Public can also use fully accessible site

By Ann Marie Chechalk
Special to the News

For more than 40 years, buses have travelled from Hamilton to Puslinch area on their way to Camp Marydale. But as the camp, established in 1963, approached its fourth decade, board members had to face the realities of infrastructure decline.

In 2003, the decision to close the facility left Camp Marydale without a permanent home.
But the Catholic Youth Organization has not been idle and a new Camp Marydale, near Binbrook Conservation Area, is ready to open soon.

In the early 1970s, Camp Marydale was one of the first camps in the province to integrate campers with disabilities into its  program. Continuing to serve all children from all economic, faith and cultural backgrounds remained as the mission statement.

Needing a new home to fulfill these objectives, the board of directors of the CYO turned to focus groups for guidance and direction.

“It became apparent,” said retired executive director Peter Rosser, “that there were very few places that families could go to with physical challenges and very few places where teens with disabilities could maintain their independence.”

“And there were even fewer places for them to work. Not only must the place be accessible for campers it must be accessible for employees.”

With this directive and with the related costs, it became apparent that a camp that was open for only eight weeks a year could not be justified. This is when the idea for ‘Marydale a park for everyone” came to fruition.

The 14.2-acre site adjacent to the Binbrook Conservation Area is under development with detailed building plans portraying a rural theme.

For eight weeks in the summer, the park will be the new home of Camp Marydale and Urban Hoops. But evenings, weekends and warm spring days will allow everyone to use the accessible washrooms, playing fields, trails, pools, paddle boats and fishing areas until dusk.

People of any age or ability, including those who use wheelchairs, scooters or walkers can fully and independently enjoy the facilities.

The park is under construction and much work hinges on the weather.

“We hope to be fully operational in July 2012,” said John Spatazzo, the CYO executive director, “but there still is much to do.”

For more information, visit www.marydalepark.ca.