The completion of a treehouse accessible to those of all abilities was celebrated in Covington, Georgia earlier this month.
The treehouse at Chimney Park is nestled in 12 acres of woodlands and features multiple levels and a tree that rises through the roof of the rustic structure.
The Newton County Chamber of Commerce joined with the non-profit Friends of Newton Parks and other supporters to officially cut the ribbon on the treehouse. The treehouse project, which stands as the centerpiece of the park, was designed by Scott Fuss and built by Ed Hutter. The project was paid for with funds raised by Friends of Newton Parks and Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax collections.
Credit: Alice Queen
Credit: Alice Queen
Fuss, who is the lead designer of Chimney Park, said the park has always been envisioned as “A Park With Heart.” At the ribbon-cutting ceremony Fuss thanked all those who worked for years to make the treehouse a reality.
“At the heart was nature and this community and the people,” he said. “We wanted something that was accessible to everybody.”
Inspiration for the treehouse came from a source with intimate knowledge of how kids like to play.
Kelli Hopkins said daughter Marlee Anne Hopkins was three years old when she wished for a park where she and her two sisters, who were in wheelchairs, could go and play together. One of her sisters has since passed away.
“Without the vision, creativity and caring spirit of our community, this wouldn’t have happened,” Hopkins wrote in a Facebook post. “Marlee Anne wasn’t able to be there, and her question to me was, ‘Did you cry?’ Well of course. This project and this place hold a lot of love and joy for our family. Thanks to everyone involved that made it happen.”
Planning for Chimney Park began sometime around 1996. It was then that the late Cheryl Delk, who served as special projects director for Newton County, identified the tract of land behind the Newton County Library as a suitable site for a park. The property, which was previously the setting for a large historic home, was overgrown and neglected. Through the efforts of Friends of Newton Parks, Chimney Park is now a universally accessible place where people of all ages and abilities can reconnect with nature.
Chimney Park holds two signature events each year — Twilights at Chimney Park in December and the Fairy Festival at Chimney Park the first Saturday in May. The park also connects to biking and walking trails.
Credit: The Citizens
Credit: The Citizens
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