After nearly half a century with no significant upgrades to facilities, the Cooper Center for Environmental Learning is launching Phase 1 of a new facility master plan for Camp Cooper. Phase 1 includes ecologically designed bathroom and shower facilities that will model sustainability with composting toilets, solar power, rainwater harvesting and greywater systems for water conservation. Designs are currently being finalized with leading Southern Arizona architects, Swaim Associates, and Watershed Management Group, with groundbreaking scheduled for spring 2021.
While bathrooms might seem an unlikely first step for improving the Camp Cooper property, prioritizing this project will have a far-reaching impact. Camp Cooper sees overnight groups as large as 60 students and 20 adults at a time, and until now we have managed this with 4 toilets, 2 urinals, and no showers. This upgrade will more than double our capacity while using less water and electricity, and showers will allow for longer programs and a new revenue stream from facility rentals.
|
