Caledonia Argus

Ground-breaking Saturday for building at Camp Winnebago

Posted: 3/18/03

A groundbreaking ceremony will be held at Camp Winnebago on March 22 to inaugurate the construction of a $689,000 multi-purpose building.

Camp Winnebago is a summer camp serving the developmentally disabled, and the building project is being undertaken to allow for more campers to attend.

ìWe were having to turn campers down, and we need more facilities to accommodate them,î said Building Committee Chairman Al Fravert. Camp capacity last year was 357, but with the new addition, the camp will be able to hold 400.

Providing better housing for counselors and opening the camp up for year-round activities were also factors in the decision to go ahead with the project. The building will be equipped with heating and air conditioning units, allowing for retreats and other functions to be held in winter, and eight dorm rooms on the ground floor will be used to house counselors.

Also on the ground floor will be a recreation room, to be used when its not possible to be outdoors. The first floor will house offices for the camp director and administrative assistants, as well as a kitchen and dining room.

Cresco Building Service, Cresco, IA, has been hired as the general contractor. The project is expected to be completed in time for the 2004 camping season.

Funding for the new building came from several sources. $400,000 in state grants provided the bulk of the funding, and a $75,000 LCIF grant, matching funds provided for the $37,500 raised by the District 5M1 Lions Club, helped mitigate the bill. However, even with grants and fundraising, $179,000 is still needed to finance the remainder of the project, and board members are considering a $179,000 mortgage.

Those interested in donating to the building project can contact Camp Winnebago at (507) 724-2351. The groundbreaking ceremony begins at 2 p.m. on March 22 at the camp and is open to the public.

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