On April 23, Dublin School officially opened and dedicated its new crew boathouse on Thorndike Pond.
Two years ago, Dublin School Trustee Timothy Steele informed Head of School Brad Bates that he wanted to donate the funds for a boathouse. Steele, who comes from a family of rowers, was thrilled that his two children rowed at Dublin.
Bates said, “I was humbled and inspired by Mr. Steele’s vision for our crew team. He clearly understands how transformative a sport like rowing can be for a young person.”
The Steele Family Boathouse was built on the Camp Wanocksett property of the Boy Scouts of America. It gives the camp a large upstairs meeting space and access to the boathouse in the summer when Dublin School is not in session. Dublin School will have access to the boathouse during the fall and spring rowing seasons.
“It is exciting when you can form a win/win partnership such as this one,” Bates said. “Camp Wanocksett’s existing infrastructure saved us from having to build parking lots, bathrooms, docks and race viewing areas. I feel strongly that this is a great model for other camps and rowing programs around the country.”
Dan Scully of Scully Architects designed the boathouse and A 61 Construction built it in partnership with Andy Hungerford, Dublin School’s director of buildings and grounds. The design allows for the storage of 24 boats.