PLEASANT VALLEY – Dutchess County purchased Camp Nooteeming from the Boy Scouts earlier this year at a cost of $4.8 million. Unlike county parks like Bowdoin and Wilcox, the 272-acre Camp Nooteeming will not operate as an open public access park.
The purchase of Camp Nooteeming in Pleasant Valley included the property, existing maintenance, and camp equipment including canoes, row boats, archery equipment, bunk beds, tents, tables, chairs, mowers, tractors, and other items associated with the camp.
According to county officials, Camp Nooteeming will continue to operate as a camp property with limited access to the public. Community organizations will be able to utilize the facilities for campouts, events, or summer programs. The camp, when purchased by the county included administration buildings, a pavilion, professional sports fields with lighting, rustic cabins, tent sites, shooting ranges, a commercial kitchen, hiking trails, outdoor pools, and a lake.
The county has partnered with Pathfinder FC (Football Club) for the management and operation of the camp, including coordination of youth camp programs and facility rentals. County officials say that there will be no annual operating costs for taxpayers. Pathfinder FC had an existing lease from the Boy Scouts when the county purchased the camp and they were chosen by the county to operate the camp.
The agreement between Dutchess County and Pathfinder FC is in place for 15 years with an option for a five-year extension. Net profits gained by Pathfinder FC through the camp are required to be used for future operating expenses, capital maintenance, and scholarships for youth programming.
County data shows that approximately 1000 children have been taking part in summer camp programs at Camp Nooteeming this year. The programs are offered through various community and municipal organizations such as the Town of Pleasant Valley Recreation Department and the Poughkeepsie City School District.
At a recent forum to discuss the camp, Deputy County Executive Bill O’Neil reiterated that the camp will not be a public access county park. He did indicate that the public will have a limited number of opportunities to enjoy the facility. The agreement with Pathfinder will give taxpayers the following:
- Community Days hosted by Pathfinder FC. The organization is required to host a minimum of 10 such days each year. On those selected dates, the camp will be open to the public at no charge, for passive recreation and associated events. Dutchess County has the right to host at least three of the 10 required days.
- The county has exclusive rights to the camp for up to 10 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day in addition to the three community days outside of the span between the two listed holidays.
