A Note from Cathy Benda

The Tree House grew from the "Winter Park" indoor play space idea to what it is now today. This project could not have taken shape and evolved without the support of the community and a dedicated group of volunteers, parents, staff and board members. On long, hot summer nights, the design committee would meet and on cold, snow Saturday's we had our "handymen" install the floor. In between we had a myriad of folks who worked on projects at home, in their early morning hours, after work, on the road, by cell phone, by email, and by texting (but not while driving!). We had dinner meetings, gatherings over coffee, over dessert, with children and without.

The Tree House Indoor Playground embodies the true spirit of a community grass roots effort. Our project chairperson, Jessica Della Valla, lit the fire under all of us and has helped each and every one of us to embrace the vision and create something wonderful for young children in this community. Truly, this day is dedicated to her and to tall of the volunteers who helped see this through.

Yours in Play,

Catherine Benda
Executive Director

Open For Play

I don't know if anyone still reads this blog, but if you DO, just know that you don't have to anymore! You can find out what's happening at the Treehouse by going there yourself!!!! It's open!!! The ribbon-cutting ceremony was today, and I have to admit that I had tears in my eyes. All the smiling faces, oohing and aahing over the most adorable little space you ever saw. And those munchkins on hand were thoroughly enjoying themselves, which makes the whole she-bang worth every last second that everyone invested. Again, I can't say enough about Jess and Cathy for pulling this off. THANK YOU BOTH so much!!! WHAT will you do with all your free time now????? Here's a sneak peak of the park. I have to say -- the pictures hardly do it justice.

Getting Ready for the Big Opening

It's coming, it's coming!!!

All the hard work, dedication, late nights, weekends, dreams, tears, laughter.... all culminated in one little park that will be open for business VERY SOON. I don't know if YOU all know how amazing Cathy Benda and Jessica Della Valla have been during this endeavor, but I have seen it up close and personal, and I have to say.... awe-inspiring. The tenacity, perseverance, optimisim, and dedication these two women have shown to make this park a reality is truly inspiring. The U.P. did not JUST start having long winters, and Yoopers did not JUST start having children. The need has been there for years and years. This park was born because two of the right people met at the right time. If you see Jessica or Cathy, PLEASE pat them on the back. The kids of our community are lucky to have such incredible women advocating for them.

March 22nd. Open for PLAY!!!! WOOO HOOO!!!