Published November 5, 2024
BY SAVANNA RADOWICZ
Tatum’s Treehouse designs for an inclusive environment catered to children of all abilities. (courtesy of LEATHERS & ASSOCIATES)
Eleven years after the establishment of Tatum’s Garden, the organization is working with the Carmel Valley Community Youth Center to bring a similar inclusivity to Carmel Valley, with plans for Tatum’s Treehouse to be built the week of Nov. 11-17.
Because of its community ties and close-knit values, the Tatum’s Treehouse team is looking for volunteers to be a part of the build and help with anything from construction to childcare and food preparation. They ask that anyone with experience in construction, or who simply wants to lend a hand, reach out via their website.
“This project aims to provide an inclusive play space for children with special needs, a first for the surrounding communities,” says Brian Granbery, a community member and advocate for the initiative.
Volunteers may use this QR code to sign up for build week volunteering.
After its construction in 2013, the original Tatum’s Garden in Salinas has become a center for inclusivity because of its accessible structures and capacity to cultivate play for children of all abilities. Being the first inclusive play area in the tri-county area, families from all over have flocked to the unique recreational attraction.
The idea for Tatum’s Garden was created by the Bakker Family, whose youngest daughter Tatum was born with spina bifida, a condition that limited her mobility. Following a visit to another inclusive playground on a family road trip, the family knew they wanted to create something similar on the Peninsula.
For more information or to register as a volunteer, visit TatumsTreehouse.com.
