Camp URSA, a completely accessible retreat about 20 minutes northwest of Cochrane, will be opening its doors Sept. 21 for a few hours of good food and good company.
The camp, which is operated by Calgary’s Universal Rehabilitation Service Agency (URSA), will be hosting a Friends and Neighbours Appreciation BBQ and Open House. The event is intended, as the name of the event suggests, to pay thanks to supporters of the wheelchair accessible camp.
“We really want to show our appreciation to the community — they’ve welcomed us with open arms,” said Danielle Murphy, community relations coordinator for URSA. “And we really want more people to know about the camp and the work that URSA does.”
The camp is a barrier-free recreation facility nestled on 18 acres of land. With wheelchair lifts, ramps and paved pathways to the barn and around the fire pit, the camp aims to provide a comfortable getaway for individuals living with disabilities and their families/caregivers.
The design of the camp recently won URSA the barrier-free design award from March of Dimes Canada, Murphy said.
The open house will give visitors a chance to check out the two new developments for the retreat: the gazebo surrounding the fire pit and a trailrider. The trailrider will enable wheelchair-bound guests to do get off the beaten trail, she said.
“It’s like off-roading for anyone in a wheelchair,” said Murphy.
The retreat isn’t restricted to those living with disabilities. The camp is available for rental year-round, for anything from conferences to family reunions.
It sleeps 24 people and has access to workspaces and business supplies. That’s in addition to activities such as fishing, bocce, horseshoes and shuffleboard.
The barbecue and open house will run from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. A short ceremony thanking contributors to the camp’s development will get underway at 1 p.m.
For additional information about Camp URSA and the Friends and Neighbours Appreciation BBQ and Open House, visit ursa-rehab.com or phone 403-272-7722.
