Summer camp season is just about in full swing, so last week was an appropriate time to learn that the Butler County YMCA is getting into the camp business.

In a win-win situation that benefits a variety of different constituencies, the YMCA is acquiring the former Armco Park facilities on Route 173, south of Slippery Rock.

The golf course portion of the park was sold by AK Steel, Armco's successor, in 2003, and has become the public Oakview Golf Club. And now, the rest of the park, which includes 65-acres of land, an outdoor swimming pool, shelters and a large dance hall pavilion.

David Todd, a YMCA board member and former Armco executive in Butler, made the deal possible by providing the YMCA with the funds to acquire the park.

Despite its significant assets, the park is in need of some sprucing up. And Todd has a plan to get AK Steel employees, retirees and union members to help with some of the work. Such a volunteer force could go a long way in stretching the dollars donated to help develop the park.

People connected with AK and Armco have a special motivation to work on the park, since Todd has stipulated that the park will remain open for use by the Butler Armco Employees Association. The park plan worked out between Todd and the YMCA also preserves the Armco name and ensures that less fortunate children will have special access to the park.

Rather than just fixing up the old park, the YMCA has plans to build cabins and develop an overnight camp along with other programs. Such a full-featured camp will surely prove to be a popular attraction among children from the Butler and Slippery Rock areas, and from all across Butler County.

Todd's idea of mobilizing Armco and AK people is logical and will likely provide a powerful force in developing and improving the park. Likewise, YMCA executive director Larry Garvin's idea of working with Slippery Rock University's Outdoor Recreation program to provide interns to work at the camp, is a creative and logical approach to help the new camp become a top regional summer camp facility while giving students real-life work experience.

There appears to be great potential in the development of Armco Park by the YMCA. As the planning process continues, new ideas are sure to develop.

After several years of uncertainty, the historic park's future already looks very bright. Area children will benefit and the Armco name will live on. It's a win-win situation that will only improve with time.