Maple Lake, Minn. — True Friends, a nonprofit providing life-changing independence and confidence-building experiences for children and adults with disabilities, will soon unveil a landmark project created to provide barrier-free experiences and activities for years to come: the Cambria Recreation Center at True Friends Camp Courage in Maple Lake, Minn.
An open house will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026, from 2 – 4 p.m. The event is free and the public are welcome to attend.
The Cambria Recreation Center at True Friends Camp Courage is a brand new, state-of-the-art, accessible recreation facility designed to support individuals of all abilities, including campers and retreat guests.
The 26,600 square-foot building will provide enhanced accessible amenities including a temperature-controlled, state-of-the-art zero-entry pool, as well as a spacious gymnasium with a stage to support sporting events, performing arts opportunities, and large group gatherings. The new structure is almost 7,000 square feet larger than its predecessor.
“The grand opening of the Cambria Recreation Center excites us on so many levels,” says John LeBlanc, President and CEO of True Friends. “Not only are we able to offer our campers the chance to enjoy the wonderful accessible pool, gym, and amenities; but we can also welcome other groups to utilize the space for their retreats and team building events. This is truly a transformative project that strengthens our mission to provide barrier-free experiences and opportunities for community connection.”
The building was made possible through the support of several generous donors who helped to raise over $17.75 million to fund its construction. Several Minnesota companies collaborated to design and build the Cambria Recreation Center including VAA Architects, McGough Construction, Aqua Logic, 45 North, Collins Electrical, Horwitz, Rachel, Wells Concrete, Marco, St. Rosa, KRA, and many other subcontractors.
Extreme care and attention to detail were taken to ensure the facility is as accessible as possible to meet the widest range of people’s needs. Features include automated Camden Door Controls, a lift operator in the restrooms/changing room, sound mitigation in the pool and gym, and thoughtfully designed layouts for the pool, splash pad and viewing areas.
Highlights of the Cambria Recreation Center at True Friends Camp Courage include:
Gymnasium
A 12,900 square foot gymnasium that could be divided into one full or two half basketball courts. It is striped for pickleball, volleyball-ready, and includes an indoor climbing wall.
- The gym is complete with a scoreboard, full A/V system, a stage, and a large viewing platform.
- It features a Robbins Pulastic Classic 90 synthetic and seamless sports flooring system, suitable for wheelchair athletes.
- The area can be converted into a multipurpose meeting space for up to 300 people.
Aquatic Area
A 2,200 square foot swimming pool complete with a zero-entry ramp, shallow recreation area, a deep end, social areas with benches, as well as a splash pad featuring Life Floor and accessible water features.
- Acoustic baffling was carefully engineered to reduce noise levels, an important feature for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
- Instead of locker rooms, individual changing rooms are provided.
- All pool restrooms are fully accessible with state-of-the-art Camden door operators, changing tables, and one room features a lift system.
Parking
Directly outside the building, parking was designed to accommodate easy drop-offs. There are several handicap spaces for vehicles as well as two EV charging stations.
Camp to Center Pathway
- A redesigned, paved path from the Woodland Camp to the new building is more accessible than the previous path, using a switch-back path with railings and lights.
True Friends is a nonprofit organization providing life-changing experiences that enhance independence and self-confidence for children and adults with disabilities. True Friends’ programs include Camp, Respite, Retreats, Team Building, Therapy and Adaptive Riding, and Travel; serving over 15,000 individuals annually. With locations near Maple Lake, Annandale, and Eden Prairie, True Friends serves individuals in Minnesota and throughout the United States.
