Newly constructed dining hall opens at Camp Barnabas

A newly constructed, multimillion-dollar dining hall is now open at Camp Barnabas in Purdy.

A June 26 ribbon-cutting event marked the ceremonial opening for the Cook Family Foundation Dining Hall, according to a news release issued this week by Barnabas Foundation Inc. Springfield Business Journal previously reported the 22,195-square-foot building had a price tag of over $4 million.

The dining hall, adjacent to the camp's water park, serves around 700 campers, volunteers and staff. Camp Barnabas, the Barnabas Foundation's flagship program, hosts campers with disabilities and chronic illnesses each year at its camp in Purdy.

"This facility is a testament to our commitment to creating a nurturing environment where our campers can thrive," said Debbie Weathermon, chief business officer of Camp Barnabas, in the release. "We look forward to the many meals and memories shared around the tables in the new dining hall."

Weathermon said via email that Base Construction & Management LLC served as general contractor for the project. H Design Group LLC was project architect, according to past reporting.

The Cook Family Foundation Dining Hall includes a quiet dining area for campers with sensory issues, a tornado shelter and a deck, according to the release.