Neapolitan Cove is fixing and cleaning up

An 800-foot pre-cast concrete wall is just a part of phase one renovations that will turn Neapolitan Cove RV Park, formerly Enchanting Acres RV Park, into what new owners Jim and David Stevens call, "...a nice, clean, cozy little RV park."

Photo by BRENDA HAWKINS, Collier Citizen

Workers make sure posts are level as they construct an 800-foot "decorator" pre-cast concrete wall around the Neapolitan Cove RV Park.

"I love RV-ing," said Jim Stevens, who also built Pelican Lake RV Park on Collier Boulevard and has revitalized a number of other parks for recreational vehicles. "This one hadn't had any TLC in a long time."

Stevens bought the 60-site park on East U.S. 41 across from Wal-Mart in March for approximately $3.1 million. He expects to spend about $350,000 for phase one fix-up and cleanup improvements that will include planting 120 trees each of sabal and Christmas palm trees, in addition to other landscaping, sod, blacktopping and over-pouring existing concrete pads.

Phase two will include the addition of a clubhouse and pool on a triangle of land at the south end of the park after county permitting is complete.

Previous campers have been notified of rate increases, although discounts will be extended to them. Stevens said he expects an upgrade in clientele, but noted the rentals will remain competitive. At $1,100 per month, the rates are still well below other similar places such as Crystal Lake RV Resort.

"It is so convenient to downtown, the beaches and everything, but it is strictly part-time and strictly RVs." Stevens said. "That makes it really nice."

The makeover received kudos from the East Naples Civic Association for not caving into pressure from developers or commercial interests.

"We're glad that the new owners determined to upgrade this campground. It adds to the ambiance that is being achieved here in East Naples through careful and cooperative planning," said ENCA President Bob Murray.

For more information on the park, call 793-0091.