Local nudist resort sees influx of new members, faces development challenges
Officials at Emerald Lake Resort, Montgomery County’s lone nudist resort, are gearing up for the annual celebration of au naturel fun as National Nude Recreation Week — celebrated this year from July 7 to July 14 — begins Sunday
But despite a growing membership and increased interest in the lifestyle, the resort faces an uncertain future due to a yet-to-be-determined development on the property adjacent to the resort.
Located off Loop 494 in Porter near U.S. 59, Emerald Lake has a long history in the Houston region as the only designated and officially recognized place for the thousands of Southeast Texas nudists to visit sans clothes. The resort, which has been owned by several different people and entities since the 1980s, sits on the former site of a gravel pit that was mined decades ago during construction of U.S. 59. The gravel pit, which filled with natural spring water after it was closed, is the center piece of the sprawling resort that features offices, two bars, a swimming pool, small beach and space for dozens of campers.
Jonathan Gockel, the resort’s on-site resident manager, said the resort will be hosting events throughout the celebratory week of July 7-14, capped off by participation in the nationwide World Skinnydipping record attempt, scheduled for 2 p.m., Saturday, July 13.
“We try to be involved with as many of these events as possible to bring awareness,” Gockel said of the event, which is part of the resort’s partnership with the American Association for Nude Recreation.
Activities and preparation for National Nude Recreation Week began in early June when the resort hosted an “Olympics-style” game day involving pool volleyball, cornhole and other activities. Campers and other RVs with license plates from New York, Missouri and other states dotted the wooded resort as members of all ages frolicked sans clothes and cheered on participants in the cornhole contest.
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Source: Chron
Original publication July 5, 2019
Posted on NatCorn 13th July 2019