Opinion: A Wawa at Wewa? Apopka Residents Right to Oppose Camp's Development

    We're nearly all disenchanted with the incessant parade of gas stations, fast food chains, cheap developments and pop-up shopping malls in Central Florida. And now the disease of poor planning may be coming full circle in Apopka, as Camp Wewa sits in jeopardy of becoming "Camp Wawa" under the control of developers. No official plans for the site's sale or development have been announced, but, until recently, the future looked dismal for the camp, especially following news that the local YMCA sought to sell the property.

    Soon residents fear there may no longer be "a place you can go, when you're short on your dough," as the song goes, or at least a campground if developers get their way. Thousands of residents saddened and frustrated with the camp's potential sale took to facebook and twitter in opposition. The pushback echoed all the way to city hall after the results of a survey on the town's Facebook page. According to Mayor Brian Nelson, 152,000 people viewed the survey accompanied by thousands of shares and comments, mostly in support of the camp. The Mayor acknowledged the special place the site holds in the hearts and minds of residents, telling News 13: “Obviously, having been a camper there, I have a soft spot in my heart for it," he said. "But nothing would’ve ever prepared me for this kind of enthusiasm for trying to come up with a solution to buying Camp Wewa.”

    Proponents of the camp earnestly await a nearly $1 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection that may be on the way for the city to purchase the property. “I think we ought to be able to come up with some kind of an arrangement that, you know, fills the needs of the former campers and former counselors, the city of Apopka residents, and something that gets YMCA the cash they need to continue to operate,” the Mayor said to News 13.

    The camp's ultimate fate remains unknown and the future of the property does not appear to be set in stone at this stage. However, many residents feel the Mayor's response to be just the kind of common sense government lacking in most cities today: a balance between development and keeping a town's character in one piece. 

    Development and progress happen. There's a need for services and homes. People require a decent place to live and a community with a robust economy. But part of what makes a great community comes in the way of city planning. The clamoring voices of small town politics often promote a black and white answer: development or no development. But that false choice regularly forces cities to fall into decline or destroy their character.

    Nevertheless, Apopka may soon be spared one of the great tragedies of development and Mayor Nelson deserves praise for his effort to save Camp Wewa and promote an appropriate balance of growth and preservation in the town of Apopka.

    If you wish to add your backing the city's effort, the town plans to put on an outdoor event in downtown Apopka on Saturday to raise money for Camp Wewa. The event will serve not only as a fundraiser, but also a reunion for former campers and counselors. Those unable to physically attend may join virtually and connect via a Facebook page where over 500 alumni have banded together. Supporters have also established a GoFundMe account to "Save Camp Wewa" and currently accept donations to keep the camp going.