Treehouse for all children is complete
Ribbon cutting to be scheduled for spring 2008

After more than a year of planning, Pine Tree Society's accessible treehouse at Pine Tree Camp is complete.

According to Teresa Berkowitz, Deputy Executive Director and project leader of the treehouse, a lot of dedication went into the project.

"My first thought when we started researching the treehouse was this is going to be fun, but the truth is, lots of hard work went into it," she said. “Staff, donors, volunteers, Forever Young Treehouses and WBRC Architects and Engineers all worked hard and through collaboration we were able to build a really magical place for children and adults with disabilities."

The construction began on Mon., Sept. 17 with a special ceremony in which a group of nearly 15 Pine Tree campers pounded the first nails in Maine's first fully accessible treehouse.

“Treehouses are magical places for children of all ages, but until now they've been places that are not accessible for those with disabilities,” Anne Marsh Exceutive Director of Pine Tree Society, said as she welcomed the crowd. “So many, many people have stepped forward to give of their time, treasure and talent to make Pine Tree Camp's treehouse a reality.”

Six-year-old Nicholas Alexander of Belgrade was among the group of campers. The first-time camper was proud and excited to be such a special part of the treehouse.
But Nicholas's involvement exceeded pounding the first nail. From the beginning of the project, Nicholas and his father, Keith, helped raise money and helped spread the word to their community. All told, Nicholas raised more than $3,000 for the Pine Tree Camp's treehouse.

"It was so rewarding to see campers like Nicholas get involved in the treehouse project," said Harvey Chesley, Director of Facilities at Pine Tree Camp. "It really proved that the project was very important to the families we serve."
Reaction from the community was equally impressive.

"The treehouse generated so much interest and excitement. Everywhere I went, people were talking about it," said Berkowitz. "The project turned into a great way for people to connect to how important accessibility and universal design is to people with disabilities."

As the word spread, people from all over Maine began contacting Pine Tree Society to lend a hand and donate materials. More than 200 individuals volunteered at the treehouse site throughout the nearly eight weeks of construction.

"We were so lucky to have the support of so many individuals and groups," said Chesley. "From Pierce Atwood's Augusta office spending a day prepping the site to a group of 60 representing Home Depot stores throughout Maine, our volunteers made a huge difference at Pine Tree Camp."

A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for late-spring. If you would like to attend, please visit our website and sign up for Pine Tree Society's enewsletter or call (207 443-3341 to be added to the invitee list.

Click here to see more pictures of Pine Tree Camp's treehouse.