Camp Sewataro Property Information
Monthly Updates 10/22/24
The Sewataro team provides monthly information and program updates to the Select Board and Town Manager. Please see links to the latest update as well as the updates archive below.
Sewataro Fall Spectacular 10/4/24
Water Quality Update: Fishing/Boating Pond 8/19/24
Message from Camp Sewataro
Based on further testing of the swimming and boating ponds, and in collaboration with the Sudbury Conservation Office and Board of Health, we have determined that the ponds will not reopen this summer.
Water Quality Update: Fishing/Boating Pond 7/26/24
Message from Camp Sewataro
We are writing with some news about our fishing/boating pond. As you know, safety is always our #1 priority, and as such we test our ponds weekly for E. coli, and monthly for water quality. Late this afternoon we received a call from Water & Wetland (the lake management company that does our testing), informing us that blue green algae levels in our fishing/boating pond are currently unsafe for activities.
Unfortunately, this means we have closed our fishing/boating pond for the immediate future, and out of an abundance of caution, we’ll be closing the swimming pond while we await lab results from swimming pond samples. As you may have read or seen on the news, there have been several beach closings around the state this week, attributed to an excess of blue green algae in the water.
We will of course keep you updated, and will share new information as soon as it is available to us.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
-Community Liaison Kristen Drummey kristen@sewataro.com
Sudbury Resident Swim Program 6/24/24
Beginning June 29 and continuing through September 2, 2024, weekend swimming at the Sewataro swimming pond will be open to Sudbury residents.
Learn more and Sign up at Sewataro/Liberty Ledge Swim Program.
Financial Statements (12/13/2023)
Camp Sewataro’s Financial Statements for the period ended September 30, 2023, as prepared by Korbey Lague CPA’s.
Aquatic Vegetation Survey & Water Quality Report (2/28/23)
Camp Sewataro 2022 Aquatic Vegetation Survey and Water Quality Report prepared by SOLitude Lake Management. January 23, 2023
Financial Statements (11/15/22)
Camp Sewataro’s Financial Statements for the period ended September 30, 2022, as prepared by Korbey Lague CPA’s.
Americans with Disabilities Act (10/12/22)
The Select Board voted to release the Town Counsel Opinion regarding Title II or Title III Applicability at their October 11, 2022 meeting.
Sewataro Access Update (9/27/22)
As of September 1, 2022 the entire 44 acre property at Liberty Ledge is open for resident access, 7 days a week, dawn to dusk, through May 31. Remember to bring your own gear to enjoy the tennis and basketball courts and fishing pond.
Please note that leashed pets are now permitted on property, and remember to clean up after your pet! We have provided waste receptacles throughout the property.
Note that the back gate (Greystone Lane) will be open:
- 8am – 6:30pm through November 4
- 8am – 5:00pm November 5 – March 13
- 8am – 6:30pm after March 13
The property is open but back gate will be closed on the following dates:
- November 24, 2022
- December 24-25, 2022
- December 31, 2022
- January 1, 2023
Sewataro Fall Festival (9/19/22)
Sewataro Fall Festival
Saturday, October 22, 2022
1-4pm
This year, our fall event will be moving OUT OF THE CARS!
Please join us for an afternoon of ‘trunk or treat’ and other seasonal fun – details to follow.
Those interested in providing a decorated trunk, please sign up here: https://forms.gle/paPKeCaZCdvLK4HW8
If you have questions, or are interested in taking part in a craft fair, contact kristen@sewataro.com
Financial Statements (9/19/22)
Camp Sewataro’s Financial Statements for the period ended September 30, 2021, as prepared by Korbey Lague CPA’s.
Summer 2022 Property Closure (6/16/22)
Per section 1.2.2 of the contract, below is a list of camp programming closure dates for the summer of 2022.
Closed 12pm-4pm:
- Sunday, June 26
Closed 6pm-9pm:
- Thursday, June 30
- Thursday, July 7
- Tuesday, July 19
- Thursday, August 4
- Wednesday, August 10
- Thursday, August 11
- Tuesday, August 16
Sounds of Summer @ Sewataro Concert Event (5/25/22)
Please join us at Sewataro on Thursday, June 16 from 4pm until 8pm for our second annual Sounds of Summer concert event! Visitors will be able to purchase dinner and dessert from Texas Smoke Shack and Trombetta’s Ice Cream trucks, while they enjoy four wonderful musical performances.
- 4pm: Wayne Potash featuring Paul Sedgwick on banjo
Wayne and Paul have been performing high energy, interactive, Music Fun shows for kids together for over twenty years. With a mix of rock, bluegrass, and folk music, this duo gets kids up and dancing, singing along, and moving, with classic and new original songs. Wayne Potash sings and plays guitar and harmonica, and has released eight award winning albums for children with Paul appearing on vocals, banjo, ukulele, and didgeridoo. They are both accomplished musicians and work with kids as educators in music and drama. - 5pm: Moonflower
An eclectic alternative band from Lincoln Sudbury Regional High School featuring originals and covers. - 6pm: TBAR
A Sudbury band made up of a diverse lineup of local student musicians from Note-worthy Experiences Music Studio. Their imaginative re-interpretations of Great American Songbook classics and playful, improvisatory spirit are sure to delight fans of all genres. - 7pm: Better Her Than Me
“The music you love…live! Better Her Than Me is one of New England’s most rockin’ dance party bands. Top 40, 80s rock, Motown, R&B, 70s funk, you name it!”
Contract for Day Camp Operator and Management of Real Property (5/16/22)
Camp Operator Contract – Third Amendment
- Schedule of Annual Fee Paid to Town
- Expanded Camp Season Public Access Area
- Accessibility Improvements
- Public Swim Facilities 2023 Calendar
Contract Swimming Exhibit: Summer 2023 Resident Swim Program
Sounds of Summer (5/16/22)
Save the Date: Thursday, June 16, 4-8PM
Camp Operator Agreement Update (4/13/22)
The Select Board voted 4-1 to extend the Sewataro/Liberty Ledge Property Manager/Camp Operator Agreement for an additional 5 years at their meeting on 4/12/22. For agenda materials, resident input and other details, please see April 12, 2022 Select Board Meeting.
2019 Health Director Memo Update (4/8/22)
Town Manager Letter 4/8/22 – Actions taken to address issues outlined in Board of Health memo dated 9/13/2019.
Access Update (3/24/22)
With the change in sunset time, the Back Gate of the property will be open until 7 PM, effective 3/24/22.
Water Testing (3/23/22)
3/23/22 UPDATE: Camp Sewataro E.Coli report, samples taken 3-7-22:
- Certificate of Analysis 3/8/22
- Sudbury Town department feedback:
- Conservation Agent: I have no comments relative to this recent water testing result.
- Health Director: Their second E.Coli report was favorable. Warmer weather tests from here on in will be critical.
1/20/22 UPDATE: Results of water testing performed on ponds located on the Sewataro property 1/3-1/10/22:
- Certificate of Analysis 1/11/22
- Water Quality Results Summary
- Water Quality Results Memo from Town Manager 1/21/22
- Water Testing Memo from Town Manager 1/6/22
Sewataro Community Questions (12/7/21)
At the December 7, 2021 Select Board meeting, questions regarding Sewataro which had been received from residents and the Select Board were presented along with responses. Please click below for the two sets of questions and answers.
Questions from Residents & Answers
Questions from Select Board & Answers
Sudbury Sweater Throwdown – Sewataro Scavenger Hunt (11/24/21)
Tick Spraying (11/1/21)
Tuesday, November 2, the Sewataro property will be treated with a tick prevention spray. (The treatment that had been scheduled for Tuesday, October 26 was postponed due to poor weather conditions.) It is advised that those who visit the property on Tuesday, Nov 2 do so after 12:00pm. Thank you!
Tick Spraying (10/18/21)
Tuesday, October 26, the Sewataro property will be treated with a tick prevention spray. It is advised that those who visit the property on Tuesday, Oct 26 do so after 12:00pm. Thank you!
Second Annual Sewataro Scarecrow Spectacular 10/5/21
Please join us on Thursday, October 21st for our Second Annual Sewataro Scarecrow Spectacular! Enjoy Halloween music and decor, and Scarecrows made by Sudbury residents as you take a drive through the property. Sign up for a drive-through time slot today!
EVENT DETAILS
DATE: 10/21/2021 (Thu.)
TIME: 6:15 PM – 8:00 PM – Sign up for a time to drive through
LOCATION: Camp Sewataro – Haynes Rd. Entrance
SIGN UP
DRIVE THROUGH TIME SLOT: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d48ada72ba4f4ce9-second
MAKE A SCARECROW FOR THE EVENT: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d48ada72ba4f4ce9-2021
Sewataro Event Reservations 9/17/21
Local groups may schedule space at Sewataro for outdoor programming/meetings by contacting Reservations@sewataro.com.
Sounds of Summer at Sewataro UPDATED 7/6/21
EVENT RESCHEDULED TO SATURDAY, JULY 10, 2021.
We are excited to announce the first ever Sounds of Summer at Sewataro. Please join us Saturday, July 10 for one (or more!) of the following shows:
- 9:00am-10:30am Mister Vic
- 11:00am-12:30pm Mister Vic
- 1:00pm-2:30pm Lawrence Wood Quartet
- 3:00pm-4:30pm MoonFlower
- 5:00pm-6:30pm Cassandre McKinley & A.M. Trio
- 7:00pm-8:30pm Cassandre McKinley & A.M. Trio
Food trucks TBD.
Please click on the link for more information and to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d48ada72ba4f4ce9-sounds
Contact kristen@sewataro.com with any questions.
Summer Access 6/2/21
A reminder that, as of June 1st, the Sewataro property has switched over to Summer Access.
Open Hours
Monday-Friday: 6 PM – Dusk
Weekends: 9 AM – Dusk
Dates
June 1 – August 31, 2021
Entry
Back Entrance Gate (Greystone Ln): CLOSED
Front Entrance Gate (Haynes Rd): OPEN
Please stay within the Public Access area, in front of the red and white ribbon fence.
Mosquito and Tick Control Spraying 5/10/21
On Thursday, May 13, 2021, Sewataro will be closed until 12PM as the property is treated for mosquitos and ticks.
Resident Event Calendar 3/15/21
Message from Camp Sewataro
The Calendar of Resident Events at Sewataro is now live. We have space available for local groups to schedule outdoor programming/meetings. Contact Reservations@sewataro.com with questions or to book.
Revenue Share Payment 1/28/21
Camp Sewataro, under the terms of the Management Contract, owes the Town of Sudbury 20% of $15,682, or $3,136.40.
Camp Sewataro’s Financial Statements for the period ended September 30, 2020, as prepared by Korbey Lague CPA’s. The firm that prepared the financial statements, Korbey Lague, used customary depreciation methods (not accelerated) for all assets in their calculation, as required by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
Please see Camp Sewataro Revenue Share FYE 9.30.21 for additional details.
Back Entrance Holiday Closure 12/21/20
Message from Camp Sewataro
Please note that the back entrance to Sewataro will be closed December 24-25, and December 31-January 1. The property will remain open, and accessible via Haynes Rd. Thank you, and happy holidays!
Community Program Update 11/17/20
Message from Camp Sewataro
Now that we have settled into the camp “off season” we are able to focus our attention back to how Sewataro can best welcome and accommodate Sudbury residents. We are working with the facilities and building departments on a few projects including a handicap accessible ramp and parking spaces for the Liberty Lodge (formerly the Long House). We have contracted with C.P.P. Porta Potty services, and there is now a handicapped accessible porta potty located near Liberty Lodge, and a standard unit near the Haynes Road entrance for public use. Fencing work has also begun at the property’s back gate. See Community Program Update for more.
Tick and Mosquito Spraying 11/7/20
Message from Camp Sewataro
Saturday, November 7, the Camp Sewataro property is closed until 10 AM due to a scheduled early morning tick and mosquito treatment.
Scholarship Applications Now Available
Message from Camp Sewataro
Sudbury Resident Camp Scholarship Applications now available for the summer of 2021. https://www.sewataro.com/parent-info/sudbury-residents
Sewataro Scarecrow Spectacular on Thursday, October 22
Message from Camp Sewataro
Please join us on Thursday, October 22 6-8pm for Sewataro’s Scarecrow Spectacular! Click on the link below to sign up for an arrival time!
https://forms.gle/K3DViE1Nb1RvboLs5
Those wishing to contribute a Scarecrow, please fill out the form below by Friday, October 16. We have an incredible group of judges lined up and we cannot wait to see your amazing creations!
https://forms.gle/LGdRooRcnw5o7Gn7A
Public Access Update 9/14/20
Message from Camp Sewataro
In order to make the tennis and small basketball courts on the back of the property more easily accessible, the back gate (near the intersection of Greystone Ln. and Cobblestone Pl.) will be open to residents daily from 8am to dusk. Please park in the dirt area to the left as you enter the property, and do not drive past the barrier. Also remember that we have space available for local groups to schedule outdoor programming/meetings. Contact reservations@sewataro.com with questions or to book!
Public Access Update 8/31/20
Message from Camp Sewataro
Beginning September 1, the entire Sewataro property (excluding swimming and buildings) is open to Sudbury residents daily, dawn to dusk. Visitors can access the property through the Haynes Road entrance, and should park in the lot on the right, before the roped off section of Liberty Ledge. Below is a map showing the locations of playing fields and tennis and basketball courts on the property. Please contact kristen@sewataro.com with questions or to schedule events for your group.
Property Information: Public Access and Existing Buildings
Information regarding Camp Sewataro public access and existing buildings was provided as part of a Fairbank Community Center Presentation from March 2020. Click here for details.
Public Access Update 6/15/20
Message from Camp Sewataro
We are looking forward to opening up for resident access this summer. The camp-season access area at the front of the property will be open on weekdays from 6pm until dusk and on weekends and July 3 from 9am until dusk beginning Wednesday, July 1. Please remember that visitor parking is at the bottom of the hill, and that there are no pets allowed on the property. If you have any questions, please direct them to Kristen Drummey: kristen@sewataro.com.
Contract Update: Public Access 6/9/20
Second Amendment to Sewataro Camp Operator Contract – Camp Season Public Access
Public Access Update 4/7/20
We are communicating with the Camp staff as they work on securing the property to allow public access. This includes installing fencing and a gate, appropriate signage, parking and securing buildings and equipment on the large site. Some of that work may be delayed given the priority right now to keep everyone healthy and safe. The public’s access to Camp Sewataro will be coming before the Board of Selectmen in the near future.
Sewataro Offers Scholarships to Sudbury Residents
Scholarships to attend Camp Sewataro are available for those who qualify. The scholarships are extended through the 1st Amendment to the Day Camp Operator and Management of Real Property Contract which was voted by the Board of Selectmen on January 28, 2020.
More information and the application can be found at https://www.sewataro.com/parent-info/sudbury-residents
Sewataro Sponsors ‘Best Friends, Worst Enemies: Community, Friendship, Social Power and Bullying in Childhood” Talk by Michael G. Thompson, PhD at Curtis Middle School on Thursday, March 5
Click the flyer below for details.
Sewataro Open House on Saturday, November 16
On Saturday, November 16, 2019 from 1PM-3PM, Sewataro will be hosting an open house. Residents are invited to stop by to take a tour, play some basketball or tennis, or drop a line in the fishing pond! Remember to bring your own balls, rackets and poles, and please note that pets are not permitted on the property.
Purchase Update 10/29/19
The Town closed on the purchase of the Camp Sewataro property on Monday, October 28, 2019. Details on public access are expected to be released soon. For now, the property remains closed to visitors.
Public Access Update 10/24/19
The Town expects to close on the purchase of the Camp Sewataro property soon. We are excited to begin enjoying the grounds, however safety and security preparations must be completed prior to the property being open for public access. The Town and camp operator will be working to have these improvements completed as quickly as possible in the coming weeks.
Please watch the Town’s website and Camp Sewataro page for the latest updates.
Health Department Inspection 9/13/19
On Thursday, September 5, 2019 the Health Department conducted an inspection of Camp Sewataro property and facilities.
Health Department Inspection Memo
Contract Update 9/13/19
On September 10, 2019, the Board of Selectmen voted to enter into a Day Camp Operator and Management of Real Property contract with Camp Sewataro, LLC (Manager Scott Brody). Please click below to view the contract and supporting exhibits.
Sewataro Camp Operator Contract – Executed, without exhibits
Exhibit 1: Sewataro Camp Operator Contract
Exhibits 2-6: Sewataro Camp Operator Contract
RFP Update 8/21/19
The Board of Selectmen voted on August 20, 2019 to authorize the Town Manager to enter into negotiations with Scott Brody of K&E Camp Corporation for the Management of Camp Sewataro contract.
Purchase Update 8/20/19
Sewataro Purchase & Sale Agreement
RFP Update 8/19/19
On Monday, August 5, the Town received three (3) proposals in response to the Management of Camp Sewataro RFP. The proposals were evaluated by Facilities, Finance, Health, Planning, Park & Rec and Town Manager on Thursday, August 8. Based on the evaluations, a recommendation was made to the Board of Selectmen on August 8. The Board will meet on Tuesday, August 20 to vote on whether or not to authorize the Town Manager to enter into negotiations with the selected respondent.
RFP Documents (please click hyperlink to view)
- Camp Sewataro RFP and Addenda
- RFP Response 1: K&E Camp Corp. – Scott Brody (personal and financial info redacted)
- RFP Response 2: Marcus Lewis Enterprises Inc. (personal and financial info redacted)
- RFP Response 3: Metrowest YMCA (personal and financial info redacted)
- Staff Evaluations of Sewataro RFP Proposal Responses
RFP Update: An RFP for Management of Camp Sewataro was issued on July 10, 2019. Click here to learn more.
Flashvote Results Update: A Flashvote poll on the future uses of Camp Sewataro was conducted from Monday, June 24-26. The results are here: https://www.flashvote.com/r/H97TRLM?survey_id=5d0c503ce9c90b03ad63bc39
Election Update: Acquisition of Camp Sewataro passed at the Special Town Election on June 4, 2019. Click here for the Election Results.
Acquisition of the Camp Sewataro property was on the June 4, 2019 Special Town Election ballot.
RFP Update: On Tuesday, May 14, the Board of Selectmen supported the Town Manager’s recommendation to release an Request for Proposals in order to secure a camp operator for the Summer of 2020.
Update 5/20/19: A Public Forum on Camp Sewataro has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 28, 2019, starting at 7PM in Town Hall, 322 Concord Rd. It will begin the Board of Selectmen’s meeting agenda. Please click here for the flier.
FlashVote Update: Based on the advice of Counsel, the Town will wait until after the June 4 Election to conduct a FlashVote poll regarding Camp Sewataro. We look forward to learning more about what the community envisions for the site in early June.
Update 5/17/19: An Open House & Property Walk will be held at Camp Sewataro on Saturday, May 25, 2019, from 11AM – 1PM. Please click below for the Sewataro Property Walk flier.
Update 5/9/19: This Sewataro Acquisition Info Sheet provides information regarding the proposed Camp Sewataro property acquisition question on the June 4, 2019 Special Town Election ballot.
Update 5/7/19: Article 25: Camp Sewataro Acquisition passed at Town Meeting on Tuesday, May 7, 2019. The acquisition will be voted on at Special Town Election on Tuesday, June 4, 2019.
Please click below for the Town Meeting Presentation made by Town Manager Melissa Rodrigues.
Update 5/3/19: Letter from the Taylor Family to the Board of Selectmen concerning the sale of Camp Sewataro. Click here for the Taylor Family Letter to the Board of Selectmen – May 3, 2019.
Update 5/1/19: Town Manager Melissa Rodrigues gave a presentation regarding the proposed Camp Sewataro purchase at last night’s Board of Selectmen Meeting. Click here for the Camp Sewataro Presentation – April 30, 2019.
Update 4/26/19: Please click here to view the Camp Sewataro Statement of Profit and Loss.
Update 4/22/19: The owners of Camp Sewataro will be hosting guided walks for any resident interested in a tour of the camp property on the following dates:
- Saturday, April 27 at 2PM
- Sunday, April 28 at 10AM and 2PM
Update 4/18/19: The Board of Selectmen entered into a letter of intent with the owners of Liberty Ledge LLC. to purchase the land known as Camp Sewataro. See the Sudbury Enters into Agreement to Purchase Land at Camp Sewataro press release for details.
See the Letter of Intent to purchase the Camp Sewataro land, signed by the Board of Selectmen on April 18, 2019.
The Appraisal Report prepared by LandVest, Inc., dated February 20, 2019 is now available. See Sewataro Appraisal Report #10520 for the full report.
Update 3/27/19: The Board of Selectmen met on Tuesday, March 26, 2019 and voted to submit a bid in response to the Camp Sewataro RFP.
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Camp Sewataro is a summer day camp located at 1 Liberty Ledge in Sudbury. It sits on approximately 46 acres and will celebrate its 60th anniversary in the Summer of 2019. Sewataro’s owners plan to cease operation of the camp program in the coming years, and they have placed the property on the market.
Camp Sewataro Timeline
In Fall 2018, the owners of Camp Sewataro approached the Town of Sudbury to inform the Town that they planned to sell the property in the Spring of 2019. In past years, other options for the property had been explored, including Community Preservation Committee (CPC) applications for the purchase of restrictions or development rights.
Upon hearing of the potential sale, the Town Manager submitted a CPC application for the May 2019 Town Meeting.
During Goal Setting, the Board of Selectmen set a goal to work on the Camp Sewataro acquisition in 2019. They wanted to consider this item at the October 2019 Town Meeting.
After conversations with the property’s broker, the Town learned that the property would be sold as part of a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) Process. The timeline set by the property owner would require action at the May 2019 Town Meeting.
The Board of Selectmen submitted a placeholder warrant article for the acquisition of Camp Sewataro for the 2019 Annual Town Meeting.
Over the winter, the Town received the appraisal on the property as well as a copy of the RFP.
In March, the Board of Selectmen will need to review pertinent information and make a determination on whether to make an offer for the property.
The RFP responses were due by March 25, 2019.
Camp Sewataro Description
Camp Sewataro is a summer day camp. The camp plans to run its normal operations this summer and possibly in the summer of 2020 as well. The camp consists of approximately 46 acres located at 1 Liberty Ledge, just southwest of the intersection of Haynes Road and North Road. The camp operates under a Special Permit granted by the Town of Sudbury’s Zoning Board of Appeals. The Special Permit would require a compliance review by the Zoning Board of Appeals under new ownership. Camp Sewataro was founded in the 1960’s by Alba Taylor, her father Franklin Secatore, and two siblings. Today, the camp is owned by Alba’s husband, Bill Dowie, and Alba’s children, Mark, Rob, and Chris Taylor. According to Mark Taylor, the camp, which started with 25 campers, now provides programming for more than 1200 campers each summer between the ages 4 to 14. The camp is popular with families in Sudbury, nearby towns, and as far as Boston and Wellesley.
The property is located in the Single Residence A Zoning District. There are two wetlands located on the site, both of which are ponds that comprise approximately 3.2 acres. The property contains multiple camp buildings and accessory structures as well as three residences. The total building square footage amounts to 30,400 square feet. In addition to the two lakes, the property has 4 outdoor pools, two basketball courts, two tennis courts, a horseback riding arena, two soccer fields, one lacrosse field, and one softball diamond, as well as various other activity spots. There are 25 buildings across the site, some of which are sheds.
The Planning Board approved a subdivision for the property in 1998 for 31 residential building lots. That subdivision plan has since expired because certain conditions were not met. We are under the assumption the subdivision plan could be approved again or the permit life of the decision could be extended by the Planning Board. The current property is comprised of 33 separately assessed lots, 31 of which are buildable. The total Fiscal Year 2019 assessed value is $11,269,700. The property taxes paid in FY19 will total $201,840.
Land Protection in Sudbury
To manage land preservation and protection, the Town of Sudbury created the 2009-2013 Open Space and Recreation Plan to identify priority parcels for preservation and guide future town planning efforts. As part of the new Master Planning process, an updated Open Space plan is underway.
If open space or otherwise valuable parcels come onto the market, there are several ways for the Town of Sudbury to help preserve and protect them. These include finding a preservation-minded buyer for the property, utilizing cluster zoning to preserve open space while also allowing for development, purchasing a conservation easement to limit potential development, or outright purchase by the Town or a conservation entity (such as Sudbury Valley Trustees).