Beaver Creek Campground Receives Grant
Eugene L. 03.25.25
The Ohio Valley YMCA has received a $2.6 million grant to transform and revitalize the Beaver Creek Campground into a premier community recreation and tourism destination. The YMCA originally received the Beaver Creek Presbyterian Church Camp as a donation from the Presbyterian Churches in the Upper Ohio Valley, as long as the YMCA maintains the property and has a partnership with the Presbyterian churches so the churches can have continued use of the property for a church camp. The $2.6 million grant for the Beaver Creek Campground is from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR)’s Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) program and covers half the $5 million that the YMCA needs to transform the 100-acre property into youth day camps, residential overnight camps, an outdoor swimming pool, waterfront access for kayaking and fishing, gathering spaces for community events, trails, and camping facilities and accommodations. The location will be available to both paying YMCA members and non-members, who will need to pay rental fees to use the facilities.
“We are extremely grateful for this opportunity. This investment will allow us to revitalize a historic site, improve infrastructure, and create new opportunities for outdoor activities that benefit the entire region,” said Estell. “With a focus on community health, economic growth, and environmental stewardship, the Outdoor YMCA will provide a unique space for recreation, education, and wellness.”
– Sierra Estell, executive director, Ohio Valley YMCA
The transformation of Beaver Creek Campground will take place in three phases, Renovations and Mine Land Reclamation, New Construction and Infrastructure, and Recreation Tourism Enhancements. The first phase of Renovations and Mine Land Reclamation is expected to start later this spring or summer. This project will provide the are 20 short-term jobs for construction and an estimated 60 long-term jobs once the camp is reopened, with plans to use as many local workers as possible.
