Workers prep the site of a future RV (recreational vehicle) park on 8-10 acres of the Burrow property on County Road 222 Thursday afternoon.

The city of Cullman is building an RV (recreational vehicle) park on 8-10 acres of the Burrow property on County Road 222. The property, located just off the Exit 305 interchange, was once the planned home of the International Bass Fishing Hall of Fame.

The city purchased the former Burrow property in 2011 for $1.5 million, which includes a total of 170 acres split across the north and south sides of County Road 222. The 67 acres on the north side were set aside for new industrial expansion, while the south side was designated for recreation.

In 2013, Cullman was selected as the site of the International Bass Fishing Hall of Fame. The facility was to include a 56,250-square-foot civic center, 30,900-square-foot hall of fame, an aquarium, gift shop and exhibit space. It would’ve also been used as an educational facility, offering outdoors and recreation programs for local students.

Three years later when it became clear the Bass Fishing fundraising efforts were not going to raise the necessary capital, the project was shelved.

Hopes for developing the property as a tourism draw did not die, though. Other ideas floated included a convention center, multi-use facility, civic center and an amphitheater.

Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs, who was not in office at the time the property was purchased, said the city has moved forward with some of those plans, such as the amphitheater, just not on the Burrow property.

Instead, the city looked at market research, including RV traffic along the interstate, and attended an annual convention for the RV industry. All indicators, he said, point to an opportunity for the city. “It’s a good market,” said Jacobs. “We feel confident that it’s more than going to cover the cost.”

According to Johnston RV Center General Manager Nick Johnston, the industry is booming. “It’s up year over year over year,” he said. “We went into business in January 2014 and had probably about eight units on the ground. Last year, we sold 880.”

RV owners span all generations, but Johnston said he’s seeing a shift. “It’s great for families. I think it really helps with younger families looking to do something together,” he said. “And the fact is you don’t have to go very far; some of the best trips folks take are closer to home.”

The city is starting with 50 RV pads but sees the opportunity to expand to include camping, glamping and “lakeside” homes, which are smaller modular units. “We think that the RV park will grow beyond what we’re building at this time,” said Jacobs.

So far, the city has completed all of the sewer installation, about 50 percent of the water lines and 70 percent of the electrical work. Jacobs said the city is aiming for an end of May or first of June opening.