UPDATE: Altoona tree house project put on hold

Thursday, May 10, 2018
Samantha Wensel and Stephen Kelley | WQOW

Altoona (WQOW) -- The dream of sleeping in a tree in Altoona has been put on hold.

Thursday, the Altoona City Council voted to hold off on plans to move forward with tree houses in the River Prairie area. One of the tree houses would have been a play area for children, and the other available to rent out overnight for adults.

City administrator Mike Golat told News 18 that the council had security concerns with the rental and were unsure if they wanted to get into the rental business. 

The city will now explore other options, including adding a more 'boardwalk-like' area around the potential tree houses. However, Golat does not believe the plan will be back before the council any time soon.

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Altoona (WQOW) -- Something right out of your childhood will soon be in the woods of River Prairie.

The wooded area behind the amphitheater will soon have two tree houses. City Administrator Mike Golat told News 18 one will be a play area for children, and the other will be enclosed and available to rent out overnight for adults. Golat said officials still need to fine-tune how they'll regulate the tree houses, but he hopes they will add another unique aspect to River Prairie and draw people to the park.

"People that like sculptures will come and look at sculptures, some like the water features, the splash pad and fire pits, the events that are happening here, but the tree house will be another reason for people to come here and enjoy it," said Golat.

Altoona has set aside $250,000 for the project. Golat also said the goal is to start building by the summer and have the tree houses done by fall.

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