Campground shelters will get facelifts

Campers along the Metolius River will have better picnic shelter facilities at three campgrounds this summer. Thanks to several organizations and local volunteers the shelters at Camp Sherman, Pine Rest, and Pioneer Ford campgrounds are being rebuilt.

“Each of these shelters is different,” said project manager Pete Schay. “They were in bad shape and in need of repair.”

Built in the 1930s by Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) workers, the shelters have been used for three generations by summer campers. The large cooking stoves, under roof, are particularly good for large groups and use in rainy weather.

This work is funded by a $7,000 grant from the Oregon Cultural Trust and a private party donation matched by the Camp Sherman Historical Society and the Friends of the Metolius, each contributing $1,000.

The Sisters Ranger District donated lumber used in the restoration project and services of archeologist Don Zettel. Also helping in this project were funds collected from last year’s Labor Day weekend pancake breakfast held at Camp Sherman’s Community Hall.

Besides Schay, local volunteers in the project included Jon Sheldahl, Bruce Shaull, Les Schell, Rick Thomas, Don McCreight, Walt Wright, Tom Landis and others.

Stonemason Kevin Spencer will do the finish work on the stoves.

“These workers are just awesome,” said Lorie Hancock, Camp Sherman Historical Society chair.

“These are just regular people, local folks, who care about their community,” said Schay.

The work, started in March, is expected to be completed by June, in time for the camping season.

To reach the Camp Sherman or Pine Rest campgrounds, head north out of downtown Camp Sherman on Road 900. Pioneer Ford is located off Road 14 past the Wizard Falls fish hatchery.