Today, we proudly celebrated the completion of our new Office & Health Center with a joyful ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local and regional leaders. We were honored to welcome representatives from the Town of Olive, Senator Oberacker’s office, and Ulster County Tourism, along with our staff, community members, donors, and friends who gathered to mark this major milestone for our historic 385-acre campus.

Designed by Alfandre Architecture and built in partnership with Bensonwood and Collier Construction, this new facility will serve as a central hub for our year-round operations—supporting camper health services, staff coordination, and visitor engagement. It represents our deep commitment to safety, hospitality, and accessible programming for the more than 15,000 children and adults we welcome each year.

“Our donors didn’t just help us build a structure—they invested in the wellbeing, creativity, and joy of the thousands of children and adults who will walk through these doors,” said Sara Trapani, Development Director. “We are deeply grateful to the many individuals and institutions whose commitment ensured this project could become a reality.”

Sara added, “Finishing this project energizes our momentum as we look toward the next phase of our capital campaign. It proves that big dreams for Ashokan are not only possible—they’re already happening.”

Our founders, Jay Ungar & Molly Mason, also shared their reflections on this exciting milestone:

“For over four decades, Ashokan has been a place where people find connection—through music, nature, learning, and community. This new building strengthens our ability to welcome everyone with safety, warmth, and open arms. We’re grateful to all who helped bring this vision to life.”

The completion of our new Office & Health Center marks the successful conclusion of the first major phase of our multi-year capital campaign. We’re already looking ahead to the next transformative step: the Arts & Education Lodge, which will house visiting artists, educators, and seasonal outdoor education staff who help shape the experiences that make Ashokan a place of inspiration and belonging.

Today’s celebration is much more than a ribbon cutting—it’s a testament to what can happen when a community believes in a shared vision. We’re excited for all that lies ahead and grateful for the continued support that makes this work possible.