A new entry pavilion will be the first and most visible part of a planned 10-year renovation project at Camp Hazen YMCA on Cedar Lake. Phase one of the project was approved by the Chester Inland Wetlands Commission on June 3 and Planning & Zoning Commission on July 16.

Phase will include building a new 30 x 90-foot, timber frame pavilion at the entrance of the north side of the camp. It will be called the Gateway Pavilion and it will act as the new drop off and pick up for day campers and school-year field trip visitors. It will also be used for camp activities and provide an area in which the campers will be protected from the elements but still be outdoors.

Another part of phase one of the project will include a redesign of the current parking lot, roadways, and walkways, as well as the removal of old and dying trees.

“We have a replanting schedule already in place, to replace the trees we are taking out,” said Camp Hazen YMCA CEO Denise Learned.

The parking change is also intended to reduce pedestrian crossings on Route 148.

“One of the main reasons we are putting in the pavilion and redesigning the parking areas is to minimize the number of times the kids have to cross the road. Once this phase is completed, we hope to be able to have pick and drop off on the north side of Route 148.”

This phase of the project is anticipated to be complete by next May. Learned explained that some additional parts of the project, which will be implemented over the next 8 to 10 years, will include a redesign of the open spaces by the waterfront, a new boys shower house, and several other endeavors.

“This is a big project and a huge undertaking for us and we are very excited about it,” said Learned. “We are always looking for ways to meet our needs better and improve the camp, so we are working hard all the time.”

Camp Hazen will celebrate its centennial anniversary in 2020 on a global scale, kicking off the year-long festivities with a January fund raiser in Sydney, Australia. Another event will be held in May in London, England, followed by a three-day celebration in Chester.

“This upcoming year is going to be a very busy one, but we are very excited and we hope that the alumni from all over the world help us celebrate,” said Learned.