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Camp leaders anticipate that the Day Use Area at Agur Lake will be completed this summer. “By early fall, we want to start inviting special-needs groups to use the camp on a day basis,” said Linda Morgenstern, society vice-president.

People with special-needs have used the camp twice before. The first time was in October 2008 and the second was last August at an open house. The Day Use Area will feature a large pavilion, raised fire pit, outdoor washroom facility and associated trails.

“The pavilion will have timber framing with beautifully crafted arches. It is being designed and built by Wine Country Timber Craft,” said David Morgenstern, building committee chair and other half of the Morgenstern team. The pavilion will house a number of wheelchair friendly tables.

Currently, the optimum location and design of the raised firepit are under consideration. The Shaw employees of the Okanagan have contributed $8,700 for the fire pit.

Last summer saw construction of the camp’s first building, an outdoor washroom facility easily accessible to mobility impaired visitors and affectionately known as “the biffy”.

“The trails will be built by Greenscape Landscaping, who are experienced in building accessible trails in a sensitive environment. Greenscape has done all the trails for the N’K’mip Desert Centre in Osoyoos,” David said. The plan for this year is to build trails connecting the pavilion, biffy, raised fire pit and aluminium dock at the lake’s edge.

Future plans call for an extensive network of barrier-free trails throughout the 35 hectares of private land leased from the Robin Agur family and Crown land leased from the province that comprise the campsite.

Fencing the perimeter of the camp is a priority for this year. “The fence will define our boundaries and help keep range cattle out of the lake,” said David, who anticipates much of the labour will be donated. “However, we still need posts and wire.” The Community Foundation of the South Okanagan recently provided $10,000 for the perimeter fencing.

“In spite of the recession, we’ve been making steady progress thanks to our many friends and the provincial government,” said society president Barb Hatton. “We appreciate and thank every donor.”

Donations can be made on-line and by mail, and every donation of $20 or more receives a tax receipt.