Whether it is riding lesons or some summer fun, Camp Red Cedar in Fort Wayne is aiming to bring people together.

Wednesday officially concluded a ten-year $4 million expansion project. That project includes an 11,500 square foot activity center and new cabins. Those cabins will house 12 campers a piece and have indoor bathrooms.

The completion of the project will give both staff and campers more opportunities for activities.

“The activity center is going to be a great resource for our indoor activities, if it were to be a rainy day, and things like that,” said Carrie Perry, Camp Red Cedar director.  “We also have a large area where we can better facilitate our campers’ feeding needs and a big space to do so.”

The camp itself aims to be a place where those with special needs and those without can come together for a little fun.

Red Cedar offers year-round horseback riding lessons and recreational therapy.

Phil Reinoehl suffered a spinal injury four years ago and is paralyzed from the neck down. He has been attending Camp Red Cedar for therapeutic horseback riding lessons. Riding the horses has helped him regain core strength and work to retrain his brain and muscles to walk again.

“This building was, like she said, over four million dollars,” said Reinoehl. “I know, a lot of that has been funded by people giving donations and things like  that. Thank you for that because if that wasn’t here, I wouldn’t be the way I am.”

While Reinoehl is still in a wheelchair, one camp counselor said the progress he has made has been inspiring.

If you or a loved one has special needs or could benefit from the therapeutic riding lessons or is just interested in the Camp Red Cedar, you can find all the information here.