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Big Tim
Forum Member
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 Posted - 01/23/2004 : 12:38:00 PM
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We went to Sunsport Gardens this past Saturday afternoon. We arrived
about 2:00, just about the same time the clouds started rolling in.
As long as the sun was shining it was fairly warm and a nice day. It
took us about one hour to get there from our home in Hollywood...we
went up the Turnpike. Probably the most surreal thing about arriving
there is that they are located on a dirt road, something I haven't
seen in a long time.
Pulling up to the gate, it was very hard to tell what is behind the
fence. The trees and brush are quite thick, creating a great barrier
between the road and the resort. It struck my wife immediately, the
sign at the gate: "This is not a clothing optional resort. Nudity is
expected." Being non-members we had to use the intercom system to
introduce ourselves and to be let in. We pulled in and found a
parking space and made our way to the office. I was impressed to see
so many RVs and camper trailers (a few looked permanent) there. At
the office, we were greeted by Bob (as he referred to himself: "Bob
the flunkie, not Bob the manager"), who was very nice, very friendly
and very nude. Bob walked us through the paperwork we needed to fill
out and sign and made copies of our identification. He gave us a
packet with the standards of conduct, a map, and info about the
upcoming Midwinter Naturist Festival.
We hit the restrooms, which were fairly clean, and modern, but what I
would call rustic. Got naked, dropped our stuff off back at the car
and decided to explore the place. I noticed quite a lot of people
around the pool, but wanted to explore the nature trails first, so we
set off walking down one of the main roads. Walking down the road,
most the people we met were friendly and greeted us. We noticed that
many of the camper trailers were permanent residences in this area of
the resort. Coming upon the entrance to one of the nature trails, we
decided to enter here. The trail was narrow, but clean...it looked
like it had just been raked. The canopy of trees was thick and it
was cool in the woods...I appreciated how quiet it was in there. It
took us about ten minutes to walk that part of the trail, which led
to an open area for tent camping and then to the road again. We
followed the road a bit and turned right to pick up another part of
the trail which led to the wooden hanging bridge, which we crossed
leading us to the common pool area.
There were maintenance men working on the sauna, so that was out of
commission. But the pool area was hopping. There wasn't a single
lounge chair unoccupied. Good think we had our beach chairs in the
trunk of the car, so we retrieved them and set up between the pool
and volleyball courts. There was a volleyball game going on. Around
the pool, they had just finished the "Derby Day" races. Groups of
six people racing around the pool with a wooden stick horse between
their legs. The café was serving a roasted chicken meal with two
sides for about $6.00. It looked good, but we had eaten already.
After getting some sun for a while, I joined the volleyball game and
played 4 games. The sun was falling rapidly now and it was starting
to cool off, so I hit the hot tub for a while, where I met several
other people, all very friendly.
My wife was getting cold, so I took a quick shower and we headed to
the car to get dressed and made our way home. All in all, it was a
pleasant afternoon and we plan to return, possibly even purchase a
membership. I think we will also attend at least a couple days of
the Midwinter Naturist Festival.
If anyone has questions about Sunsport, feel free to ask me or visit
their website at: www.sunsportgardens.com.
Tim
Visiting Haulover Beach? Join our Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hauloverfriends
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Cheri
Forum Member
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Posted - 01/24/2004 : 10:41:32 AM
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Tim, Great report. My sister lives not far from there in Coconut Creek. One of these days I'll be visiting, hopefully. Before I left FL in 1980, I too lived in Hollywood and miss the delis.
:) Cheri
Doing what I can to positively promote nudism
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Gary Douglas
Forum Member
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 Posted - 03/06/2004 : 10:39:30 AM
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Thanks for the info, Tim. I already have reservations for a weekend in May at Sunsport, so know I feel like I made the right decision. I'll try and remember to add my critique when I get back...
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Big Tim
Forum Member
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Posted - 03/26/2004 : 11:25:53 PM
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We'll be at Sunsport, this Sunday, 3/28 for the day. IF you want to meet us there, email me.
Tim
Visiting Haulover Beach? Join our Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hauloverfriends
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OuterBanks
New Member
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Posted - 04/09/2004 : 8:23:35 PM
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We think that Tim did a great job with his report.
We have visited Sunsport a couple of times in the last year and our experiences were much like his.
The whole place is a little "rustic", as Tim says, but we were quite comfortable being there.
The nature trail was unusual and enjoyable.
We spent most of our time at or around the pool area. During our last visit we had a reasonably priced "fast food" type meal; we enjoyed the sauna; and, as before, my wife took advantage of the pool and we both had a couple of sessions in the hot tub.
The people at Sunsport have been quite friendly, for the most part, and we would recommend a visit for a laid back nudist day trip.
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Gary Douglas
Forum Member
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Posted - 06/18/2004 : 02:49:57 AM
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I visited Sunsport for a couple nights in late May. I don't have much to add to the other 'reports' as far as describing the place. I stayed in one of their cabins. Their website pretty much shows what they look like. I spent most of my time laying around the pool and reading. Was tempted to join in and play volley ball but chickened out. Had some nice conversations around the pool. Did a lot of walking around, even in the middle of the nite, under the stars. It's nice being someplace where there's no need for clothing even in the middle of the night. After three days in the sun with my SPF 30, I had about as much sun as my skin could take. I left a few shades darker (with no sunburn) and I throughly enjoyed my relaxing stay.
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Big Tim
Forum Member
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Posted - 06/18/2004 : 5:02:34 PM
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We've been back once since my original report. Back in early March we went and had a grand time. Spent most of the time around the pool and I played quite a bit of volleyball.
We met some great people, had some good conversations in and around the pool and hot tub. They had made some improvements here and there and a fresh coat of paint here and there. The place looked good.
We really enjoyed our day there and can't wait to get back. We've had some major illnesses in our families and two deaths in recent months, but hoping that things calm down now, so we can get on with life and visit Sunsport again.
If you're planning to visit and would like to make new friends, email me. We love to meet new people.
Visiting Haulover Beach? Join our Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hauloverfriends
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FlCpl4NewdFun
Forum Member
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Posted - 05/10/2008 : 3:04:06 PM
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Does anyone have any recent information on this place? There are very few nude resorts in South Florida, so I'd like to check this place out. The only reason I haven't is because their website is really creepy too me, and their almost fanatical position on the inclusion of children in everything gives me pause. Apparently they have a fairly well attended mid-winter festival in February, but when reviewing the activities listed it just really seems like a place for aging hippies. (the thread about that event didn't have many nice things to say about it) But if the people are nice and the resort is cool all the other stuff really doesn't matter. Any updates would be appreciated. Thanks
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Cheri
Forum Member
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Posted - 05/10/2008 : 4:56:43 PM
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From what I've heard from So. Fl. friends including my sister who lives close by, it's a relaxing place to de-stress. There are families with children who attend. It is a nudist park as are most nudist landed clubs in the US.
Cheri
Doing what I can to positively promote nudism
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http://pages.prodigy/cheridonna
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cenfldh
Forum Member
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Posted - 05/10/2008 : 9:56:07 PM
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My wife and I actually spent a night there last summer. Overall we thought it was a nice place and found the people very friendly. Didn't see anything weird going on. It's more of a campground feeling and not as nice as Cypress Cove. But the pool and hot tub are really great. They even have a slide into the pool--a first for me in the buff (make sure you turn on the water to lubricate the slide! Yes, I did.) We stayed in a trailer converted into a "cabin." Pretty rustic but comfortable enough. There are some nice roads to hike through the trees. I'd definitely go back.
Regarding the Mid-Winter Naturist Festival, I haven't been to that, but I do find a number of the events listed on the schedule to be pretty "out there" for us. Definitely wouldn't go then, although the canuding trip on the Loxahatchee River sounds great!
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CathyK
Forum Member
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Posted - 05/11/2008 : 12:55:30 PM
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Been there many times over the past few years and it's a very nice place. Not easy access off a dirt road, and kind of on the rustic side compared to many other resorts, but very friendly nonetheless. Also very family oriented with quite a few children. Not sure what the poster means by creepy, but the name give me a hint.
Cathy
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FlCpl4NewdFun
Forum Member
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Posted - 05/11/2008 : 4:58:23 PM
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Cathy - what I mean by "creepy" is the picture of nude children on the front page of their website. In fact this very message board has a policy against that and that is why I can't post the link to their website. Admin has a rule against that for that reason. Look, I have no problem with nude children, or children as nudists or at nudist resorts. I have an enormous problem with adults posting pictures of nude children on the internet for the whole world to view with unrestricted access. Also, below is just an small sample of what goes on the the mid-winter festival. I'm sorry, but if you don't understand why someone like myself who's only information about Sunsport is their website may find this a little creepy we'll just have to agree to disagree. That is the reason I posted the question. If others who have visited confirm that the experience of visiting is accurately portrayed by their website, then I won't feel comfortable taking my children their. For instance, compare the Sunsport website to another family friendly friendly resort such as Cypress Cove. The Cove gets their point across without the pictures of minors.
10:00 The Politics of Children & Naturism (NAC)
– Morley Schloss, Jonathan Shopiro
Belly Dancing for Romance – Terris Collins
Routine for men and women to get in touch with your romantic self.
Children’s Activity: Aromatherapy –Create Your Own Scents
– Andy & Suzette Preble, Angela Williams
Essential oils basics: uses and healing power - hands on workshop mixing blends and naming them.
Henna Body Art for All Ages – Debronema
Traditional and meaningful designs using natural dye.
Children’s Activity: Body Parts Mural Painting - Sandra Reamer
7-9:00 Through the Lens - A Photographic Journey Along the Naked and Playful Path – Peter Simon
Meeting the challenges to children’s participation in naturism: naturist youth camps, home nudity, photography of children, child protective services, adults-only sites and events.
Pool Float Group Massage – Joann Aiassa
Face & Body Painting for All Ages – Joann Aiassa
7:00 Nude Youth in Art - Paul LeValley
Informative slide show on how artists through the centuries have approached the now-controversial topic of naked children and teens.
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Admin
Forum Admin
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Posted - 05/12/2008 : 2:47:30 PM
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FlCpl4NewdFun, thanks for paying attention and being careful. I'll have to admit, I hadn't been to the site recently and I was a bit surprised with the full frontal nudity of the minors right on the front page. I won't apologize for it, I think it's a bit too much for the general public.
If I hadn't been to Sunsport Gardens personally, I'd have a natural reason to question their choice of images. To the best of my knowledge, Sunsport is a respectable establishment, especially regarding family nudism and children. They have maintained a strong focus on family nudism for many years, serving as hosts for youth groups for AANR and the Naturist Society, the latter in which Morley is very active.
I believe their intentions are good, but their marketing skills are lacking. From looking at the site, you'd think there were many more children at Sunsport Gardens than adults. By my count, it's 18 kids to 13 adults. And let's hope all the parents signed the proper model release forms for their kids. You've got to be careful with this stuff, because misunderstandings can arise.
It is the policy of this site, and that of the Society for Understanding Nudism in general, that photos of families should be carefully screened for their effect on the public perception, and chosen to represent the togetherness of the nudist family. Any instance of minors in full frontal nudity, or the minors being separated from the parents for photos should be grounds for suspicion.
This really is no exception. I'd like to hear what some of the other members think of this. Is the Sunsport Garden's featuring of full frontal minors in good taste? Here's the link:
www.sunsportgardens.com
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Cheri
Forum Member
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Posted - 05/12/2008 : 10:16:49 PM
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One of the owners of Sun Sport Gardens is a long-time good acquaintance of mine. This is Morley's response.
"It was a conscience decision to post the photo to show diversity: age, sex, race, disability, etc. They're not making any decisions based on fear, and they feel that it's important to portray healthy family naturism. It is a very child and family-friendly nudist park."
"It's normal & natural, and they're not going to give in to social pressure. He says that when you take out the children from the equation, you have what happened at Hippie Hollow. (for those who are unfamiliar - children under the age of 18 were prohibited and lots of less than G-rated activity now goes on) You won't find anyone there in high heels and boob job."
Anyone is welcome to email him at morleynaturist@hotmail.com - he checks his email each evening.
Cheri
Doing what I can to positively promote nudism
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http://pages.prodigy/cheridonna
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CathyK
Forum Member
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Posted - 05/12/2008 : 10:28:32 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by FlCpl4NewdFun
Cathy - what I mean by "creepy" is the picture of nude children on the front page of their website. In fact this very message board has a policy against that and that is why I can't post the link to their website. Admin has a rule against that for that reason. Look, I have no problem with nude children, or children as nudists or at nudist resorts. I have an enormous problem with adults posting pictures of nude children on the internet for the whole world to view with unrestricted access. Also, below is just an small sample of what goes on the the mid-winter festival. I'm sorry, but if you don't understand why someone like myself who's only information about Sunsport is their website may find this a little creepy we'll just have to agree to disagree. That is the reason I posted the question. If others who have visited confirm that the experience of visiting is accurately portrayed by their website, then I won't feel comfortable taking my children their. For instance, compare the Sunsport website to another family friendly friendly resort such as Cypress Cove. The Cove gets their point across without the pictures of minors.
10:00 The Politics of Children & Naturism (NAC)
– Morley Schloss, Jonathan Shopiro
Belly Dancing for Romance – Terris Collins
Routine for men and women to get in touch with your romantic self.
Children’s Activity: Aromatherapy –Create Your Own Scents
– Andy & Suzette Preble, Angela Williams
Essential oils basics: uses and healing power - hands on workshop mixing blends and naming them.
Henna Body Art for All Ages – Debronema
Traditional and meaningful designs using natural dye.
Children’s Activity: Body Parts Mural Painting - Sandra Reamer
7-9:00 Through the Lens - A Photographic Journey Along the Naked and Playful Path – Peter Simon
Meeting the challenges to children’s participation in naturism: naturist youth camps, home nudity, photography of children, child protective services, adults-only sites and events.
Pool Float Group Massage – Joann Aiassa
Face & Body Painting for All Ages – Joann Aiassa
7:00 Nude Youth in Art - Paul LeValley
Informative slide show on how artists through the centuries have approached the now-controversial topic of naked children and teens.
Florida couple for nude fun,
I can tell you from personal experience, and from people I know personally who are members, that what is happening there is all very innocent and with good intentions. I do agree however that putting pictures of full frontal nudity of children on a publicly available website is not a very smart thing to do. But as you can see, the folks who run this place are just a bunch of free thinking ex-hippies who need to understand the digital world we live in is a far cry from the innocence of peace and love in the 1960's. While I personally wouldn't use the word "creepy" to describe what they are doing, I would use the word "misguided".
Cathy
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FlCpl4NewdFun
Forum Member
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Posted - 05/13/2008 : 01:44:41 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Cheri
One of the owners of Sun Sport Gardens is a long-time good acquaintance of mine. This is Morley's response.
"It was a conscience decision to post the photo to show diversity: age, sex, race, disability, etc. They're not making any decisions based on fear, and they feel that it's important to portray healthy family naturism. It is a very child and family-friendly nudist park."
"It's normal & natural, and they're not going to give in to social pressure. He says that when you take out the children from the equation, you have what happened at Hippie Hollow. (for those who are unfamiliar - children under the age of 18 were prohibited and lots of less than G-rated activity now goes on) You won't find anyone there in high heels and boob job."
Wow!!!!!
I originally signed back on to reply to Cathy to agree that "creepy" was a little harsh. But after reading your response I am almost speechless.
My God, do you really believe that's acceptable?
That attitude is not only dangerous, it's the biggest threat to nudism there is. Purposely choosing that picture? They aren't going to give into social pressure? Not only is it even more creepy now than before, it's selfish and exploitive. These children do not understand the ramifications of their decisions and are in no position to make the call on their own. They are relying on responsible adults to keep them safe and look out for their best interests. How selfish of them to take a position like that just to show how enlightened and free they are. They might as well have a big banner out front welcoming pedophiles.
I'm sorry Cathy, that's not misguided, it's intentional. There is nothing about family naturism that should involve using images of minor children as a form of social protest and speech.
Instead of my normal closing of Cheers, I'll sign off with two words:
Holy Crap!
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Sunsport Gardens, Loxahatchee, Florida
