Accessible Treehouses…..do you have one in your state?

I just recently read an article in the July/August 2010 Action, a publication of United Spinal Association, about a company that builds accessible treehouses. I immediately found myself at their website looking at beautiful pictures of large-scale treehouses, with amazing views, that meet the needs of all users.

The company, Forever Young Treehouses from Burlington, Vermont, has a goal to build an accessible treehouse in each state.  It all started in 1998 when Bill Allen, founder, was building a treehouse with Phil Trabulsky at his home in Vermont.  Per the website and article, it is their experience as board members on the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Vermont that has given them a broader appreciation for the needs of children with disabilities, and subsequently impacted their thought process and design for building treehouses.  Thus, the birth of the idea of the universally accessible treehouse.

Twelve years later, Forever Young Treehouses has completed 29 projects in 16 states.  Each treehouse location utilizes trees within the site to create the overall design.  The largest treehouse to date is at Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, Connecticut and integrates 23 trees into the overall design.

Playing in a treehouse is an experience typically enjoyed in childhood.  Being able to give this experience to all children, regardless of ability, is priceless.  The treehouses not only benefit the kids, but adults can channel their inner-child and enjoy them as well.  The beautiful views and overall landscape, combined with the nostalgia make for an enjoyable experience for all.

I am very excited that there is a treehouse built in Kennett Square, Pennsvlvania (Lookout Loft) as this is not far from my house.  However, currently there has not been a treehouse built for my home state, Delaware…..yet.  I hope to be a part of that change.

Do you have an accessible treehouse in your state?

What do you think of the completed projects?