Port Jervis Campground Gets Upgrades
Elks Brox Park Campground will soon get potable and nonpotable water tanks and more campsites, among other improvements, said Michael Ward, Outdoor Club of Port Jervis president.
A funding infusion of $16,000 for Elks Brox Park in Port Jervis will bring important improvements in September, says Michael Ward, Outdoor Club of Port Jervis president, who oversees the site and surrounding watershed trails. Multiple potable water storage tanks will be added for restroom and utility sinks that will be pressurized by energy from solar panels, he said. Fenced in tanks for nonpotable water for fire suppression will also be among improvements, as will street lights, cell phone charging stations and bike stations.
“Bike fix-it stations are already there,” Ward said.
Interior walls for a building that can serve as emergency storm shelter are planned as is increasing the number of campsites from ten to 32.
“Campsite number is regulated by Orange County Health Department. It depends on water availability. That’s why we’re increasing water,” said Ward. “The campground will have port-o-johns but no septic system will be possible for five to ten years because the shale rock is so expensive to dig under.”
Each campsite will have a tent platform to accommodate six people. Access to the campground is for hikers and bikers, no motorized campers or trailers.
The Outdoor Club has been using the campground for special events, such as their Overnight Run, Monster on the Mountain, and also Bark in the Park fundraiser for Pike County Humane Society, Ward said.
Monsters on the Mountain, a Halloween event, will be on Oct. 15. The Stone Challenge, a race that involves carrying a stone up a trail, will be on Nov. 3.
Funding for the campground came from several sources: New York State Senator James Skoufis provided a $5000 grant as did the Orange County Legislature. Atlantic Community Bankers Bank 2024 Collective Impact Campaign gave $2500. Jeff Bank gave $500. The Outdoor Club’s Stone Challenge V event raised $3000.
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