Multi-million dollar lake renovation planned for Ashland summer camp

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A multi-million dollar renovation is coming to Carol Joy Holling Camp in Ashland.

The camp is planning to restore Crystal Springs Lake, which has accumulated silt over the past 40 years.

Camp officials said they will dig up the lake and install dams to prevent this from happening again.

The project will cost an estimated $2.7 million and will also make more room for kayaking and canoeing.

Camp Executive Director Jason Gerdes said this renovation means a lot because the lake is a place of connection.

“The lake is the place where they gather for boating, for fishing, for our own summer camp programs,” said Gerdes. “We also have school groups that come out continuously that do water ecology and all kinds of fun things centered around the lake.”

Construction is expected to begin next fall and should be finished in time for summer camp in 2026.