Throughout the 80s, chapters continued to form and almost simultaneously started SKP Co-Ops. We said that, when the planning board was satisfied the selected property would serve its intended purpose, the board should come up with an estimated cost per SKP Co-Op membership and announce it first to the chapters then to the entire Escapees membership through the Escapees newsletter.
After several attempts at new Co-Ops failed, we needed a new plan. It was always intended that SKP Co-Ops would serve two purposes. The first purpose– providing a home base for those who chose to buy a membership in that corporation– worked perfectly. But the second intended purpose of the SKP Co-op—providing short term parking for traveling members—was a failure. Our idea had been that, when the leaseholders were traveling, visiting Escapees could rent their lots. This worked for the first year or two, but each year after that was harder for traveling Escapees to find a place to rent in the SKP Co-Op parks. There were several reasons for this.
The Escapees membership was increasing, so there were more traveling members. At the same time, those who had an SKP Co-Op membership were spending more time at their home base. Some had traded for a larger RV, which they set up permanently so it would always be ready for their return, and then they purchased a smaller rig for travel because they were spending less time on the road. This meant their lot was not available to renters. And there were some who simply did not want anyone using their lot. Added together, the SKP Co-Ops were only providing a few of the short-term rentals that club members wanted to use.
Since the SKP Co-Op plan was not meeting the needs of traveling members, we would need to develop a different plan. As directors of the club, our concern was—and always will be—to do what is best for the club as a whole. That is the only way it can remain strong and healthy and continue to stand the test of time. Unfortunately, what is best for the whole may step on the toes of a few special-interest groups.