End of an era at Camp Dearborn with closing of rustic tents due to safety concerns
A major feature at Camp Dearborn will be torn down this month due to safety concerns, the camp manager announced.
The military-style tents at the Milford camp have been deemed a "critical infrastructure failure" and will be closed for the upcoming camping season. The tents, which were constructed in 1996, are warped and brittle, Camp Manager Jason Spiller said in a letter to campers.
"At Camp Dearborn the safety, security, and well-being of our guests is always our top priority," the Jan. 27 letter reads. "When a safety issue arises, it is our responsibility to address it and protect our guests from any hazards."
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In the 25 years the tents have been standing, they have not been regularly or adequately maintained, Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud said in an email to the Free Press. Residents have even brought their own tools over the years to make repairs to the tents.
Exacerbating the poor condition of the tents was the total shutdown of the tents during the 2020 camping season. The section of the camp will be redeveloped into another type of accommodation for campers.
"No matter the replacement option we choose, we are going to upgrade and invest in Camp Dearborn to secure its longevity for generations to come," Hammoud wrote in the email.
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Other options could include electric hook-up sites, for trailers or RVs, or more rustic-style cabins. The decision will incorporate feedback and ideas from residents.
Refunds and season passes will be issued to reservation holders for the 2022 season. An early bird window is open through Friday for current tent reservation holders to rent any available cabin or electric or full-hookup site during the same week as their tent reservations.
New reservations must be made by contacting the Camp Dearborn office at 248-684-6000.
Camp Dearborn was established in 1948 and is operated by the Dearborn Recreation Department. While it is open to the general public, rates are discounted for residents of Dearborn.
Contact Miriam Marini: mmarini@freepress.com
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Camp Dearborn to tear down green tents this month
