ACCESSIBLE TREEHOUSE REVEALED

BY OPPORTUNITY ENTERPRISES

Nelson Treehouse, of Treehouse Masters fame, partners with Opportunity Enterprises to build a fully accessible treehouse as part of the new Lakeside Respite Center (Valparaiso, IN) Opportunity Enterprises (OE) is excited to reveal plans to build a fully accessible treehouse just steps away from the new Lakeside Respite Center. In partnership with Nelson Treehouse of the popular television show Treehouse Masters , OE’s treehouse will provide children and adults with disabilities an exhilarating treetop experience.

“Being in a treehouse is a common rite of passage, yet for children and adults with disabilities, it is not physically possible. Imagine having the ability to be in the treetops for the first time, enjoying nature and the beauty of Lake Eliza,” said OE President and CEO Neil Samahon. “We are thrilled to be working with Nelson Treehouse. With their treehouse design-build expertise, we are able to bring our vision for a fully accessible treehouse to fruition.”

Treehouse Rendering

Located just steps from OE’s new Lakeside Respite Center currently under construction, the 400-squarefoot treehouse will provide the tree climbing experience to children and adults of all abilities. The treehouse will include a large classroom space with room for wheelchairs and accessible furniture, seven windows providing natural light and panoramic views, a large patio doorway with access to the beautiful exterior deck, a sensory space to relax, yearround accessibility with lights, air conditioning, and heating, and an innovative display wall with a variety of tree trunk bark for tactile learning.

“Our tremendous crew of carpenters and architects have been building treehouses nationwide for over three decades. Projects like the OE treehouse are some of our favorites. It opens up the world of treehouses to more people so they can experience the magic of being in a tree,” said Pete Nelson, owner of Nelson Treehouse.

The fully accessible treehouse is part of OE’s $6.7 million Lakeside Respite Capital Campaign. Respite care provides opportunities for caregivers of individuals with disabilities to schedule time for themselves while giving their loved ones a sense of community, independence, and opportunities to interact with their peers and friends.

“The new treehouse will not only enhance our new Lakeside Respite Center, it will also provide an opportunity for our summer campers at Camp Lakeside to enjoy activities in the treehouse this summer,” said Walter Lenckos, OE’s Senior Director of Respite Services.

Construction of the treehouse started in May, with a completion date of mid-June. OE broke ground on the $6.7 million Respite Center project in May of 2022 and plans to open for programming this fall. Visit oppent.org/ buildingopportunities to learn more.

Treehouse Rendering

For over 55 years, OE has worked to create inclusive and equitable opportunities for people of all abilities. OE is in the business of amazing people. With 350 staff members and hundreds of volunteers, OE serves people of all abilities in Northwest Indiana. To learn more about OE or to support the organization by volunteering or making a gift, call (219) 4649621, or visit oppent.org.

PHOTO INFORMATION: Renderings of the Treehouse provided by Nelson Treehouse.