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Council hears options for Camp Pendara (4‑H) renovations, staff to return with costs and next steps
Summary
County staff and finance department described renovation options for Camp Pendara (formerly a 4‑H site): ADA upgrades, roof work, partial dorm renovation/repurposing, shooting-range improvements and site infrastructure; estimated immediate improvements $150,000–$200,000, with larger dorm work potentially $200,000+.
County staff and finance department staff briefed the Dorchester County Council on Aug. 5 on options to renovate and repurpose Camp Pendara, a 24.57‑acre property the county recently acquired that includes Osborne Hall, a dormitory, an open-air pavilion and a shooting range.
Joe Ehr, listed in the presentation as a financial analyst working with the finance department, said the county is exploring a mix of improvements to support community programming, youth development and collaboration with 4‑H. Ehr said the county’s initial implementation estimate for site improvements that address accessibility, roofing and safety features would not exceed $150,000–$200,000. He added that larger dormitory renovation could run “a minimum estimate” of $200,000 and could be higher depending on structural needs.
Ehr described three dormitory options the county is weighing: full renovation to restore overnight lodging (highest cost), demolition while keeping the foundation for future uses, and a partial renovation to convert the cinder-block structure to secure storage for equipment, which the department recommended as a near-term approach.
Staff identified immediate priorities including ADA modifications to restrooms and exterior access, replacement of a roof that was last worked on in 2015, removal of hazardous dead tree material, and safety and access improvements to the shooting range including a new cover, formal shooting lanes and signage in line with loss-control and Department of Natural Resources guidance.
Luke (last name not specified in the transcript), who spoke on operations and programming, and Joe Harrell from finance noted goals to align shooting-sport programs with safety standards, expand youth engagement, and pursue county fair hosting within five years.
Council members asked whether partial dorm renovations would preserve the option for future overnight use; staff said the partial approach would keep the structure standing and allow future conversion if funding and needs align. Council members also requested square-footage and more detailed cost estimates; staff said those figures would be provided and that staff would return with a refined implementation plan and funding options.
Ending: Council members thanked presenters and asked staff to schedule follow-ups, including a site visit and more detailed cost estimates and funding recommendations. No appropriation or binding commitment of funds for a specific renovation option was recorded at the meeting.
