Hundreds of Girl Scouts gathered recently to celebrate their new lodge in Balboa Park.
The lodge will be used by more than 5,000 Girl Scouts and adult volunteers each year for day camps, trainings, events and overnight camping.
“We were very fortunate to have received so much community support for the development of this cutting-edge facility,” Rick Brooks, Girl Scouts San Diego board chair, said. “This new lodge will provide Girl Scouts with a space to explore new opportunities to be leaders, test their abilities and create lifelong memories.”
The lodge features fire-resistant cement siding and metal shingles, a wraparound veranda, a great room with an indoor/outdoor fireplace and a sleeping loft with skylights and window seats.
It is also outfitted with the latest technology and a commercial grade kitchen. Two of the lodge restrooms are accessible to visitors using the adjacent Adventure Zone, which includes an archery range, ADA-accessible tree house, 40-foot climbing tower, balance platform and traverse wall.
The 2,800-square-foot building replaces a much smaller, 52-year-old-cabin that was closed in 2012 due to structural and electrical issues.
The project was funded by donations from individuals, corporations and foundations, as well as County of San Diego Neighborhood Reinvestment funds. It was constructed by DPR Construction and designed by Audrey Ruland of Ruland Design Group.
