The plans include a new lodge building and swimming pool.
SPRINGFIELD – City officials on Thursday unveiled a $3.3 million master plan for Camp STAR Angelina at Forest Park, which includes a new lodge and swimming pool, with all buildings and amenities designed to be fully accessible for the handicapped.
It is slated to become the first universally designed day camp in Western Massachusetts. The design focuses on providing recreational opportunities for youth all abilities, officials said.
The first phase of the three-phase project involves a new sloped-entry recreational pool and bathhouse. Two future phases involve construction of a lodge, activity center, amphitheater, and boardwalk trail to Porter Lake.
The city will primarily rely on private funding including an ongoing major fundraising effort, officials said. The plans were revealed during a press conference at Forest Park, attended by various city officials, camp staff and business leaders.
Camp STAR Angelina is Springfield’s inclusive day camp program operated by the Recreation Division, located adjacent to Forest Park on Trafton Road and serves campers, ages 3-22, with and without disabilities.
“I am very excited about this opportunity to transform Camp Star Angelina into an accessible facility that will allow all of residents, most importantly our children and young adults, to experience the benefits of Forest Park without impediments,” Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said in a prepared release. “This program has been a valued resource in our community for over 50 years.”
For many years, the summer camp was divided into two camps at separate locations.
The camps merged in the early 2000’s and moved to Forest Park. The current camp programs serves more than 150 campers with and without disabilities, particularly those with physical, emotional, behavioral and learning disabilities, hearing and vision impairments and other medical concerns.
According to Tony Restivo, therapeutic recreation director, “the camp program has been a life changing experience for the campers and staff as camp is about sharing and the memories are heartwarming.”
“We all come away from it with a sense of pride and joy – this is the essence of Camp STAR Angelina,” Restivo said.
The city in announcing the master plan, honored some of the participating organizations and donors including MassMutual Financial Group, Irene A. & George E. Davis Foundation, Parent and Friends of Camp STAR, the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, Springfield Public Buildings Tradesmen Association, Department of Health and Human Services, SCCCA, and William and Edward Walker Trusts.
The city has already raised approximately $410,000 including a $150,000 donation from MassMutual
Donations can be made out to "SCCCA-Camp STAR Angelina" at 200 Trafton Road, Springfield, MA, 01108.