Richmond Enters Into Agreement to Purchase Former Girl Scout Camp

RICHMOND, Mass. — After several months of negotiations, the town and the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts have entered into a Purchase and Sale agreement for Camp Marion White. The purchase price for the property is $1,375,000.
 
The camp, located on Swamp Road, is comprised of three parcels totaling 50 acres with more than 1,300 feet of shoreline on Richmond Pond. Thirty of the acres are located on east side of Swamp Road. This is the area of the property that was used by the Girl Scouts. The property contains trails, a lodge, bathroom facilities, a covered picnic area, several storage buildings, and ten tent platforms. In addition, there is a flat upland area that was used as a playing field for volleyball and other activities.

The parcel on the West side of Swamp Road contains the famous beaver pond which is home to numerous heron. The beaver pond is a popular spot for fishing, painting, photography and of course bird watching.
 
Over its history, the property has provided outdoor experiences for thousands of Girl Scouts and now the Selectmen want to acquire the property so that it can be made available to the public for its enjoyment as a town park.
 
Since the announcement that the Girl Scouts intended to divest themselves of the property, town leaders have been working with the Girl Scouts with the intent to purchase the property. A working group was formed last November under the direction of the town administrator. Over the past year the group has developed a Vision Statement for the property and identified the types of activities that would be best suited for the property.

Envisioned very much like Kennedy Park in Lenox, the property with is extensive trial system will allow for walking, hiking and non-motorized biking during the spring, summer, and fall and snowshoeing and cross country skiing during the winter months. The flat upland section of the property will be used for a multi-purpose playing field for soccer, lacrosse, and similar team oriented sports. This area will also be made available for concerts, and other community based activities as well as private functions such as weddings, family reunions, etc.
 
Outdoor picnicking can take place in several locations on the property including under the covered structure mentioned above. While there are tent platforms located throughout the property, the Town has no plans to allow overnight camping. In fact the town's consultant on this project has recommended that all the platforms as well as several other nonessential out-buildings be removed. It is anticipated that the town will follow the consultant's recommendations.
 
With more than 1,300 feet of shoreline on Richmond Pond, it is envisioned that water based activities such as the launching of non-motorized water craft (canoes and kayaks), fishing, and swimming will take place. In addition, winter opportunities may include ice fishing and ice skating. With a boat house located at the shore, the town may be able to generate some revenue through the renting of a small number of "slips" for the storage or canoes/kayaks.
 
The 3,017-square-foot lodge that was use by the Girl Scouts as the main meeting/dining/educational center for the property is structurally sound and is envisioned to be used as rental space for community groups and others for functions/meetings. There will be no cooking facilities within the building. The working group has identified use of the lodge to be very similar to the manner in which the city of Pittsfield uses the Controy Pavilion located within Burbank Park. The rental fees collected will be used to help offset the operating expenses of the property.
 
Town leaders envision this new park to be a true community asset that will provide quality public recreational opportunities not currently available within town. This can be used as a "selling" point to young families and others who are looking at Richmond as a place to live.  
 

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