Blasi Campgrounds on the market

Blasi Campgrounds, opened by the late Vern Blasi 40 years ago at 11409 W. Kellogg, is for sale as development land in two tracts. Asking price totals $877,000.

The Blasi family, which has operated the campgrounds, a tire store, gas station and convenience store on the site of the family home, is ready to sell, said Stan Blasi, Vern's son and CEO of the campground company.

"There are a lot of good memories there, but it's time," Stan Blasi said.

The campground property is offered in one 12.2-acre piece for $795,000, with an adjoining acre that connects the campground with 111th Street West for $82,000.

Gary Caulkins of 4 Star Real Estate, who is brokering the sale, said the land would be perfect for any number of businesses.

"It's an ideal location for a car dealership, a good distribution point because of the acreage," Caulkins said.

There's also interest from developers who specialize in large storage units, for recreational vehicles and small businesses that need to store equipment and parts.

"And it's still a great spot for a hotel, anything needing Kellogg access," Caulkins said.

If the buyer wants to keep the campground growing, the land includes 84 parking spaces for recreational vehicles, other campers and overnighters.

The land includes a lake stocked with fish and its own water well, a swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts, a clubhouse and office.

Stan Blasi said the land, owned by his mother, Theresa, is "more than one person can do."

"It's in Mom's name and she's ready to retire," he said. "My wife and I are running the place from afar and there's no one else in the family who can afford to purchase it from Mom, so it's just time."

Vern Blasi was a Wichita entrepreneur who died in 2006. He was a longtime fixture on the National Baseball Congress scene, as a player and operator of the Blasi Oilers baseball club.

This story was originally published July 19, 2011 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Blasi Campgrounds on the market."