For more than a decade, LGBT campers have enjoyed the peaceful yet festive atmosphere of Sawmill Campground. But after the campground was owned for three years by straight men from 2008-2011, residents recognized a need for change. SO residents took matters into their own hands and the 120-acre expanse designated itself a co-op”the first gay-owned co-op in the country.
This April, shareholders, members and guests will celebrate the first anniversary of its historic decision to become the nation's first gay-owned community.
“We had to raise $4.25 million to accomplish this,” said board member Al Ferguson, who has been involved with the co-op from the very beginning. “The previous owners wouldn't reinvest in the infrastructure and services of the property. We got fed up with it and wouldn't take it anymore.”
That's when a group of eight to 10 people began researching the ins and outs of creating a co-op”an entity where no one owns it and the organization transforms into a not-for-profit. There are currently 90 shareholders, and more investment opportunities are available”each share is $28,000.
“That was the future of Sawmill,” Ferguson said. “That's how we started and it took us a year to get everything in order.”
By becoming a co-op, Sawmill created real, tangible property. Residents can live on-site and own their homes and the property under them. Ferguson explained that there's a 99-year leases on each site, which is renewed every 99 years.
After one year under the new designation, Sawmill has reported growth, and its membership has surged.
“January through March is typically the slowest time of year because of winter,” Ferguson said. “But our membership growth has been dramatic in terms of new members joining”we're somewhere past 2,000 new members in the past 60 days.”
Ferguson added that the campground's revenue has also exceeded records, which translates into more physical improvements at Sawmill.
Improvements that are already noticeable include a spruced up area around the clothing-optional pool and a modernized septic system, which had been a cause of concern for years, Ferguson said.
“There have also been significant improvements in light, sound and the buildings,” Ferguson added. “There's an obvious re-investment on our events and making it a fun place to visit.”
In 2011, Sawmill played host to the largest LGBT Fourth of July celebration in the United States with its sizeable fireworks display. Its Halloween attractions and New Year's Eve celebrations also upstaged anything the campground had done previously.
It's an atmosphere many wouldn't expect in rural, conservative Pasco County”where the campground has notoriously conflicted with local government agencies. But even that relationship is changing for the better, Ferguson said.
“We are the most reviewed gay business in the state,” Ferguson said, referring to government organizations. “Previous ownership had burned many bridges but one of the things president of the co-op George Cressman has tried to do is mend those relationships. It's an uphill battle but we continue to stay on the path of doing things correctly, making sure everything is done legally and operated and maintained correctly.”
The local community is paying attention to the improvements, Ferguson added, saying that several hotels that never associated with Sawmill before now have a symbiotic relationship with the campground, meaning Sawmill guests who can't stay on site or prefer a hotel room can do so with nearly a half-dozen facilities less than 10 minutes away.
To celebrate its first year anniversary, Sawmill will host RuPaul the weekend of March 30-April 1. The appearance will be the drag superstar's only live U.S. performance this year. The following weekend, other stars from the Logo network will make live appearances, including celebrity photographer Mike Ruiz.
“People would be shocked how deep of a reach Sawmill has in the state and in the country,” Ferguson said. “We want to continue reaching out. We're getting more involved in charitable events and more involved in Pride events.”
More change is coming during Sawmill's second year. Ferguson said plans are underway to organize the first Pasco County Pride in December, which would be a family-friendly celebration on the grounds. Regulars can also look forward to improved, free wifi service on the campground in the near future.
