Volunteers propose shelter at Camp Aurora fireplace; board asks for inspector‑approved drawings

A volunteer group led in part by John Cloud presented a concept to the Parks and Recreation Board to replace or augment the existing east fireplace area at Camp Aurora with a 20‑by‑16 foot shelter built using three existing posts and a steel roof. The volunteers proposed to donate labor and materials and identified Justin Young Construction as a contractor willing to build the structure in time for July Fourth events if the city approves.

Cloud told the board the existing Camp Aurora building is constructed using tongue‑and‑groove cedar and that siding the building is impractical; the volunteers therefore proposed to build a freestanding shelter over the fireplace area instead. The volunteer group would use three existing concrete pads (one for the shelter, two for picnic tables) and remove one additional concrete pad that appears to be an old foundation.

The board did not take formal action; staff asked the volunteers to produce drawings that a building inspector can review. Parks staff (Steve) and the building inspector (John) were identified as points of contact. The board said it would likely approve the concept provided the contractor supplies plans that “dot the i’s and cross the t’s” for the inspector. Staff noted the need to address drainage behind the fireplace, electrical fixtures, light timers and roof pitch so the shelter does not sit higher than the chimney.

Board members emphasized the process: receive drawings, have the building inspector review, and then bring a formal construction approval back to the board. The volunteers said they could move quickly on a schedule contingent on inspector sign‑off.