Public forum held on Lincoln woman’s proposed one-of-a-kind tree house

Dozens showed up to a public forum about a tree house at the Malone Center Tuesday.

Not just any tree house.  One that would cost $2 million and would run off its own renewable energy.

The goal is to not use any taxpayer funds.

There’s a proposal to put it in Trago Park.

The tree house would include a welcome center, classroom, kitchen and bathrooms.

High Level Happiness CEO Carolyn Butler hosted the event.  She said the tree house is a good way to get people to experience nature.

“Young people are accustomed to be entertained and engaged with all other technology,” Butler said.  “And if we’re going to get them to put those phones down and to step away from those computers, we need to offer something that’s very compelling.”

Butler said she wants input from the community about the proposed site, as well as hear their concerns and suggestions.

“I kind of want to suggest there to be like…an amphitheater sort of place,” Carlos Servan said.  “Because they mentioned having an art campus where people can come and kind of display their art.”

“I think there’s still a lot of research needing to be done, especially with the children and the families that live in this area,” Doris Servan said.  “And also, I think a lot of college students live in this area too.”

Butler agrees.  She said the next steps include further input from the community before submitting a proposal to Lincoln Parks and Recreation.

Eventually, it’ll go to the city council for approval.

If you couldn’t make it to the forum Tuesday night, you can take an online survey about the proposed tree house by visiting: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/communitytreehouse