Alden Johanson, Mount Hermon’s chief operating officer and Nate Pfefferkorn, the Director of Adventure and Recreational Programs gave an hour-long presentation about the plans to nearly 100 community members Tuesday, Feb. 12.
“This is a huge asset at our disposal as Mount Hermon decides how to use it,” Johanson said.
The plan for the meadow includes three zones.
n The first would be an expansion of Redwood Camp, the elementary and middle-school aged facility that borders East Zayante Road. The zone would include a walking bridge over the road to connect the meadow and existing camp properties. It would also feature a recreational field, a bouldering wall and an area for target sports such as archery and slingshot.
n The second zone would include a community day camp that would run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during the summer and likely in the afternoons after school. A building would be constructed to house all the things needed to support the day camp.
n Zone three would include an “aerial adventure course,” like a ropes course; several sets of cycling trails, including downhill cycling and a pump track; a community garden; a splash zone water feature; and 136 parking spots near the Felton Faire shopping center on Graham Hill Road.
Pfefferkorn was especially excited by the bike park features, which would offer cyclists flow trails with banked turns and bumps, a skills loop and a pump track.
“A lot of off-road cycling (in Santa Cruz County) is illegal,” Pfefferkorn said. “They’re hungry for a home where they can do things and not get into trouble.”
Pfefferkorn said all the buildings and structures would be built to match the natural landscape by using wood and metals that blend.
Several audience members voiced concern about water use on the property — one of the reasons a previously envisioned 55-unit housing project failed to be built there. Johanson said that the fewest number of bathrooms on the property would be used, and drought-resistant plants would likely be used for landscaping.
Other concern was the height of an aerial adventure course that would be built along a hill along East Zayante Road. Exact details of the height were not available during the presentation.
The meadow was recently fenced, but Mount Hermon plans to open the meadow day-use visitors and allow campers to use the property as part of its programming. Staff members said it’s too early to say what type of benefits Mount Hermon residents would receive, specifically.
Pfefferkorn said the plans are a way to draw people of all ages, but especially younger families, to the Mount Hermon camps.
“We’re hoping to draw some more tourists to the valley — and for the local community, we hope it’s a place to spend time with families,” Pfefferkorn said.
He noted the plan would likely take five to seven years to fully build.
Mount Hermon staff has begun meeting with county officials regarding permitting. The initial stages would be funded by private donations, and later on use fees would help pay for the facility.
To comment, email editor Peter Burke at peter@pressbanner.com, call 438-2500 or post a comment at www.pressbanner.com.
Too bad people have to leave such negative comments, fanatical Christians scare me, keep it to your self please.
One concern - I hope that open space and consideration for wildlife can be incorporated into the plan.
He spoke of helping the poor and I don't see any of that in the plans.
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As far as wildlife goes, I don't think wildlife need 136 more parking spaces, seeing as they don't drive cars.
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All Mt. Hermon does is considered with the money in mind.
If that causes nausea to you, we have something in common.
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I lived there for many years and worked there for many years too.
The more you learn about the Mt. Hermon Assoc. the more you understand they have walked all over the teachings of Christ searching for a greasy buck.
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One can walk all over the teachings of Christ, but don't confuse it with spreading the gospel.
To confuse spreading the gospel with chasing money is a huge mistake.
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And remember:
Judge Not Lest Ye Be Judged!
He is the guy they hide behind to avoid taxes.
I can't believe Alden Johanson said, "this is a huge asset at our disposal"
What has become of stewardship of God's creations?
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Mt. Hermon Assoc. makes big bucks selling religion to those who can afford it.
They have more lodging & sell more meals then any other business in the valley.
It must be nice to avoid those pesky taxes!
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They have at least four pools for guests now.
How much more water will they use for the "splash zone"?
How much water do they use currently?
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What would Jesus think about this huge business using his name ?
Mount Hermon has consistently brought value to the area. Have you looked around the campus? Clean, beautiful buildings, awesome bookstore, nice neighborhoods, nice people. The new gym is gorgeous.
Mt Hermon is great for our community; they add a good balance to all the drunks, hoodlums, and derelicts in our area. How many times do you see Mt Hermon Assoc in the police blotter? God bless em!