GMSP: Chamber of Commerce honors KOA as Member of the Quarter

November 23, 2011

By Peggy Kelly

Santa Paula News

A location that serves as the host to thousands of visitors looking for the unusual each year was honored by the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce at the October Good Morning Santa Paula (GMSP).

The breakfast meeting was held at Enzo’s at the Glen Tavern Inn.

GMSP Moderator Ben Shuck introduced Ventura Ranch General Manager Bre Rue and asked about the unique facility located in Santa Paula near Steckel Park. KOA leases the park property from Ventura County.

Rue said KOA took over the park about two years ago and has invested considerably to make visitor-drawing improvements. Between the giant jumping pillow - “It’s huge, you can fit almost 100 kids on it!” - and rock climbing wall to the fabulous Zipline, KOA has created a unique getaway for tourists and locals alike.

Rue said it offers accommodations that include the glamping variety - a blend of glamour and camping - in teepees and cabins. “We get a lot of people from Ventura and Santa Paula,” as well as Europeans looking for a unique vacation with a strong touch of Americana. Rue said Ventura KOA is also becoming a popular venue for weddings and other celebrations.

Chamber of Commerce President Chris Sayer noted he is impressed with the number of visitors the Ventura Ranch Kampground of America has drawn. Rue said last year KOA booked 15,000 camping nights at the facility. “When I’m in the downtown I frequently run into people” who, Sayer said, offer that they are staying at the KOA and are out exploring the general area.

At least one GMSP attendee said they would prefer that the KOA advertise exactly where it is located and create a strong, identifiable link to Santa Paula.