Some of the old thrill returned Saturday as a crowd of eager kids gathered around his latest addition: A huge, 13,800-kilogram (30,000 pound) treehouse along one of the most scenic nature trails in Niagara Falls.

"There's something about the forest," says the owner of Dan's Produce, who opened the 121-hectare retreat two years ago. "Even if I'm working in here myself, I don't feel tired. People tell me there's something about the trees, they're very healthy for you."

Six months ago, he thought about a large, wooden oasis along the 2.5-kilometre trail. After four weeks of construction, it welcomed its first visitors during Saturday's fourth annual Pumpkinfest, a fundraiser for Tender Wishes.

Hundreds of kids and their parents - many in Halloween costumes - scrambled up the 120-foot, wheelchair-accessible ramp to check out the sturdy, elevated structure.

Even if it's not in a tree, it has the feel of a classic treehouse.

The fort is made from solid white oak all grown within the forest. Bouwman guesses it would have cost $25,000 to build otherwise.

"It's going to be here 50 years without any problems," he says. "We don't even have to treat it with chemicals. I practise what I preach - it's all nature."

With his black leather vest and black cowboy hat, Bouwman looked like a proud rancher in his new saloon Saturday. One more part of his dream up and running.

Bouwman purchased the undeveloped property six years ago for the sole purpose of protecting it, and giving Niagara Falls residents a safe, handicapped-accessible sanctuary. After years of rezoning and thousands spent on consultants and engineers, it's now the largest privately owned forest in Niagara.

"I work too many hours ... so I was looking for someplace peaceful, not only for myself, but for the community."

Located near Kalar Road and Brown Road, Heartland Forest - and its new treehouse - is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is free to the public.

Niagara Falls MP Rob Nicholson was feeling nostalgic Saturday.

"What a treasure we are in the midst of," he said. "There's something about a treehouse that brings out the kid in all of us."

Niagara Falls mom Pam Bowman and her three kids spent 15 minutes checking it out.

"I think it's amazing," she said. "And it's cool making things for people for disabilities."

Bouwman was especially keen to make the entire retreat wheelchair accessible after hiring a mentally-challenged man at his store years ago. He turned out to be one of his best employees.

"You know, people need a chance in life," he says.

"To me, it's not always about money. It's about sharing and caring for others."

I just finished reading the article in the Review about Heartland forest, I want to express my deepest thanks to you Dan for building this magnificent structure which is accessible to ALL people, including those with motor impairments. As the mother of a child with spastic cerebral palsy who requires the use of a walker and leg braces I was very disappointed to learn that Niagara Falls only has TWO wheelchair accessible parks (Valley Way and McBain, which was JUST constructed). Although we haven't had the pleasure of enjoying your forest yet we will most definitely be making  a trip out this week. Thank you for advocating for people of all abilities, our world needs more people like you who make a difference in the life of a child with special needs. Thank you again Dan, my family and I look forward to experiencing your forest and tree house which my daughter will be able to enjoy without needing my assistance.
 
Sincerely,
(name withheld due to privacy law)