When planning for the Yachats Community Park began, back in 2004, the planning committee asked local children and youth for ideas. The number one suggestion was for a treehouse. Of course everyone thought that was a great idea, and an easy one to implement. The Helping Hands youth group from the Yachats Youth & Family Activities Program took on the task, made a plan and a model, and started the search for an engineer to draw the final plans. The process included getting engineered plans and a building permit. Because tree houses are not standardized structures, most engineers were unwilling to participate. Finally, a firm specializing in tree houses agreed to work with us. The engineer made a trip to Yachats to inspect the trees, gave the youth a quick lesson on the issues involved, designed a plan, and shepherded it through the permit process. He did this at a drastically reduced cost. The final plan is beautiful and expensive. Thanks to participation from dedicated adult and youth volunteers, we are able to bring the cost down to a manageable amount. Some money was raised for the tree house when the park was first developed, and funds are still being donated by local citizens and visitors. There is still time to get involved with the Yachats tree house. You can help us by collecting driftwood for the Yachats tree house railings. We need sound sticks, with a minimum diameter of 1.5 inches at the thinnest point, a maximum diameter of 2.5 inches, and a length of at least 38 inches. Please drop off your driftwood at the picnic shelter behind the Commons by September 25. Also, we are still a little bit short, so if you would like to donate to the Yachats tree house please call (541) 547-4599.