YMCA to Break Ground on New Lodge

If all goes well, the Fremont Family YMCA could break ground this fall for the nearly 6,000-square-foot Keene Lodge at the Christensen Family YMCA Camp on West Military Avenue.

Located on the southeast bank of Marv’s Lake, the lodge will serve as headquarters for camp activities, which will eventually include zip lines, a rope course, and other amenities available to YMCA campers and for rent by the public.

The camp committee met on Tuesday and sent a few minor changes to the architect, who will soon put the estimated $1.3 million-$1.4 million lodge out to bidders.

Meanwhile, YMCA officials will complete fundraising activities and iron out utility easements and other details.

“We’re excited about this,” said Jerry Rinne, chief executive officer of the YMCA. “When we did the master plan (in 2009) we were rolling pretty good until the economy went south. … Now the economy has changed a little bit, so we think it’s a fantastic thing for Fremont.”

Completion of all the amenities described in the 15- to 20-year master plan for the 120-acre camp was estimated in 2009 at about $12 million. After building the lodge, additional pieces of the plan will be built as funding develops.

“For us to be able to do anything, we have to get the lodge built so we have a headquarters where we can do things and have the shelters and the restrooms,” Rinne said.

“Our order is first the lodge, and the next thing once we get the lodge built is trying to get the zip line built to make it a unique type of camp that kids want to go to,” he said.

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