The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) has recognized Richard and Carol Dickson of Ozark Trav-L-Park in Ozark, AL, as the 1996 RV Park Operators of the Year. In addition, the association named Ozark Trav-L-Park the 1996 RV Small Park of the Year.

Richard Dickson and his wife Carol, purchased the park in 1985. Located near four golf courses, the site is a nine acre park with gardens, fish pond and swimming pool, and can accommodate 45 RVs. Established in the early 1970's as Ozark Camper Park, the site accommodated 30 RVs. In 1992 the park was re-named Ozark Trav-L-Park.

The owners are very delighted and said, "We are honored and proud to receive this national attention. We have worked very hard to earn these awards, but would like to add that our main focus is to provide a clean and comfortable atmosphere for our transient guests. Ozark is a great city to visit and in which to live, and we are just part of an overall team trying to make travelers feel at home."

The ARVC Awards of Excellence, are open to ARVC members and have been presented annually since 1991. The competition recognizes excellence in Campground and RV park operations in six different award categories: RV Park of the Year, Best RV Park Brochure, Best RV Park Promotion by Mail, Best RV Park Operator of the Year, Community Service Award and Family Business Award. For RV Park of the Year, one award is presented in each of the four size categories: Small Parks (75 sites or less); Medium Parks (75-200); Large Parks (201-400); Mega Parks (400+). Entries are judged on national directory ratings, community service, campground association involvement, park promotions, management skills and employee training techniques.

The one annual award for RV Park Operator of the Year is presented to the most outstanding campground or RV park operator based on commitment to quality service, years of experience, accomplishments and innovations, and success of operations and managerial skills.

Ozark Trav-L-Park is located along US Highway 231, 70 miles south of Montgomery and 47 miles north of the Florida border.

In the words of a happy camper from Texas, "Congratulations! We have traveled many years, many miles, and stopped at many campgrounds. Without a doubt, this is the nicest we have ever had the pleasure of visiting. The management was the most cooperative. The campground was clean and neat at all times, the bathrooms were outstanding, and the laundry facilities excellent. Ozark Trav-L-Park rates at the top of the list of campgrounds to which we would return."

RVN