Chester, New York’s Abandoned Camp LaGuardia In The Process of Major Update

The History of Camp LaGuardia in Orange County, NY

Camp LaGuardia, which sits on the boarder of Chester and Blooming Grove, is an important part of Orange County history.

In 1918 the building served as a women's prison. Then in the 1930s, the grounds were transferred to New York City’s Welfare Department and named Camp Greycourt. 

At that time it housed 600 unemployed men during the Great Depression according to a press release from Orange County Government. It was later named Camp LaGuardia in 1935 and became a 1,000-bed homeless shelter. However, the shelter closed in 2007.

When the shelter closed in 2007, Orange County bought the property for $8.5 million. Since then "several private redevelopment proposals failed." These failed proposals left the Camp LaGuardia site abandoned for over a decade.

Now in 2025, it looks as though there are moves being made to upgrade the Camp LaGuardia grounds.

Camp LaGuardia Getting a $600,000 Update

Recently, the Orange County Legislature authorized a "$600,000 supplemental appropriation to the 2025 County Budget for the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Conservation."

According to a press release the $600,000 will "support engineering and design for recreational improvements at the 258-acre site."

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus said in a statement “Camp LaGuardia has been part of Orange County’s story for generations, and it’s time we give this property a new chapter that promotes activity, recreation, and opportunity."

Neuhaus added:

  “This investment in design and engineering is a giant step forward. This park will rival any in the region, connect our rail trail network, and stand as a symbol of progress and pride for Orange County.”

What To Expect at the Updated Camp LaGuardia Site

In a press release from Orange County they shared recent progress made to the abandoned Camp LaGuardia site which in the future will be known as Camp LaGuardia Park.

Updates so far include the following:

• Removal of most dilapidated structures, with selective preservation for future use

• Clearing and grading for greens, playgrounds, and trails

• Construction of the first two-mile phase of the Schunnemunk Rail Trail

• Removal of most barbed wire fencing to open the property for recreational access

The press release reports that once all is said and done, this park will be "Orange County's first new park since Thomas Bull Memorial Park was initiated in 1965."

Orange County predicts that Camp LaGuardia Park will "be a major destination for outdoor recreation and community gatherings, while preserving the site's historic significance. "

No word yet on a completion date, but we'll keep you updated as we get more information.

Until then, take a look at what was left behind of the abandoned Camp LaGuardia below: