VAA Breaks Ground on New Recreation Center in Maple Lake

In September, VAA broke ground on the True Friends Camp Courage new recreation center in Maple Lake, the facility set for opening in Spring 2026.  VAA will provide the architectural, structural, and civil engineering for the project, working alongside project partners McGough Construction and 45 North Group.

Having outgrown the function and size of their current recreation center, and through the gift of many generous donors, True Friends is excited to begin construction on a new pool and gymnasium, with a heavy focus on accessibility for campers. When complete, the almost 26,000 square foot facility will include an indoor pool with space for swim-in-movies and a splash pad, as well as a gymnasium with space for two concurrent power soccer games, a raised viewing platform for spectators, a 500 sq ft stage and a climbing wall. The gym will serve as a safe space during storms, as it has been designed as an area of best refuge to withstand up to 250 mph winds. Supporting these functions is a wood entry building with architectural ties to the rest of the campus. The entry includes a lobby, a multipurpose room, individual shower rooms, and changing rooms, each with changing tables and accessible fixtures. Built on a fully wooded hill amongst wetlands and connecting multiple camp functions, this project registers as is one of the most complex civil engineering challenges in recent VAA history. The VAA team is proud to deliver this multi-discipline project to a great program, ensuring decades more lasting memories for campers.