County Renews and Amends Camp Herrlich Lease to Ensure Long-term Care of Property and Infrastructure Improvements

CARMEL, NY – Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell announced today that the legislature passed a resolution to amend the County’s lease with Camp Herrlich. Amendments, featuring a guaranteed 20- year lease term, were sought by Camp Herrlich to ensure long-term care of the property and to secure funding for facility improvement and expansion to increase the camp’s capacity.

“Camp Herrlich has been a long-time partner of the County, as well as the Carmel Central School District and other local service agencies,” said County Executive MaryEllen Odell. “We are pleased with the outcome of the resolution and look forward to improvements at the Camp that will benefit Putnam County and our children through high-quality, safe and enriching childcare and summer camp options.”

“By amending this lease we will be able to secure the donations needed to improve and expand the camp facilities and program offerings,” said Bob Gentile, Executive Director, Camp Herrlich.

“Through a generous donation and partnership with H. G. Fairfield Arts and an anonymous donor, we are beginning the process of constructing a new, 5,000 square foot, multipurpose building and an outdoor amphitheater. This new construction will enable us to serve more people in the comfort of our traditional camp environment, through the inclusion of new dormitory facilities, classroom, bathroom space, open indoor space, and a performance venue. We hope to break ground this fall,” added Gentile.

Camp Herrlich provides childcare and camp programming for and with a wide range of organizations, including the Putnam County Youth Bureau, the Child Care Council of Dutchess and Putnam, the Carmel Central School District, Brewster Schools, Cornell Cooperative Extension & 4-H, H. G. Fairfield Center for Arts and the Environment, and others.

“Camp Herrlich has always been a jewel in the Town of Patterson and has served as an asset to all of Putnam County. As a longtime resident of the Town of Patterson, I am elated that an agreement has been finalized which will ensure that Camp Herrlich will continue to grow and foster wonderful programs for our children”. Said Ginny Nacerino, Chairwomen of the Legislature.