Alyssa Ridenour
reporter@greenepublishing.com
The pavilion at the Cherry Lake 4-H Camp is currently under construction. Significant progress has already been made and it is expected to be completed by the end of December. Resident Director John Myrick expressed his excitement for the project and explains that the old pavilion is the same one that has been standing since 1939, with only minor updates through the years. The renovated and expanded pavilion will include bathrooms, office space for camp staff, flexible classroom space and a nurse's station.
“We are so blessed that supporters had the vision and generosity to get this project off the ground,” said Myrick. “The new pavilion is a much-needed update on [the] construction from 1939. The updated pavilion will house new offices, new bathrooms where none existed previously, new nurse's station that can now house a 24-hour nurse all summer and: a large meeting area that can be divided into two separate classrooms for teaching, crafts and meetings; plus a like-new open air meeting/recreation area. This will greatly enhance our summer 4-H camps!”
Construction was initially expected to be completed by mid-November. However, due to typical construction delays, the completion date is now set for mid to late December. The 4-H Camp is planning on holding a grand opening on the afternoon of Monday, March 1, 2021.
Florida 4-H Foundation's Associate Director Caylin Hilton has planned a big day for the Cherry Lake 4-H Camp. As long as conditions and state regulations permit, the camp will be having a ribbon cutting, followed by an appreciation announcement for everyone who helped make the project a success. The event will be mostly outdoors and Hilton hopes to also have a campfire. “It has been great working with so many members of the community,” said Hilton. “It was beautiful to see the thriving passion and the legacy of 4-H Camp Cherry Lake in the region and beyond.”
Hilton is also pleased to announce the dedication of the improved 4-H pavilion to Henry and Nell Davis, making it the 4-H Camp's Henry and Nell Davis Pavilion. This was approved by the University of Florida Board of Trustees on Friday, Dec. 4. For more information on the Davises, go to: http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/2020/10/11/henry-davis-honoring-a-legacy-of-service/.