Restoration on the main building at Camp Gleason has been ongoing for about five years and the ribbon cutting is finally scheduled.

Monday, Oct. 6 at 6 p.m. will be the unveiling on the updated recreational facility that has been close to Auburnites’ hearts since the 1940s.

“We’re excited to have it re-open to be used for classes for the town,” said Kristen Pappas, Director of Recreation and Culture for Auburn.

All the work was completed by the Auburn Department of Public Works, Facilities Section employees and Highway and Parks staff.

“I’m over the moon excited. Of course, I grew up going there as a young girl,” Pappas said. “For me, it’s full circle.”

The completed work included mini-splits for HVAC, plumbing and electrical was roughed-in and insulation. Drywall, painting, flooring, finish plumbing and electrical, and accessibility improvements were also accomplished in-house. 

According to the Auburn Historical Society, Camp Gleason was started in 1942 by the United States Steel Corporation for recreational opportunities for their employees.

Camp Gleason was started in 1942 by United States Steel Corporation for their employee’s recreational enjoyment. At this time, it was not open to the public.
One of the camp’s founders, Jack Murphy, had two daughters, Ethel and Eileen Murphy who ran the recreation activities there. Activities included swimming lessons, picnicking, and outdoor fun.

The United States Steel Corporation eventually gave the land to Auburn on May 4, 1967 when a town meeting voted to “accept a deed from United States Steel Corporation conveying land and water rights and all buildings and structures located in the vicinity of Eddy Pond and Moss Reservoir.

Pappas remembers when buses ferried youngsters to swimming lessons. She went from attending the summer camp, earning her lifeguard credentials to running the swimming program when it existed. She has been head of Recreation for 18 years now.

 “We’re looking forward to using Camp Gleason again, and having it for the community also,” she said, although the pond remains off-limits for swimming.

Local dignataries – Town Manager Dorie Vecchio, DPW Director and Town Engineer Joanna Paquin, Select Board members will be on hand for the ribbon cutting. 

The first yoga class will take place at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 15, moving from being held outside at the Pappas Recreation Complex.

All are invited to the ribbon cutting to take a first look at the improvements. Light refreshments will be served.