They're Here For Guests...
Cottonwoods RV Park has become an exceptionally rated campground in Columbia Missouri since its inception about a quarter of a century ago. In 2016, Mark & Sharon Pauley and Brian & Cindy Zumalt together purchased the park from the previous owners who built the essential accommodations from the group up. Under the new management, the park has amassed 97 RV sites (63 of which are pull-thrus) and three tent sites, an extensive gift shop, a recreation/game room, a DVD and book library, a newly renovated laundry room, meeting and conference facilities, as well as a swimming pool that has been on the property since the grand opening. But what truly sets Cottonwoods apart - and helped it secure the Missouri Association of RV Parksand Campground’s (MOARC) 50th annual prestigious 2018 Mid-Size Missouri RV Park of the Year award - is the park's six passionate staff members and their planned social activities.
A friendly staff that goes above and beyond the call of duty that make Cottonwoods RV Park a true destination all on its own.
Manager Heather Williams, daughter to the owners, said the team was beyond excited about the award. She stated: “We treat our guests like family. We get to know everyone who comes through. And we work so hard for our guests, so it means a lot that we got to that point. To us, it proved how much we really cared.”
In Good Times...
Cottonwoods has been around 25 years, built by a local family. It was sold to Williams and her husband, Timothy, three years ago, and their main focus became bringing social activities back to the forefront of the park.
With glow parties, fish fries, bonfires and BBQs, people passing through Missouri find Cottonwoods to be an exciting night with family and new friends.
It's been a learning experience, said Williams, when it came to finding the right activities that will excite and entertain their guests. They began noticing certain trends each season, and let it guide them towards their current action-packed social schedule.
At the end of July they had a Retro Color Tie Dye Party that drew in a lot of families who enjoyed the summer sun and creative outlet. August is boasting a 50's Sock Hop-themed cookout, and a Mardi Gras-themed fish fry with live music. Later in the fall there's an Oktoberfest celebration with music, beer tasting and brats. In October there is Trick-Or-Treating out of vintage trailers.
...And the Bad
Located in central Missouri, Cottonwoods often has guests who, are visiting the University of Missouri's vet clinic, check in for a campsite. These families are often dealing with vet traumas, pet illnesses... And sometimes even worse.
Williams recalled a husband and wife who visited a few years ago. They had stopped at Cottonwoods while traveling across the country. In the middle of the night, the man ended up having a heart attack, and later passed away in the park.
With her family all the way across the country, and having never driven the RV herself before, the woman was understandably overwhelmed after the sudden death of her husband of 30 years. But the Cottonwoods staff was there for her. They spent time with her so she didn't have to be alone while her family came to get her, “surrounding her with all the love we could,” said Williams. “We drove the family to and from the airport. We helped them get everything together, and get the RV home.”
Guests at Cottonwoods feel an overwhelming sense of support and community, in the good times and the bad. Cottonwoods staff will recognize anniversaries, birthdays, and host other celebrations. But they also have a deep connection with many of the people who pass through.
The RV Community
This understanding of what it takes to bring people together is from William's own experience as a traveler.
“What I love the most, is that I get to hear about people's travels and what people have learned,” Williams explained. “There are so many places that are healing. Life gives you mountains and you have to climb that. That's what RV'ers are doing. They're tackling life. Seeing what life is all about.”
For Williams, traveling is about overcoming obstacles with the support of others. Because when someone heals, you heal a bit, too.
That's one thing she has enjoyed about working at Cottonwoods. She gets to meet so many different people from all different walks of life. She hears their stories. She learns about them. And about the world.
“There's always all this bad stuff in the news, and you hear all these devastating things,” Williams said. “But, working here, I can see what a wonderful world it truly is. People are good at heart. You have to take a moment, step back, and find the good people. RV'ers are the good people.”