Mayport Navy Sub Base's Osprey Cove

I agree with Frank...I was just there this past Monday (09/01/08) and noticed the Cove needed a lot of clean up but looks like they are working on it. There are two big trash bins out there due to TS Fay with fallen tree limbs all over the site. As a former Seabee, the site still requires a lot of improvements. I have never stayed there, but I guess you have to deal with lots of mosquitos since it doesn't get wind movements like the Roost.

There is ONLY one guy that works back there as the host/maintenance volunteer. They had another but they eliminated that position when it was brought to light how many volunteers the manager had...I don't know exactly, but I heard around 13-14. The kicker is that all of them stay at the Roost and don't hardly set foot back in the other campground unless told to directly. However, they make their "patrols" back there and watch us like hawks.

Most of us who do stay back there usually help out the lone host with picking up of trash and debris. I've even offered the manager to work a couple of weekends cutting grass to no avail, just knock a little off my rent and I'd be happy.

That CG is in dire need of work but is very low on the priority list. Most of the streetlights were working and now about half are. They did trim the trees about a month ago and the debris you see now (still after 2wks of TS Fay) is palm trees and loose branches that were missed. There was to be a small clubhouse with laundry, ice machine, etc put in this last May but that has been pushed to a indefinate date due to budgetary concerns.

As for bugs; it is bug central with spiders, mosquitos and flies. We've all got zappers and traps out but the problem is that the CG is backed right up to Hanna Park and has a swampy area behind it. It also is bordered by a drainage culvert leading from the swampy area to the base lake.

It is a longterm CG with the policy stating that you must leave for at least 30 days every six months. We are doing our 30 days out now checking out the other CG's in the area. Osprey Cove can be a really nice small park if they put it higher on their priority list and gave that lone volunteer some help on a regular basis.

was out and about today and went by Osprey Cove; the host has got that park cleaned up really nice. Also got the latest on the clubhouse...it "may" appear in December 08 but don't hold your breath as it's completion is tied to other projects.

Just did a drive by at Mayport. First stop Oseprey Cove. Grass cut, looked pretty clean. One of the RV'ers was using a Broom and some bleach to clean the pad and walk area. Looks as if 2 site are occupied by Hosts. Not bad for a place that needs some help and it's size.
Next stop. Pelican Roost. Perfect as always. but it should be, by all the tell tail signs Full size patio furniture, many plants, refrigerators on the patio, lighting. Large grills and Tables, One guy even has a Fence around the patio painted in green ( whats next a garage and pool). it looks as they have 7 full timers. Thats five more than they need, That is five sites that are not available for the Military RV'er.
As I drove threw I got no waves from the "employees" just stares as if I was dropped in to the filming of Stepford Wives 3.
Is it possable to send all these post, good and bad to the Base Commander so he can make some changes if he sees fit? Or at least respond to this web site to put all of this to rest. Just a thought.

Jazyn55
Try the ICE link below. It is for the Navy Region Southeast which includes Mayport. I believe any comments / concerns that are sent to them will end up at Pelican Roost.
ice.disa.mil/index.cfm?fa=site&site_id=160

Frank

Is it possable to send all these post, good and bad to the Base Commander so he can make some changes if he sees fit? Or at least respond to this web site to put all of this to rest.

This could be done, but the problem is obtaining and keeping current a list of installation commanders and their email addresses.