By Curt Wheeler, Wheeler Appraisals, LLC

One of Lakeland’s best kept secrets brings about 1,000 people into Lakeland for a three to four month stay, who shop, eat, play, and use services locally, while enjoying amenities such as a 156 acre nature park, 8 miles of walking trails, 36 holes of affordable golf, and solar-powered swimming pools…

It’s Sanlan RV Park! It has been part of the Lakeland community for 40 years, in the same ownership for those 40 years, and a Chamber member since 1974.  Under the guidance of owners and operators Ed and Mary Ann Holloway, the operation has grown and expanded amenities over the years, and is rewarded by significant repeat business year to year. That includes some guests that have been coming 35 years, and many second generation visitors.   In recognition of its quality it is awarded “High Achiever” by the Woodall’s system.

Sanlan is a 580 space RV and mobile home park with a mix of manufactured homes, park models, and recreational vehicles.  It turned a tract of rough, mined-over phosphate land into a more natural, wooded and attractive environment serving customers and wildlife, including for many years resident eagles.  Residents range from pop-up campers to $500,000 Class A RVs.  Amenities include multiple pools, multiple clubhouses (including a brand-new 7,200 square foot hall), shuffleboard/bocce courts, 24/7 security, hiking trails, golf, and a sun-bathing alligator at the entry lake.

Sanlan has stayed current with technology, including free Wi-Fi, professional website and registration procedures, and a blog.  The park is working to stay “green” with solar powered pools and clubhouses, a recycling program, and sensor lighting.

The Holloways have been involved in Lakeland for many years and keep the Sanlan family active with Community Foundation, Polk County Sheriff’s Charities, COPS, Salvation Army, high school and FSC track events, and Polk Senior Games.  Mr. Holloway was a founding member of the local Sertoma Club, and has made multiple land donations for public purposes, including the recently opened Cypress Youth Sports Complex on Edgewood Drive South.

The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate Sanlan RV Park as the August Small Business of the Month winner.

Sanlan RV Park
3929 US Highway 98 S
Lakeland, FL 33812
Mr. E. Edward Holloway, Jr.
(863) 665-1726
www.Sanlan.com