I recently sat on my patio armed with a cup of coffee and my computer and asked people as they walked by: “What brought you to Whisper Creek?” and “What is your favorite thing about the park?’ The answers are below, starting with our journey.
Greg and Colleen For about 10 years my wife and I camped at the KOA on Pine Island. We started with a truck camper, moved to a 5th wheel, and then finally a motorhome. Just after we left there, Hurricane Ian totally devastated the park. Friends who remain there tell us that it has not fully recovered.
We like to travel around a bit and so my wife booked us a week at Ortona South Locks just down the road on route 80. One day we were exploring LaBelle and happened upon Whisper Creek. As we drove through the park we were amazed at how clean it was and decided that this was our future home. We visited the office and reserved a couple of months for the next season. The rest, as they say, is history.
As we were setting up that first year, Georgia stopped by on her bike and welcomed us to the park. We quickly gained many friends over at our site on Mahogany (We called it party central!) and then decided to put down roots with the purchase of a place on Redwood.
Frank and Teri first discovered Whisper Creek when Frank was building a gazebo for a local. He said that as he worked, he fell in love with the park. People stopped by offering to help and asked if he needed some water. Being a pastor, Frank enjoys the loving sense of the community and the way people treat each other.
Craig and Mary had originally come here in a motorhome to visit friends. They were just planning to stay a few months when “Just Judy’s” place came up for sale and they jumped right on the purchase. The fact that everybody is so nice sealed the deal.
Linda knew several couples who currently reside in the park and based on their recommendations, came down to find out what it’s all about. She rented a place for the first season, fell in love and ended up buying into the park. “The people here are all in the same boat. We’re mature and want to have a lot of fun.” Linda reports that she really enjoys all of the events and how willing people are to help her learn a new game or skill.
Ken and Becky reported that a high school friend stayed here as a camp worker (when they still had them) back in 2017. They originally camped in their 5th wheel here for two years before buying a park model. They enjoy the friendly people, tons of activities and shuffleboard. It’s also a safe place for getting out and riding their bikes.
Gene says a friend of his in a campground in Maryland had been to Whisper Creek and suggested that he come to Florida to check it out. Driving here in a motorhome with his lovely wife Val, they initially booked for one month. Gene says that theyenjoyed the park so much that they extended their stay for an additional month ~ and then a third. The home right behind them came up for sale and they bought it, moving to a larger home a few years later. Gene is an avid barbershop singer and found a group in Ft Myers that he regularly performs with. “Everybody I have met here is friendly and enjoyable.” Gene said. “I love the activities and the fellowship.”
Gary and Barbara live in Whisper Creek year-round. They reported that summers here are really special and they enjoy hosting parties throughout the season. Summers here are quiet with very little traffic and feel much more intimate. Living in Ft Myers and then Alva, they originally camped here in their motorhome and fell in love with the place. When they first started staying here the park was family-owned. They love the fact that the park is so well kept and clean. They also really enjoy Spring Fest activities.
Claudia and Bill said that they had reservations at another local campground and on the way down with their camper, they got a call from that park saying that it was not ready and they would have to find a different place. They called Whisper Creek and the management found a place to ”squeeze” them in for a night. A site in this park became available the next day and they have been here ever since. Claudia is chairman of the Central Committee and reports that she enjoys the fact that this is such a volunteer driven community.
Jeff and Trish discovered Whisper Creek through pure serendipity. Simply planning to say a quick hello, they paid a visit to family living here. They had just sold their primary home in Ecuador and were “basically homeless”, so on a whim decided to inquire about available units. Once they were shown their cute little “wobbly box”, they agreed that the park would be a lovely place to settle. Trish says that this is such a welcoming, fun and active community!
I could go on and on with this story, but the facts are clear. When people first come to this park, they fall in love with the place, the people, and the overall participation. Sounds like heaven to me!
MEET THE AUTHOR ✍️
Fellow Whisper Creeker Greg Stangl comes to us from the great state of Wisconsin. He and his wife Colleen spend summers on Lake Wisconsin and enjoy the leisurely winter months here in our little paradise together with their beautiful Springer Spaniels Isabella Rosalini and Sophia Loren.
Greg is a professional photographer, speaker and writer who not only owned a photography studio for 40 years, but also taught college courses and lectured on the subject in 35 states and 7 countries.
Greg’s other passion is writing. He has published works in 10 national magazines and also authored workbooks employed in photography and marketing. Whisper Creeker News is both honored and excited for Greg to share his creative writing talents with us as well!
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