV Park Customers Wireless Network Installation & Maintenance

Network Monitoring, Management, & Response Network Authorization

Internet Access Provisioning Subscriber Support Promotion

Friendly & Professional Technical Support Roaming Programs

The Wireless Web offers your business 100% installation, operation, and maintenance of your new high-speed internet system. Your satisfaction is our goal in providing you with excellent, prompt, service for all of your wire-less internet needs.

www.TheWirelessWeb.com

1-877-813-8775

Subscribe to

Subscribe online at www.ParkModelLiving.com

Or

Send your name and address,

along with a check or money order for your subscription to:

Park Model Living Magazine P.O. Box 13571

Fairlawn, OH 44334

Subscriptions are $19.76 for a one-year subscription or $34.58 for a

two-year subscription.


- P a r k P r o f i l e -

Experience real Rocky Mountain magic at Tiger Run RV

Resort in Breckenridge, Colorado. Tiger Run is 75 miles west of Denver, in the heart of Colorado‟s best outdoor activity

area. Your comfort is the number one priority at the resort which offers four seasons of fun. Jerry and Mary D. tell us,

“We love the feeling of a small community. It‟s a cooperative community that looks to im-

prove the park not only physi-cally but socially as well.”

They have owned property at Tiger Run Resort for more than ten years. “The tennis

courts, pool, hot tubs, owner‟s lounge with big screen TV is

great. Being able to ride your bike or walk around the resort

is wonderful and it meets the needs of not only individuals but families as well.” Ameni-

ties make for a lasting impres-sion for Tiger Run owners

and visitors. Hike or bike your way through incredible natural forests

over 60 miles of paved pathways from Breckenridge to Vail. Skiing of all types is available at four local ski areas. The two rivers adjacent to the resort bring nature right to your door.

The resort is located on the Summit County bus service which operates county-wide so a car is not a necessity.

The public website includes a calendar of local events, weather and road conditions. There are many options for

summer and winter activities that include golf, hikes, boating, wind surfing and hunting. A free shuttle bus will pick you up at the front door of the resort and transport you to local ski

areas and towns. The Park Models at Tiger Run are log-sided mountain

chalets that can be purchased or rented for short or long term. The rentals all have a private bedroom, bath and kitchen and

are equipped with bed linens, towels and kitchen utensils. De-luxe units are available with more luxurious furnishings. Each chalet is freestanding which gives you privacy and quiet sur-

roundings.

For those who want to own a Park Model chalet, there are lovely options at this resort. Bob and Pamela Evans re-

cently joined the resort as real estate brokers. Pamela says, “Bob and I love the lifestyle and investment opportunity that

Tiger Run offers. We love it so much we purchased a chalet and are thinking about purchasing again.” Tiger Run‟s web-

site links to property for sale with and without chalets. When you own property here you can become a member of the Ti-ger Run Owner‟s Association, granting you access to a

“member‟s only” website. Dan and Stephanie S. have

owned a home here for five years. “We love being in the mountains

and the view is great. We‟ve got kids ages 13 and 10 and it‟s nice that they can ride their bikes around the resort

and we don‟t have to worry about them. It‟s a nice little getaway for our

family. We love sitting on the deck with the view of the mountains and

the hummingbirds coming up to the feeder.” There‟s a great mix of ages from Baby Boomers to gen-X.

A 12,000 square foot clubhouse is centrally located in the resort com-

plex. It contains an indoor swim-ming pool, two hot tubs, and a game room. The TV lounge,

laundry facility and bathrooms with showers are also in the clubhouse. Active members will enjoy outdoor courts for basketball,

volleyball and tennis. Families will benefit from a children‟s playground. The

pavilion with its large rock fireplace is a popular meeting place for summer entertainment and activities. For the fishing en-

thusiast, the Blue River borders the western boundary and the Swan River runs through the resort. Tiger Run Resort is in the heart of the beautiful Ten Mile

Range of the Rocky Mountains. The scenery is breathtaking and the resort has a panoramic view of snow-capped moun-

tain peaks. Tiger Run Resort gives you comfort and convenience in a

natural setting. If you want to own or rent a Park Model with year-round activities nearby, this park is a great choice.

Lillian Mason can be reached at: [email protected]

The pool is just one small part of the amazing 12,000 sq. ft. clubhouse at Tiger Run

By Lillian Mason PML Staff Writer

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Visit the beautiful city of

Breckenridge, Colorado, and you will find a host of activities to keep

everyone in the entire family busy. Home to the oldest museum in the state, Breckenridge offers a host of

activities and attractions intended to maximize your summer and

winter vacation fun. The summertime plays host to

a world-class golf course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, and open to the public. No need to leave those

clubs at home to collect dust, bring them with you and spend some

quality time on the links. Owning a Park Model in this

area will afford you access to the Country Boy hard-rock mine. One of the oldest mines, this is the site

where the gold rush began. Many Americans traveled from across

the country to pan for the precious

metal in the now dormant mines. If skiing is your forte, you will

love the winter resort featuring runs on four mountains covering

2,043 acres of land. The resort in-dustry is one of the most popular

attractions and vacationers flock here during the winter months to try their snow legs on any number

of their slopes. Will you visit Breckenridge in

December to take advantage of the fresh powder? Are you looking for

something to do after a great day on the slopes? You are in luck be-cause Breckenridge Sleigh Rides,

located fifteen minutes from downtown, is a unique experience.

A forty minute ride over the snow-covered plains will take you by

beautiful mountain scenery. Breckenridge Sleigh Rides of-fers three different packages. They

have a sleigh ride only, a dinner package including the sleigh ride

and a luxurious dinner at their

clubhouse, and private rides for four. Pricing depends on the sea-

son, but you can expect to pay a minimum of $52.50 per person.

The dinner options are signifi-cantly more expensive (add about

$40) and the private rides for up to four people are $295. For those of you looking for

something really special for Christ-mas, they offer special rides (see

their website brecksleighrides.com for details).

Whether you visit your Park Model for a summer getaway or head there to spend some quality

time in the snow-capped Rocky Mountains, the city of Brecken-

ridge is an excellent destination. Experience the fantastic attrac-

tions the city and surrounding ar-eas have to offer.


By Ed Buchanan PML Staff Writer

- D e s t i n a t i o n s -

Ed Buchanan can be reached at:

[email protected]

Total Recreation RV in Shohola,

Pennsylvania, is your one stop dealer-ship for Park Models. Co-owners Helene

Menzella and Steve Melendez are sin-

cere and determined. From the first mo-ment you call them, to the moment you

pick out your new Park Model, they are committed to assisting you each step of

the way. Total Recreation RV believes cus-

tomers are always the first priority and will do whatever it takes to satisfy your needs. Steve strives for complete satisfac-

tion on any repair or site job they per-form. "I believe in customer service and

will do whatever it takes to make our customers feel completely comfortable

with our work," he says. Helene has been in sales for over 35 years and knows how to treat her cus-

tomers. She listens and advises custom-ers about price and quality. "I will never

push you into a Park Model that I feel will not suit your needs and budget. I

love this industry and thrive on customer support and loyalty. Call me anytime with any question and I will be glad to

help you,” she affirms. Helene‟s relation-ship with her customers does not quit

simply at the business level; it becomes personal the instant you decide to deal

with Total Recreation. A very joyous Becky Michalicka wrote to Helene after her Park Model purchase, showing how

this business relationship goes far be-yond just business. “Dearest Helene, I

don‟t think you realize just how wonder-ful a person you are. You could have

just said „no can do‟ at any time during this ordeal. You are special and I pray that you are as happy as you made us.

Thank you so much.” Customers like Paul and Jane Gabel

rave about the service Total Recreation

provides. “After our purchase, the ser-vice department was there for us at our

beck and call. We can‟t say enough about working with a dealership that

actually does what they say.” Diana and Andrew Shields say, “The best thing we ever did was going to Total Recrea-

tion for our new Park Model.” At Total Recreation they are committed to stand

out amongst the competition and earn your confidence and loyalty.

Total Recreation RV proudly repre-sents a variety of manufacturers to en-sure you make a sound decision with

your Park Model purchase and find ex-actly what suits your needs. A complete

list of manufacturers and links are avail-able on Total Recreation‟s web site. The

site also has a list of their inventory com-plete with pictures of the interior, exte-rior, and features of each Park Model.

Helene and Steve have been in busi-ness for three years in Shohola. The staff

includes a full-time office manager, a complete set-up crew and six service

technicians. They provide complete ser-vice for your park model. Their services include set-up and delivery of your new

Park Model, site inspection, deck and step construction, and any repairs such

as water leaks, air conditioning, heating,

roofing and siding. No job is too small or too compli-

cated for their specially trained technicians.

The highest compli-ment their customers pro-

vide is to refer their friends

and family. Word of mouth is their strongest

form of advertising. Trudy and Steve Longo admir-

ingly talk about their Park Model experience. “At

Total Recreation we were given so much helpful in-formation and assistance.

They helped us with our new site, put down stone and cut trees to make our

site more acceptable for our new Park Model. All we had to do was go to our

site and move in to our beautiful Park Model!” They also were offered special financing and a fair trade-in price, just

another aspect of the service provided by Total Recreation.

In September 2007 Total Recreation RV will open a second lot in Milford,

Pennsylvania. The business and staff are growing rapidly and this additional lot will allow them to fulfill their customers‟

needs more readily. They are launching an additional website designed for “park

model consultation” where they will as-sist customers with issues such as the

removal of old trailers or models and total service and support for your Park Model.

This quickly expanding business cre-ates an enjoyable and satisfying experi-

ence for Park Model owners. Steve and Helene are committed to standing out

amongst the competition to earn your confidence and loyalty.

Ryan W. Patterson can be reached at:

[email protected]

www.ParkModelLiving.com Park Model Living Magazine 8

Helene (front row center) & Steve (front row left) with a group of manufacturer’s reps

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By Ryan W. Patterson PML Staff Writer

- D e a l e r P r o f i l e -


Years ago I bought a lovely antique table that

was quite large. My house had twists and turns to

the hallways. After much struggling I gave up and

realized there was no way to make this piece fit in my house. Fortunately, the shop allowed me to ex-change it for two smaller tables.

Before you order your new Park Model, you must have the site picked where it is going to sit.

Private properties and RV parks have rules and re-strictions about housing which directly affect what

you want to order for your Park Model. If you‟re headed for private property, local zoning codes will determine what is acceptable on your property. We

researched a local county and found that there is nowhere in the county that allows a Park Model.

The State of Pennsylvania recently passed a Uni-form Construction Code (see box p.11) that is rele-

vant for Park Models. Many parks have limits on space available and modifications allowed. If cer-

tain additions, like a deck, are important to you check and make sure that potential sites allow this.

The idea is to avoid potential headaches (and extra money to upgrade) by surveying options and edu-

cating yourself.

There are parks that require a concrete pad, or

gravel base although most Park Models are placed on level ground. David Carlile, owner of Texas Park Homes in Texas tell us the RV park usually

has the site ready when he delivers a Park Model. “I normally place treated 2 x 12‟s underneath the

tires to keep them from dry-rotting. If they‟re sit-ting directly on the ground, the tires would go bad.”

Don Sears at ClareMar in Ohio says, “Number one, big time – we can‟t anchor in any way other than tie downs for wind. If you anchor it, it be-

comes a manufactured home.” For Carlile “Ours all have built in hurricane straps. If necessary we

can anchor into the ground. One type of anchor is a screw type with straps connected to it, usually de-

signed for coastal areas.” Bob Denham of Pleasant Acres in New Jersey

By Kaeth Gauthier PML Editor-in-Chief

- C o v e r S t o r y -

11 Park Model Living Magazine www.ParkModelLiving.com

says, “We follow the local code and some codes require tie-downs.

In high wind areas along the shore, tie-downs are certainly re-

quired.” The support under your Park

Model may vary based on loca-tion. Park Models have a main-frame which is usually 7-8 feet

wide. Sears tells us, “We suggest a concrete pad and I leave the

wheels on when I can. Depending on the length of the

unit, most of the main box construc-

tion is 37‟ long with

three axles. You have to support the

frame because they have outriggers from

the frame toward the wall, every 30 inches, which holds

the wall up. You have to block at the

frame because it‟s hard to block on the

edges.” Sears says that he uses 8” ce-ment blocks at a

minimum of ten places.

Leveling the Park Model is a very im-

portant part of the installation. Whether your Park

Model is on con-crete, gravel, asphalt

or dirt, some skill is required to level.

The dealers we spoke with use wooden blocks or shims between the con-

crete block and the metal frame to level your unit. Sears explains,

“For the last few inches we use wood, either 2x6 or 2x8. At the

top we use oak wedges. If any of the blocks loosen over time, all we have to do is adjust the wedges

and tighten them.” You also need to ask questions

about electrical, water supply and

sewer. The Park Models are de-signed for easy installation of

these systems. When you‟re go-ing into a campground ask them

about available electrical service. While 50 amp is typical, many

parks only have 30 amp service. Denham says, “You want to know if they have a 30 amp system.

You want gas heat when the elec-trical service is only 30 amp. In

our area, it‟s about a 50/50 split

with 30 and 50 amp.” A 30 amp

service will require that you limit your electrical use. You won‟t be

using the air conditioner and your curling iron at the same time as

the microwave. In Texas, Carlile adds, “We do all the hookups when we deliver a

unit. We require the campground to supply a 50 amp box with re-

ceptacle on a 50 amp breaker. It

must be plugged in – cannot be hardwired. Some places, espe-

cially with all electric units, we suggest a 100 amp service which

then has to be hardwired. Stan-dard is 50 amp box with breaker

and plug in. That way it‟s a quick disconnect.” Carol Holdren, a designer with

Scenic View Park Cottages and Cabins in Indiana mentions that

some parks require holding tanks for wastewater and

may require a ce-ment or gravel base.

Your Park Model

can certainly be or-dered with a holding

tank, but you need to know this before you

place your order. Denham says, “We connect all the

electrical and plumb-ing because every-

thing here is plug-in. We don‟t do hard-

wire. Plumbing is part of the struc-ture.”

According to Sears, “Plumbing

and electrical depend on the campground.

Most Park Models in the north, with sea-sonal units, will at-

tach to the water sys-tem with a garden

hose. The Park Model city water

inlet is a regular gar-den hose fitted with

a check valve.”

Water in means water going out and you have to know what

the particular community requires for sewage systems. Denham

says, “Most of the campgrounds we deliver to have sewer hook up and don‟t require a holding tank.

We know in advance and install what‟s required.” Sears tells us,

“You can order the Park Model

Pennsylvania

Uniform Construction Code

The State of Pennsylvania recently passed a Uniform Con-

struction Code (UCC) that may exempt a recreation park

trailer from local building codes, when it is placed on pri-

vate property. One condition is the completion of a rec-

reational cabin affidavit. This affidavit requires the owner

to specify the cabin construction site and to attest that the

cabin:

Will be utilized for recreational activities

only.

Will not be utilized as a domicile or residence

by myself or any other person for any period

of time.

Will not be used for commercial purposes.

Will not exceed two stories in height

(excluding the basement, if any).

Will not be used as a place of employment.

Will not be a mailing address for bills or cor-

respondence.

Will not be listed as any individual’s place of

residence on a tax return, driver’s license, ve-

hicle registration or voter registration.

This legislation appears to address many of the concerns

about how Park Models are used. For more details and re-

quirements you can review Section 7210.103 of the UCC

Kaeth Gauthier can be reached at:

[email protected]


with a marine-type toilet and black water tanks. Some parks

don‟t have a waste disposal sys-tem. The models come standard

with three inch PVC pipe and we have to connect to the park‟s sys-

tem.” After your Park Model is level and all systems are connected,

you may be required to install skirting. Holdren reminds cus-

tomers, “You need skirting that breathes. We use 2x4‟s that are

termite-proof.” Carlile says, “We can do skirt-

ing in vinyl and also use a local

company to install an insulated product with a concrete finish to

it that simulates rock, stone or brick. Some folks want cedar log,

rocks or brick to finish the unit.” Sears provides installation de-tails, “We do not break into the

side wall to attach anything. This helps prevent any type of water

damage. We go through the bot-tom up. We attach 2x2 wood

about 28-30” long between the

outriggers. These are screwed up from the bottom and between the

outriggers. Underneath that, we apply another 2x2 the entire

length of the coach to give it a one piece system. This gives us a

3 1/2 to 4 inch face. We can then apply a back plate or starting plate for the skirting. We like to set the

bottom track on concrete but that‟s not always possible.

We attach the bottom track to treated 2x4s and secure it to the

ground. We try to have the bot-tom track visible all the way

around. This protects the skirting

when you use a trimmer for the grass.”

Carlile adds, “In locations where we don‟t have cold winters,

some people just put up lattice be-cause the floors are insulated. One Park Model manufacturer

uses a galvanized steel underbelly in lieu of fiberglass/mesh.

This is the only thing that is truly rodent proof. It‟s especially

important here because a lot of

these units go into rural areas with lots of little varmints that

like to live indoors like we do.” Some people design the skirt-

ing with doors or removable pan-els to use the space for storage.

According to Sears, “In most cases you can lift the face plate and slide each panel out which is

easily done. For people who want frequent access, maybe around the

utilities or the holding tank, they may have us build them a door.”

Thanks to our team of experts. Please visit their websites for

more information on their prod-

ucts. When you place your Park

Model order, know the site rules. Ask questions and take nothing

for granted because making in-formed choices allows you to be-come an educated (and happy)

customer.


In July‟s issue, we presented you the health benefits of

“Why 5-A-Day The Color Way ” We follow up with:

The Blue/Purple Group

Eggplant –

Eating eggplant helps

Prevent cancer

Lower cholesterol

Relax artery walls which can cut your

risk for high blood pres-

sure.

This attractive, deep rich purple

vegetable capped

with gray-green leaves is available

year-round in local markets. Many peo-

ple are not big fans of eggplant because of the bitter taste which

comes from chloro-genic acid. But the health benefit makes it worthwhile.

Like most vegetables, eggplant is naturally low in calo-ries and has no fat. The main benefit of eggplant is its

high fiber content. There are many ways to cook eggplant to bring out the sweet side of it. This healthy, easy and quick recipe will

convince you.

Blueberries –

These little jewels have a high level of antioxidants, which helps prevent:

Strokes and heart disease

Many types of cancer Age related illnesses such as Alzheimer‟s.

One of my fond memories as a child is when the month of August arrived; it

was a reminder of “blueberry time”. My

mother would gather several weaving baskets, pack a lunch and away

we went as a family to pick wild blueberries. Get a boost of calcium and antioxidants with this crunchy breakfast treat.

Place ½ cup granola cereal or

your favorite cereal in a small

bowl. Top with vanilla yogurt

and add blueberries.

A great energy booster!!

Helpful Hints and Tips

Snacking is Healthy! Many people think snacks are al-

ways high-fat, high-calorie, high sugar foods. NOT SO! A snack is what you make it. A fruit salad is a great ex-

ample and a good source of essential vitamins, minerals and fiber.

1 Large Eggplant (approx. 1½ lb.)

Minced Garlic

Lemon Juice

Olive Oil

Basil

Fresh Mozzarella

Plum or Cherry Tomatoes

Directions:

Cut 1 large eggplant (about 1 ½ lb) into 1/4 -inch thick slices.

Sprinkle each slice with minced garlic and lemon juice before grilling.

Brush each slice with olive oil and dash of basil.

Place on hot grill over medium-low heat. Cook eggplant slices slowly 6 to 7

minutes per side or until tender. After each turn, brush with Teriyaki sauce

& marinade. Transfer to platter. Add sliced fresh mozzarella and plum to-

matoes or balls of fresh mozzarella and cherry tomatoes. Garnish with

parsley. Serve with whole wheat angel hair pasta or garlic pita bread.

Delicious!!

By Marie Rotondo

Marie Rotondo can be reached at [email protected]

- H e a l t h y L i v i n g -

Grilled Eggplant

With Fresh

Mozzarella & Tomato

Photos by

Kimberly Vaicunas

News &

Notes on the Park Model

Lifestyle from RPTIA

Executive Director

W.R. “Bill” Garpow

To the Answer Guy: Your article in May/June issue,

"Seasonal Blues" may have been correct 10+ years ago, but

not today. Most ALL RV resorts/ parks/ campgrounds DO ALLOW for full time living year round, in normal RV's as well as park models. Since 1998 we have lived full time in TN, FLA and AZ in a motor home and park model

home. Many areas in other states allow for this type of liv-ing, so update your thinking. Jim H., Casa Grande AZ

Dear Jim: Thanks for your question / opinion that

challenges what was stated in a previous article. I'm positive that your personal experience has

been that you, in fact, have lived as you stipulated as a full time resident in a Recreational Park Trailer (or

a Park Model) or some other type of RV in a Recrea-tion Vehicle park or RV resort. I can also understand that no one in authority from the local unit of govern-

ment has ever been out to tell you that what you were doing was not permitted. I'm certain that if you

looked into the facts by questioning the local zoning and planning officials and asked for a copy of the law

that allows you to live full time in an RV Park in your RV, you would find that it just does not exist. Fur-ther, you will find that the original zoning granted by

the local jurisdictional authority, gave the creator of

the park permission only to develop and operate a

campground and not permission to establish a resi-dential community in an RV Park. Try asking for a

letter from the zoning and planning official that gives you permission to be in domicile in your recreation vehicle in an RV park.

As a practical matter most zoning and building officials are overloaded with things to do. As a con-

sequence, they only enforce things such as mis-use when citizens or elected officials call to complain

about that particular issue. In any case, these are RVs you have used as your domicile in Florida, Arizona and in Tennessee. By

design and by legal definition RVs are not intended nor designed for use as domiciles. They are by defini-

tion and design intended to be used as vacation and seasonal units.

You may be able to get away with mis-using these products in some areas of the country, for some pe-

riod of time, but some day the local authority may

come to the conclusion that these units are in fact be-

ing mis-used and they may take an enforcement ac-tion that could disrupt your use of these vacation and

seasonal units as your primary residence. The law is the law and just because the local gov-ernment ignores enforcing it, this does not mean that

the law has been changed. It can still be enforced at the discretion of the local authority, or as called for

by the legally elected officials or by the courts. Let me give you a challenge. Find where the law

says you can live in an RV or Park Model as a full time resident in a recreational vehicle park and I'll agree with your position 100% (at least for that par-

ticular location). You may, if you are real lucky, find a local ordinance that was written by someone who

did so without checking out the facts and the writer made an error in creating that document. That would

clearly be an exception to what is out in the real world. Think about this. Why would a local unit of gov-

ernment allow some individuals living in their com-munity to be served as citizens entitled to all govern-

ment services, without requiring them to pay a fair share tax on their homes they own and live in like all

of the others citizens in the community? Why should you get a free tax ride? It wasn't intended to be that way and you just fell into a good deal by bending the

laws of the land to better your personal situation. Don't expect it to last. Death and taxes will always

come to pass. A few states like Texas sometimes use a zoning

classification that gives the development a classifica-tion as a "Park" which can legally accommodate both RVs and Recreational Park Trailers for vacation and

seasonal use. This also allows manufactured housing which is intended to be used as a domicile or as a le-

gal primary dwelling unit. However, despite the fact that both uses are al-

lowed on the same

- T h e M o d e l L i f e -


See ANSWER p.18


Sit at home and watch your

custom designed Park Model move along the production line at

North Park Manu-facturing in Minoc-qua, Wisconsin.

When Steve and Brenda Humblet

designed their new manufacturing

plant, they added cameras on the production line.

This gives you the unique option to

observe construc-tion.

North Park Manufacturing was established in 2003

when Steve and

Brenda made Park

Models for a few friends.

Their success with a quality product convinced them to move to full time produc-

tion and larger facilities. Their brand new 12,000 square foot

state of the art production facility recently opened. Products in-

clude custom crafted Park Models and sleeping cabins. Three principles guide the

company – quality, design and value. The company provides

quality in merchandise as well as craftsmanship. Steve and Brenda

believe there is room in the indus-

try for a relatively small manufac-turer to produce a high quality

end product. North Park Manufacturing is a

leader in the industry in quality construction with a fit and finish

that is second to none. Quality is in the details and these details are

evident in every one of the units. Models are built with regular

house construction that includes 2x4 walls, 2x8 roofing and arctic

insulation. Quality details such as 3/4 inch end matched white pine on the interior, custom, lo-

cally built cabinets, and residen-tial Jeld-Wen windows and doors,

contribute to a more homelike feel, and reinforces the longevity

of your Park Home.

Most of North Park‟s models are delivered to the upper Mid-

west via their own delivery truck. North Park recently purchased

a Freightliner flatbed truck and is able to do all the delivery. You

can be certain your new Park Model will arrive

safely and on time.

While the cost is slightly higher

for custom mod-els, North Park Manufacturing

delivers a fin-ished product

specifically crafted for each

client. These Park Models are meant to be en-

joyed for multi-

ple generations,

not just a decade or two.

Lofts are ex-tremely popular with Park Model owners and people often request

taller loft areas. According to owner Steve, “The height restric-

tions are mostly due to shipping through larger cities. We have to

be able to transport under power lines and bridges. We produce a king loft without dropping the

bedroom floor and can still achieve interior heights of 59”

which is available where zoning. permits. With our new factory,

we can build taller models. When

by K. Shaughnessy PML Staff Writer

The brand new manufacturing building at North Park Manufacturing in Minocqua, Wisconsin

- M a n u f a c t u r e r P r o f i l e -

PH

OT

O -

Co

urt

esy o

f N

ort

h P

ark

Man

ufa

ctu

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g

K. Shaughnessy can be reached at:

[email protected]

Pheasant Ridge Resort Larg e , Pr ivat e S i t e s Black River Falls, WI (715) 662-4040 www.PheasantRidgeResort.com

Elk Country Homes Nationwide Delivery Available

Quality Park Model Homes

(307) 332-1307 [email protected]

www.ElkCountryHomes.com

Mountain Creek Village Park Model Log Cabins

on Deeded Lots in Western NC (770) 454-7000 www.MtnCreekVillage.com

Tiger Run Resort Mountain Chalet & RV Site Sales Breckenridge, CO Ten Peaks Sotheby‟s International Realty (888) 596-5559 www.TigerRunSales.com

Pinnacle Park Homes 26488 GA Hwy 3

P.O. Box 722

Ochlocknee, GA 31773 (866)574-5159

www.PinnacleParkHomes.com

Recreational Resort Cottages 100 Industrial Ave.

Hwy 377 & Industrial

Granbury, TX 76049 (877)219-4059 - [email protected]

www.RecreationalResortCottages.com

we know the delivery route, we may have more options for

height.” North Park‟s custom services make options the norm

for their customers. Their Park Model series in-

cludes the Sportsman, the Holi-day and the Shoreline. Each model is displayed on their web-

site with elevations and floor plans. The company also pro-

duces their Madeline cottage and small sleeping cabins.

Built with true outdoor en-thusiasts and their families in

mind, the Sportsman features

two bedrooms and one bath. This Park Model is crafted as

an economical single-level unit for resort and vacation use.

The Sportsman is often sold for a fishing or hunting cabin, or even a guest cottage. The center

living room version has a sepa-rate bedroom across from a gal-

ley kitchen. The Holiday is available with

a standard super loft and can be ordered with the king loft, an-

other innovation from North Park Manufacturing.

This Park Model is designed for active usage and features an

excellent separation of the pri-vate spaces. Guests or grand-kids can sleep in the spacious

loft while you enjoy the comfort and privacy of your own bed-

room. The Shoreline is a single

level, one bedroom, traditional Park Model with a variety of

floor plans.

You may opt for a front kitchen or a front living area

with a center kitchen. If your site has a great view, you can

maximize the window place-ment. With the addition of a sleeper sofa, this model will eas-

ily accommodate four adults. The economical Madeline

cottage incorporates a full bed-room and bathroom, quaint

kitchen, and spacious living area.

This cottage was initially conceived as an instant cabin

and has become a highly adapt-able Park Model.

North Park Manufacturing designs and builds your Park Model or cabin according to

your wishes and desires. They are known for innova-

tive features including radiant heat and ductless air condition-

ers as well as highly innovative floor plans.

They offer unlimited inte-

rior options such as a gas fire-place, wall furnaces, kitchen and

bath upgrades. Steve tells us that “We strive

for perfection not mediocrity. We provide real value to our cli-ents. We don‟t want to be the

biggest manufacturer, we strive to be the best.”


property, the law or local ordinance does not specifically allow an RV to

be used as a primary residential unit.

It may sometimes happen that the local unit of government does not have any requirements or ordi-

nances that address this issue. In these few cases anything goes be-

cause the law is mute on the sub-ject, but these are rare occurrences.

That's still a far cry from having a law or ordinance on the books

that specifically allows you to take

up a residence or domicile in an RV in an RV Park.

Be careful what you ask for when checking with the local zon-

ing and planning authority because you may cause the wakeup of a sleeping problem for yourself and

the rest of the park‟s occupants. I can assure you I am up to date

and not 10 years behind the times as you suggest. I certainly wish you

no harm. I'm trying to set the re-cord straight by letting everyone know the facts. Our association has

not, and will not, take a position of support for using a Recreational

Park Trailer as a primary dwelling unit.

You cannot make a domicile out of a unit that was designed and in-tended to be a seasonal and vaca-

tion unit. They remain as the origi-nal manufacturer intended and de-

signed them to be. For additional information

please feel free to check out RPTIA's association's web site at www.rptia.com, as it provides a lot

of factual information.

ANSWER (cont’d from p.14)

Bill “The Answer Guy” Garpow can be reached at:

[email protected]

To be considered as a Question to the Answer Guy,

your request must be accompanied by an e-mail and

telephone number as well as the full name and City/

State. Requests for confidentiality will be honored

with the disclosure only of the correspondents first

name and state.

ANSI A119.5 Information

Statistical Data on Recreational Park Trailers

Information about laws & regu-lations that affect the Park Model/Recreational Park Trailer Industry


OHIO - 2005 Quailridge

Custom Park Model 12 x

33. Top of the line. One

bedroom, sleeping couch,

oak furniture. Not lived in.

Gazebo, metal shed, at-

tached porch, landscaped

lot. Free swimming privi-

leges. Asking $22,500.

Uniontown 330-644-5678

AD#2011

www.PML Classifieds.com

Key: 1 - Models for Rent

2 - Models for Sale

3 - Pads/Space for Rent

4 - Pads/Space for Sale

5 - Furniture/Housewares

6 - Vehicles

7 - Park Model Time Shares

8 - Dealers

9 - Parks

10 - Services

11 - Insurance

12 - Mortgages

13 - Movers

14 - Awnings & Attached Rooms

15 - Miscellaneous

16 - Help Wanted

2|Models for Sale

FLORIDA - Located at

Yellow Jacket Camp-

ground Resort on the beau-

tiful Suwannee River -

Chariot-Eagle 2007, 500 sq

ft. 14 ft. Wide. Ready to

move into 352-542-8365

AD#213

CALIFORNIA - Located at

Sands RV and Golf Resort,

Desert Hot Springs

1984 Elite Park Model.

Two additional rooms at-

tached. Enclosed patio.

$49,000 Call 760-251-3400

www.sandsrvresort.com

AD#204

CALIFORNIA - Located

at Sands RV and Golf Re-

sort, Desert Hot Springs

1995 Fleetwood, fully fur-

nished, central air, many

upgrades, great views,

$52,000

Call 760-251-3400


AD#202


Sands RV and Golf Resort ,

Desert Hot Springs, CA.

1986 Casa Real. Great Lo-

cation, fully furnished.

Space #382 Great value at

$22,500. Call 760-251-3400


AD#203


Sands RV and Golf Resort,

Desert Hot Springs

1987 Elite Park Model fully

furnished, central air, cov-

ered patio along side and

rear $31,900

Call 760-251-3400


AD#201

MASSACHUSETTS -

1987 Mallard Park Model

Front bunk house, rear bed-

room, $2,995.

www.traveltowntrailers.com

800-356-6721

AD#208

NEW JERSEY -

2006 Breckenridge 1240 ID,

2006 Woodland Park SE-CB

2006 Dutch Park 781 DL-SL

2007 Breckenridge 1240 SE-

DL

2007 Breckenridge 840 FL

2007 Woodland Park 5085-

14P

Pleasant Acres 888-547-4700

www.pleasantacres.com

AD#209

MobileAdSpace.com The advertising that pays you!

UTAH - Twin Lakes RV

Park. Cute & Completely

furnished, beautifully main-

tained Park Model near Ex-

ecutive 9-hole golf course.

Major shopping hub & more

just minutes away. Great

amenities w/pool & club-

house for only $73/mo!!!

Add $20.00 to association

dues if you want cable.

$62,500. call JEREMY

LARKIN EXIT RED

ROCK REALTY

Office - (435) 986-0220

Mobile - (435) 862-8467

AD#2014

OREGON - Space for 3

Park Models in small, pic-

turesque park. Set amid the

Oregon Pines, 20 miles

inland from the Oregon

Coast/Dune Country, close

to great fishing on the Um-

pqua River. 541-587-4406

AD#3001


www.PML Classifieds.com

2|Models for Sale

Key: 1 - Models for Rent

2 - Models for Sale

3 - Pads/Space for Rent

4 - Pads/Space for Sale

5 - Furniture/Housewares

6 - Vehicles

7 - Park Model Time Shares

8 - Dealers

9 - Parks

10 - Services

11 - Insurance

12 - Mortgages

13 - Movers

14 - Awnings & Attached Rooms

15 - Miscellaneous

16 - Help Wanted

16|Help Wanted

3|Pads/Space

For Rent

Park Model Living

Magazine LOOKING FOR FRIENDLY

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Be a roving photographer for

Park Model Living Magazine.

We need photos of people en-

joying the Park Model Life-

style for our feature section

“Show us Your Park Model.”

We need the names of anyone

in the picture (including pets),

the location of their Park

Model, and their home town.

Contact us at

[email protected] or

866-766-0564 when you have

photos to share.

AD#1602

OREGON - Gold Beach at

Turtle Rock Resort. 2002

Cavco Park Model. Taste-

fully furnished. $110,000.

Gold Beach is named a mar-

ket favorite place for a sec-

ond home in Parade Maga-

zine July 15, 2007. Gloria

Eide Century 21 Agate Re-

alty 800-421-8553

AD#212

Work for Park Model Living

Magazine

Commission sales representa-

tives to sell regional advertis-

ing and distribute magazines.

Earnings are based on a simple

commission structure and re-

quire no financial outlay from

you. We provide all printed

material, training information

and protected territory.

Contact

[email protected] or

866-766-0564

AD#1600

OREGON - 24 New Park

Model Spaces for rent in

Grand Ronde. Beautiful

park setting. We are also

dealers for Fleetwood. Park

Models on display. Open

year-round. Contact at 503-

879-5700 or on the web -

www.WanderingSpiritRVPark

.com

AD#3002

PENNSYLVANIA -

2006 Canterbury #1137FL

2008 Canterbury double loft

2007 Canterbury 2 bedroom,

2 bath, loft

2006 Fairmont, island kitchen

2007 Heritage Loft, school

house red

Total Recreation RV 888-855

-1564

www.totalrecreationrv.com

AD#210

Whitney guards the homestead.

Judith’s husband Dean (a retired U.S. Army Chi-nook Pilot) & their dog

Whitney relax on the patio.

These photos are from Judith

G. at The Happy Camper

Lake Whitney RV Commu-

nity,

Whitney, Texas

From Judith -

“Our park model is a 2004 Ath-ens, Royal model (made in Athens Texas). It had been a model home here at our community so when we took possession this year it was

new. All of the homes here have "RV ports" built in or attached. Ours is the third Park Model, and they have plenty of room for more. Our existing port is where we park our rig. The park model we

sat behind the port, giving us a great outdoor patio area with fire pit. We just love it. Whitney Texas is a great location. This is a small community, under 4,000 people and with the necessary shopping, great dentist and doctors, and a small hospital with heli-pad. Keep up the great work on the magazine.”


Another view of their spectacular patio

Spam Filtering,

Virus Filtering,

Web Mail Access

And more!

If you would like to know more about the parks, deal-ers, & manufacturers featured in this month’s magazine, you’ve found the right place.

This Month’s Resources:

Manufacturer Profile(p.15)

North Park

Manufacturing

10355 Hwy 70 West Minocqua, WI 54548

715-356-3353

www.northparkmfg.com

Featured Resources

Dealer Profile(p.8)

Total Recreation RV

973 Route 6 Shohola PA 18458

888-855-1564 totalrecreationrv.com

Park Profile(p.6)

Tiger Run RV Resort

85 Tiger Run Road Breckenridge CO 80424

800-895-9594 tigerrunresort.com

park model living august 2007

Documents

park profile

north park

park models owners

n o t e s f r o

z i n e cover story

t h e b o s s

u g u s t

model life