Universally accessible treehouse
open to public

The universally accessible treehouse at the nature center is available for public visits. The treehouse was built as part of an Access to Recreation grant through the Community Foundation of St. Clair County. The Access to Recreation program was awarded to the Community Foundation by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation as part of the Kellogg Foundation’s efforts to expand opportunities for people with disabilities to enjoy the outdoors.

 

Several articles have appeared in local newspapers, including the following:

 

Click on the photos below for larger images.

 

 

Treehouse site

Future location of universally accessible treehouse.

Treehouse site Treehouse site

Reviewing site plans

RESA staff looks over treehouse plans with architect Todd Schurman.

Reviewing site plans Reviewing site plans

Sarah reviews blueprints

Nature Center operations coordinator Sarah Davidson-Nelson reviews the treehouse site blueprints.

Sarah reviews blueprints Sarah reviews blueprints

Cement pillars

Sopha Construction completes cement foundation work for the treehouse. Pillars are 9 ft. or 11 ft. deep.

Cement pillars Cement pillars

Beginning of construction

Work begins.

Beginning of construction Beginning of construction

Floodplain view

View from forest floor of elevated treehouse.

Floodplain view Floodplain view

Deck construction

Progress continues on construction of deck surrounding trees.

Deck construction Deck construction

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Bob Beatie, RESA board trustee helps East China School District superintendent cut ribbon.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Support beams

Construction of support beams begins.

Support beams Support beams

Deck construction

Closer view of deck construction.

Deck construction Deck construction

Deck construction

Construction on treehouse deck begins.

Deck construction Deck construction

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Architect Todd Sherman explains some of the challenges of the project.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Walkway takes shape

People will enter the treehouse at this point.

Walkway takes shape Walkway takes shape

All treehouses need a tree

Although the treehouse does not depend on trees for support they are a integral part of the design.

All treehouses need a tree All treehouses need a tree

Treehouse decking

Much of the planking is set at a diagonal.

Treehouse decking Treehouse decking

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

The crowd assembles for the event.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Treehouse decking

Each board is hand cut.

Treehouse decking Treehouse decking

Treehouse decking

The planks are cut to fit around trees.

Treehouse decking Treehouse decking

Support structure

Trees provide no direct support for the structure.

Support structure Support structure

Moving Along on October 15

The house structure is really moving along.

Moving Along on October 15 Moving Along on October 15

Railing

The railing will allow clear views from many different angles.

Railing Railing

Laminated cross members

Special beams were fitted for the structure.

Laminated cross members Laminated cross members

Support pillars

Extensive bracing ensures safety.

Support pillars Support pillars

From below

This view is from ground level looking up.

From below From below

From below

Structural supports are extensive.

From below From below

Taking shape

The treehouse platform takes shape.

Taking shape Taking shape

Moving the 900 lb. Beam

In September the supports are almost complete.

Moving the 900 lb. Beam Moving the 900 lb. Beam

Deck frame is complete

The deck platform reaches the furthest point from the trail.

Deck frame is complete Deck frame is complete

The First Wall is Up

On October 6, 2008, the first wall takes shape. The windows are framed in.

The First Wall is Up The First Wall is Up

Video Taping for Documentary

Sue Rutkofske gathers footage for upcoming video documentary.

Video Taping for Documentary Video Taping for Documentary

Walls

The pavilion takes shape.

Walls Walls

Walls

Work continues on the pavilion.

Walls Walls

Wall construction

Framing the pavilion.

Wall construction Wall construction

Rail mesh

Wire mesh protects visitors.

Rail mesh Rail mesh

Pavilion

Treehouse taking its final form.

Pavilion Pavilion

View

The treehouse offers excellent views.

View View

Pavilion

The roof line is established.

Pavilion Pavilion

Pavilion

Complete treehouse takes shape.

Pavilion Pavilion

Pavilion

The treehouse platform extends into the woods.

Pavilion Pavilion

Pavilion

The bump out at left offers panoramic views.

Pavilion Pavilion

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Nature Center Operations Coordinator introduces RESA Superintendent.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Robert Beattie, Rodney Green and Lynn Borg are ready to cut the ribbon

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

The Ribbon is cut, a joyous occasion.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Three planners Russ Witherspoon, Todd Sherman and Tom Ballard.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Woodland Students Shannon, Jill and Jeremy wave from the viewing platform.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Ribbon Cutting Ceromony

The staff at the Pine River Nature Center are excited about the opportunites offered by the treehouse.

Ribbon Cutting Ceromony Ribbon Cutting Ceromony

Ribbon Cutting Ceromony

Time to mingle before we head back to the warm nature center lodge.

Ribbon Cutting Ceromony Ribbon Cutting Ceromony

Finished Treehouse

A destination in the woods.

Finished Treehouse Finished Treehouse

Finished Treehouse

Construction is complete!

Finished Treehouse Finished Treehouse

Finished Treehouse

Construction is complete!

Finished Treehouse Finished Treehouse

SNC students at treehouse

Summer Nature Club takes a rest at the treehouse

SNC students at treehouse SNC students at treehouse

Treehouse River Day Program

River Day Native American Program in treehouse

Treehouse River Day Program Treehouse River Day Program

Treehouse construction

 

A Treehouse for Everyone: Construction of the Universally Accessible Treehouse

See and hear the story behind the treehouse. 15 minute video.

Video Document Watch the video