The JCC of Greater Pittsburgh has broken ground on a new space that will aim to help the community center’s summer camp serve more youth.
The new facility called “The Cove” and will add additional offerings to help campers who are neurodiverse or sensory-sensitive feel comfortable at the JCC.
“This project stemmed from the growing need for more shade and shelter, along with our commitment to inclusion and enhancing services for our expanding neurodiverse camper population,” said Fara Marcus, the chief development and marketing officer at the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh.
Project Funding and Details
After critical planning of The Cove, the JCC applied and was generously approved for a $2 million matching grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.
“For the past three years, we’ve worked rigorously to raise necessary matching funds and appropriately plan the structure and vision with our team of staff, construction and management firms,” said Marcus. “This project could not have been possible without the support of our state and funders.”
The JCC had 590 campers last summer, which includes a little more than 400 families. This new space will allow the center to grow those numbers by more than 20% in the next three years because more children are getting diagnosed on the spectrum.
Specifically, the new facility will be a 5,000-square-foot dining hall and multipurpose space, serving as a primary dining area where lunch and snacks are served family-style.
“With the incorporation of design principles that support neurodiverse children and the addition of HVAC, the design will promote equitable use by providing a flexible space that accommodates diverse needs and preferences,” said Rachael Speck, the chief program and innovation officer at the JCC. “Recognizing the importance of sensory comfort, our design includes outdoor covered spaces for low-stimulus options and adjustable elements that promote a calm, inviting atmosphere.”
Benefits and Tips
Speck said this addition will immeasurably enhance the safety and quality of the camp experience while better ensuring the continuity of programming on challenging weather days.
“With the addition of more shade and shelter, we’ll be able to serve more children and cater to the varying interests and abilities of our campers,” said Speck. “We also expanded the project of The Cove for special programs, retreats and community gatherings beyond the summer season.”
For other recreation center leaders considering making similar facility investments like the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh, Marcus recommended investing in spaces like a family park that nurture social, emotional and mental well-being.
“Investments like these, made by community leaders, are essential for securing the future of valuable community assets that often struggle amidst the overwhelming demand for resources,” said Marcus. “In a time when societal pressures on youth are mounting, these projects have a lasting, positive impact — not just on individuals, but on the community as a whole.”
Construction on the project is expected to be completed by June 2025 in time for summer camp.
