The Centralia City Council is being asked to lease three city-owned parcels of land near the Raccoon Lake Dam and Lake Centralia spillway for the development of Glamping, or glamorous camping facilities.
Centralia development Jay O’Brist brought the idea to the city council Monday night. He says Glamping is camping with the conveniences of a bathroom, heating and air conditioning, and a bed. O’Brist wants to start with a teepee village.
“These are made by the Sioux Indians and they are made with fire retardant canvas. And my goal is to build something with 16-20 teepees. Then to push on to other things like tree houses, they also have covered wagons, yurts, and safari tents and those sorts of things.”
O’Brist says other equipment would also be provided.
“We will also be renting canoes and kayaks, paddle boats, and golf carts. I’ve talked to Castle Ridge and they are interested in partnering with us to provide packages for people to come stay in our teepees, rent a golf cart and run down to Castle Ridge.”
O’Brist says those utilizing the facility would also visit other places around Centralia and noted economic development goes further than just attracting
new industries. He said he and two other investors have a million dollars to complete the first phase of the project if the city council agrees to lease the city-owned parcels around the lake.
O’Brist says he’s used to naysayers and was questioned about the Airbnb he opened in Centralia that is now almost totally booked.
While O’Brist didn’t get any answers last night, the Mayor and Council were complementary to the project.
The council also approved a change in the zoning code to allow indoor or outdoor commercial entertainment or recreational facilities in the B-4 Corridor Business District. Councilman Jeff Castellari says that will allow his wife to add an 18-hole mini-golf facility next to C’Town Twist. He hopes the facility will give back to the youth in the community.
