LIVING RIVER CAMP AND CONFERENCE CENTER
Macknally Land Design was retained to masterplan a 440-acre site, with over two miles of waterfront property, on the Cahaba River in Bibb and Shelby Counties. The Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley envisioned a camp and conference center to host all age summer camp programs, year-round retreats and leadership training conferences. It will be a place for recreation and leisure outings and a setting to experience nature and learn environmental stewardship. The program calls for a general camp area, Youth Camp, Adult Camp, and Conference Center.
In order to meet the stated goal of the Camp Visioning Task Force, the Master Plan created uses sited on and with access to Alabama forests, wetlands, wildlife, ponds, lake and Cahaba River. The Master Plan proposes trails and low boardwalks in order to access the various proposed uses, with points of interest and environmental education areas posted with interpretative signage.
MORE »The design for the site will unify this project by tying in the many unique aspects and features of the site. Beautification of the natural environment and preservation of the river frontage were influencing desires for the masterplan. Both of these relate to the surrounding setting and offer environmental education opportunities on the property.
Currently, the Presbytery is conducting fund raising for the first phase of the Retreat. The first phase aims to build out the main entry road, a majority of the Youth Camp, and a portion of the Adult Camp. The Presbytery hopes to follow up the first phase with the continued build out of the remainder of the Retreat.
