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The Boys Brigade's Camp Stedfast at Piha will be added to the surrounding Waitakere Regional Park in a $1.5 million purchase deal announced yesterday.
The brigade has owned the 8.22ha property since 1983 when its membership was double that of today's 1000.
Falling demand for camping led to the brigade board of trustees putting it on the open market in February, to free up money needed for its programmes.
Auckland Regional Parks chairwoman Sandra Coney said the 90-bed camp, with its bush area, was important for the council's commitment to outdoor and environmental education for school children.
As well, the property was 10 minutes' walk from Piha Beach and would relieve pressure on visitor facilities at the regional park's Glenesk Rd end.
