Log in Subscribe

Thompson moves ahead with plans for the former Camp Jened

Patricio Robayo - Staff Writer
Posted 12/9/19

THOMPSON — The Town of Thompson is moving forward with converting the former United Cerebral Palsy summer camp, Camp Jened, into the town's newest public park.

At their December 3 meeting, the …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Thompson moves ahead with plans for the former Camp Jened

Posted

THOMPSON — The Town of Thompson is moving forward with converting the former United Cerebral Palsy summer camp, Camp Jened, into the town's newest public park.

At their December 3 meeting, the Thompson Town Board approved the adoption of a Recreation Development Plan.

Delaware Engineering, D.P.C. presented a draft of the plan for the former camp during a town board work session on November 19.

“It's a beautiful site with amazing resources,” said Delaware Engineering Principal Mary Beth Bianconi.

The park in Rock Hill could soon offer boating, kayaking, swimming, playing fields, and an indoor recreational center.

At the work session, Bianconi, Delaware Engineering Project Coordinator Helen Budrock, and Delaware Engineering Environmental Scientist Tracey Ledder presented to a packed town hall different versions of what the park could look like.

Delaware Engineering has been seeking that input from the public in what could be done with the park this year.

In November 2017, the town purchased the 142-acre camp and hired Delaware Engineering to come up with some ideas on what could be done with the land.

At the November 19 work session, Delaware presented a draft plan that had input from the town board, Town of Thompson Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, and remarks from info sessions that were held with the public.

At the work session, three stations were set up to give residents a chance to provide ideas to Delaware about what they would like to see.

Some ideas that were floated around centered on how to use the 13-acre lake that is on the property.

“Access to water is very important,” said Bianconi.

Budrock, who led one of the info sessions said, “People thought the lake was a unique aspect for the park, to use it for paddleboard, boating, and swimming.”

The lake was dedicated to Ida Levine in 1993. Levine was on the board of United Cerebral Palsy and was a champion of individuals with disabilities.

According to Thompson Deputy Administrator Patrice Chester, Lake Ida could be the new name of the park.

Other ideas discussed were the use of the playing fields for soccer, baseball, and football.

Picnic tables and grilling stations were other items that residents would like to see at the new park.

A boathouse, a changing station, a first aid station, a community center with a three-quarter gym, and meeting rooms with a kitchen are all possibilities.

Some residents said they would like to see a large pavillon so they can rent it out for family events.

“There is no timeline on when the park would be open,” said Thompson Town Supervisor Bill Rieber Jr.

Before any work can be done, the location has to be made site ready.

Rieber said the town is more inclined to demolish the existing camp buildings on the property and have already hired an asbestos inspector to look at the camp.

“These are just starting points,” said Ledder.

The town will use the $250,000 Golden Feather Award, given to the town by Sullivan Renaissance, on the new town park, in addition to funds allocated in the budget.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here