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Select Board authorizes Parks & Recreation to test rental cabin at campground
Summary
The Ashland Board voted to allow Parks & Recreation to place a rental camping cabin on one underused campground site and to recruit an on-site administrator, with the goal of covering operating costs; members discussed breakeven, oversight and funding from the parks account.
The Board of Selectmen voted to let Parks & Recreation use one campsite to set up a short-term rental camping cabin, after a discussion of revenue potential, oversight and funding.
The decision came after Town Manager Sandy introduced the idea and Selectman Anne described comparable cabins in the region and how they are marketed. Anne said the cabins nearby rent from about $159 to $229 per night and that such rentals "allow other people to get to use it and enjoy it," a point she cited in support of the pilot project.
Why it matters: The board framed the plan as a low-cost way to increase campground use and town revenue while keeping a site available to the public. Board members pressed for a conservative financial test: at roughly $150 per night, the presenters estimated each cabin would need about 60 rental nights per season to reach breakeven.
What the board heard and decided: Selectman Anne noted comparable operations that often run at high occupancy; a committee member explained the math, saying a $150 nightly rate requires approximately 60 booked nights in a six-month season to break even. Board members discussed construction costs (examples cited under $10,000 for a unit) and options for oversight, including a seasonal manager or contracting the operation to an experienced operator.
A committee member moved that Parks & Recreation be authorized to use one campsite to set up a structured rental cabin, that the town solicit an administrator for the rental site, and that the program aim to be economically self-sustaining; the motion was seconded. After brief discussion about upgrading the bathhouse and winterizing infrastructure, the board voted in favor and the motion carried.
The vote and next steps: The motion carried with an affirmative voice vote. The board indicated that initial funding would be sought from existing parks and recreation reserves and that Parks & Recreation should return with concrete cost estimates, marketing plans and a recommended administrator before construction begins.
A closing note: Selectman Anne and the town manager agreed to follow up with more detailed cost and occupancy estimates for the board’s next meeting.
