Hidden among the trees at the southern end of Nobel Park was a much beloved part of the Wesbrook Village community—a treehouse.
It was a popular place for kids to play, with its main platform high up in the tree and two swings attached.
Unfortunately, the treehouse was removed due to safety concerns at the end of September. “The structure had to be removed because it was dangerous,” said resident Elliot Hare, who was asked by the UNA to remove the treehouse. “As awesome and sturdy as it was, there were rusty nails and screws sticking out of it, rotten and loose boards, and tripping and fall hazards.”
Given the potential dangers, the UNA decided it was best for the treehouse to be removed. “Its condition had worsened over the past two years,” said Paul Thorkelsson, chief administrative officer of the UNA. “Our inspections raised ongoing safety and liability concerns.”
The treehouse had been a fixture of the community for at least six years. It’s not clear who built it or why, but it seems like many people have had a hand in maintaining and adding to it over the years. Boards would be replaced, pallets would appear as makeshift walls, and a rope swing was added.
“I’ve passed through Nobel Park at least twice a week for the last six years and things would change at random,” said Hare. “It just had a life of its own.”
Now that the treehouse is gone, members of the community may be wondering if a new treehouse will be built in its place.
“When I first came to the treehouse, I thought it was so cool,” said Carmen Samoglou, a seven-year-old campus resident. “I feel like they should build a new one for all the kids to enjoy.”
“Definitely there should be a new swing and hanging rope,” Samoglou added.
Lyanna AbiRafeh, 7, said she was okay with the removal of the treehouse as it was deemed to be a safety hazard, but said she would like to see something built in its place.
“I would love to have a treehouse built again, and not only one but maybe a few around Wesbrook Place,” she said.
The UNA does not currently have any plans to build an official treehouse in place of the old one. A couple years, ago, the UNA looked at replacing it with a different kind of play structure, except the site sits above a critical tree root zone. That means anything official was unlikely to get approved by UBC’s Campus and Community Planning team.
“We know many neighbours have fond memories of the treehouse, and we welcome community voices in shaping our shared spaces,” said Thorkelsson.
Residents are welcomed to bring forward ideas for play spaces in other, more suitable areas. Suggestions can be shared during the UNA’s public consultations, or by reaching out to support@myuna.ca.
AMIE BERNAERDT IS A FOURTH YEAR STUDENT AT UBC, MAJORING IN CREATIVE WRITING AND ANTHROPOLOGY.