The “Y” Camp at Algonquin Lake will be getting major improvements in the coming months, Jon Sporer, CEO and executive director of the YMCA of Barry County said Friday.

Architects from Slocum Associates, Inc. from Kalamazoo and three general contractors will visit the camp on Iroquois Trail next week to hear details of the plans before they offer bids. The bids are due on Oct. 15.

 

A new boat house three times the size of the present one, a new retaining wall along the shoreline, more accessible steps and a new boardwalk between the lake and cabins with a fishing platform are all planned.

 

“We are extremely excited and we know this project will benefit the youth and families of our community,” Sporer said. “This project could not have happened without the volunteer efforts of our YMCA board and committees.”

 

The goal is to have construction completed by June 1, 2019, in time for camping season.

The majority of funding will come from two family’s bequests, a grant from YMCA of USA, and will use no taxpayer dollars. They will determine the final cost of the project after opening the bids.

 

“The YMCA is very thankful for those who have supported the “Y” through the years, Sporer said.