Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
End of nudist campsite 'a shame,' member says
The closing of Manitoba's last nudist camp is making for some unhappy campers who accuse owners of a "breach of trust."
The Crocus Grove Sun Club, made up of local naturists, had pooled its talents and energies to help owners keep the nudist camp open, in exchange for keeping the site clothing-optional in 2010.
Club members developed an advertising campaign. They manned a booth at the Wellness Expo in Winnipeg to promote the nudist camp at a cost of $1,200 to the members.
"Again, on the promise that our efforts would contribute to their ability to keep the campground open in 2010," said club member John Kundert.
Kundert said the owners promised both verbally and in writing to keep the camp clothing-optional open in 2010. Last week, Ray and Susan Ryynanen, owners of Sandhill Pines Campground, formerly called Crocus Grove, announced they are turning the site into a conventional campground.
Kundert said the naturist community feels betrayed. Some of the early results promoting the nude camp "were very, very promising. It caught all of us by surprise" when owners announced the closing.
The camp, which has about 100 sites, was 80 per cent full when the Ryynanen's bought it in 2006 but fell to 30 per cent last year. Kundert blamed the decline on mismanagement.
"They left the impression social nudism is on the decline and that's just not true," he said. "It's just a shame they've given up now when it looks like we're going to have one of the best summers in a long time."
Crocus club members were the only tenants of the campground.
"We tried promoting the campground and didn't get the response we hoped for," said co-owner Susan Ryynanen. "We can't operate any longer losing money."
The nudist club offered to buy the campground but Ryynanen said the offer fell far short of what the site is worth.
The camp had been taking bookings and deposits for 2010. Ryynanen said any deposits will be refunded.
The value of the four privately owned cabins on the campground will appreciate in value substantially, should the owners wish to sell, she said.
Kundert said legal action has not been discussed but will likely come up when the Crocus club members meet this Sunday.
Crocus Grove Sun Club is Manitoba's oldest nudist organization, founded in 1969. It is affiliated with the American Association for Nude Recreation, North America's largest membership organization for social nudists.
bill.redekop@freepress.mb.ca
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition April 30, 2010 A12
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