Recommendations / Tourism / Big Idea # 2: Play on Point

Big Idea # 2: Play on Point

Part of the "MILLENNIAL MINDS" initiative

TourismLagrange/Troup $250,000–$500,000

Overview

Market Pyne Road Park at West Point Lake as a millennial tourist destination through enhanced online presence and beautification of the physical grounds. The recommendation focuses on creating an easier campsite reservation process through an online portal, redeveloping existing campsites, introducing new camping experiences such as yurts, and adding millennial-friendly recreational activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, water trampolines, floating water parks, and music festivals.

Action plan

Short-term
Create an online portal and design a website directly linked to the tourism website, Chamber of Commerce’s tourism page, and the Parks & Recreation Pyne Road Park page; hire a part-time marketing coordinator to advertise amenities at West Point Lake.
Medium-term
Develop experiential lodging through yurts; add new recreational activities to site amenities.
Long-term
Host Bass Masters tournament; host wakeboarding tournament; advertise and market 4th of July entertainment and family activities; develop unique festivals to utilize park activities.

Expected impact

Facility AwarenessCommunity

Tracks increased awareness of Pyne Road Park and its amenities.

Online Reservation AccessEconomic

Tracks whether the online portal improves the ability to search, view, and book West Point Lake experiences.

Timeframe: Short-term
Unity and Younger Traveler AttractionEconomic

Tracks whether new activities and improved accessibility instill unity in the Troup County community and attract younger travelers.

Timeframe: Long-term
New Tourism GenerationEconomic

Tracks whether the project generates new tourism at Pyne Road Park and West Point Lake.

Timeframe: Long-term
Return on InvestmentOperational

Tracks tangible return on investment from park redevelopment and tourism improvements.

Timeframe: Long-term
Revenue GenerationCommunity

Tracks whether revenue generated from the improvements can support expanded staff such as a full-time marketing and communications coordinator and hospitality manager.

Timeframe: Long-term
Reservation IncreaseEconomic

Tracks increases in reservations before, during, and after implementation.

Occupancy IncreaseEconomic

Tracks occupancy increases at Pyne Road Park campsites and facilities.

Recreational Activity ExpansionEconomic

Tracks addition of kayaking, water sports, water trampoline, floating water park, festivals, and related activities.

Timeframe: Long-term
Campsite RedevelopmentEconomic

Tracks completion of campsite beautification and redevelopment, including yurts, amenities, benches, garden paths, and lighting.

Facility Rental IncreaseInfrastructure

Tracks increases in facility rentals.

Quality of Life ImprovementCommunity

Tracks improvements in quality of life for existing residents.

Timeframe: Long-term

Key stakeholders

Parks and RecreationLaGrange City LeadershipTroup County LeadershipCallaway FoundationChamber of CommerceParks & Recreation Pyne Road Park PagePart-Time Marketing/Communications EmployeeThe North Face Explore FundSPLOSTHotel Motel TaxPrivate Partnerships

Estimated budget

Total Budget: $366,000. Yurts (6): $210,000; Campsite Amenities: $50,000; Water Trampoline: $6,000; Shallow launch pad: $15,000; Advertising: $60,000; Part-Time Marketing/Communications Employee: $25,000.