addition to a special village designed to bring the disabled and able-bodied together.

And the carefully-designed treehouse and playground at the WindReach Recreational Village became the third part of the multi-phase project founded by Scots-born Bermudian philanthropist Alexander (Sandy) Mitchell, who himself suffers from cerebral palsy.

The playground and treehouse was funded by the Bermuda Junior Service League.

Architect Susan Behrens said: "The treehouse gives every visitor the opportunity to experience a treehouse and to climb a tree -- perhaps for the first time.'' She added: "An accessible playground has always been part of the masterplan for WindReach Village.

"In keeping with WindReach's mission of integrating young and old, able and disabled, the playground, more accurately called a play/challenge area, was to offer opportunities for exercise and physiotherapeutic activity as well as fully-accessible play for all ages and levels of ability.'' The new play area was officially opened by little Jessica Lewis, 4, daughter of BJSL member Lorie Lewis and grand-daughter of BJSL life member Barbara Cooper.

Bermuda architects BCE, playground specialists Progressive Playgrounds and WindReach activity director Ann Lindroth dreamed up the plan to link the play area and the tree.

They took advantage of the summer shade offered by the massive poinciana tree and wrapped platforms around the trunk. Ramps run up and through the tree, leading to the treehouse itself.

Included in the playground are a sand play table, a seesaw, a slide and three different swings.