Skyliners Lodge accessibility upgrades underway
The Children’s Forest of Central Oregon, in partnership with Heart of Oregon Corps, High Desert Education Service District and Deschutes National Forest, has begun construction on accessibility improvements for Skyliners Lodge, west of Bend.
Each year, thousands of students from around Central Oregon utilize Skyliners Lodge and the surrounding forest as an indoor/outdoor classroom. Now, the historical building will be upgraded to meet accessibility standards that include the construction of an ADA ramp and the improvement of restroom facilities.
These improvements are critical to meet the goals of the CFCO, which include improving access to ensure that students with disabilities can engage with outdoor programs., the organization said in Saturday’s announcement.
The Children’s Forest has partnered with Heart of Oregon Corps’s YouthBuild crew for the construction project. Miller Lumber, Hooker Creek and Central Oregon Builders Association will be providing the material and equipment to complete the upgrades.
Construction on the lodge will occur over about six weeks, during which time groups have limited access to the lodge.
“Our No. 1 priority is to provide outdoor experiences for every kid in Central Oregon,” said Sean Ferrell, a Deschutes National Forest employee and Children’s Forest board member.
“This means we have to be creative, since every kid is unique. From offering bilingual programs to providing adaptive equipment to building accessible pathways, the Children’s Forest believes in the possibility of all kids,” Ferrell said.
Beyond the physical improvements to the lodge, the Children’s Forest has also partnered with the Bend Park and Recreation District to enhance access for students with disabilities.
The park district provides therapeutic recreation staff to help adapt outdoor programs for students with special needs. Their staff have specialized training in working in outdoor and recreation programs that supplements support that school district staff provide.
The Children’s Forest has also formed a diverse team to provide training to various youth organizations to improve their ability to work with youth with disabilities in the outdoors.
The lodge is leased by the High Desert Education Service District for use primarily as an educational facility that school groups, summer camps, Scout troops and more can use. The lodge provides easy access to Tumalo Creek and trails that travel through multiple forest types making it an ideal location for outdoor learning.
For more information, contact Katie Chipko at 541-383-5592 or katie@childrensforestco.org
Background
The Children’s Forest of Central Oregon is a network of 22 partners that works to introduce and engage all youth (and families) in Central Oregon to the wonder, science, and adventure of nature.
Heart of Oregon Corps’ mission is to inspire and empower positive change in the lives of young people through jobs, education, and stewardship. YouthBuild members earn their GED, high school diploma, or college credits, while learning job skills and serving their community through building affordable housing or other community projects.
