Lilly Endowment grant upgrades Camp Riley pool, bathhouse

More than 200 Camp Riley campers will enjoy a brand-new pool and bathhouse this summer, thanks to a generous grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.

Camp Riley is an annual summer camp program that lets children with physical and cognitive diagnoses experience life without limits and adventures that help them build confidence and friendships. The Lilly Pool at Bradford Woods — home of Camp Riley — was originally constructed in the 1970s through a previous grant from Lilly Endowment.

“We are grateful to Lilly Endowment for its long-standing dedication to Camp Riley and the children we serve,” said Courtney Roberts, president & CEO of Riley Children’s Foundation. “This new pool enhances both safety and access, allowing more campers to experience joy and confidence in the water.”

The Lilly Pool is an essential part of the Camp Riley experience. For many campers, it offers their first opportunity to participate in recreational swimming. For others, it provides access to unique experiences such as adaptive scuba diving and activities that may not be available to them elsewhere.

The new pool features a zero-entry, or “beach-entry,” design that provides universal access and makes it easier for campers and guests of all abilities to participate. Additional safety and comfort upgrades include a new deck, in-water benches along the pool edge, and a heating system for campers whose medical conditions require carefully controlled temperatures.

The accompanying bathhouse has also been fully upgraded and universally designed to better meet campers’ needs. The larger, safer facility now includes four family-style restrooms and additional changing areas that provide more privacy.

“One of the main goals of Camp Riley is to create a barrier-free environment so that our campers can participate in typical activities as naturally as possible,” said Chad Simmons, director of programs at Bradford Woods. “This pool allows everybody to access the pool the same, so our campers aren’t othered by having to use it a different way.”

Riley Children’s Foundation is the primary funder of Camp Riley. Support from donors and other funders makes it possible for campers to attend at no or little cost to families.

About Lilly Endowment Inc.

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts of stock remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion and maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.