Preliminary site work and the initial engineering review have been completed for the next major reconstruction job that will be undertaken on the grounds. The Halverson Lodge, the original log building (circa 1800), is due to become the fully functional facility it once was. Years of being overlooked have left this once welcoming shelter from the storm in a state of neglect. Fortunately we were in time to stop any additional decay and stabilize the building. Now the interesting and exciting phase begins. Walls will be strengthened; floors, doors, and windows will be refurbished; a roof will be raised; stone foundations and fireplaces will be rehabilitated. Plumbing and electrical wiring will all be replaced; and a state-of-the-art HVAC system will be installed. The addition of a deck off of the dining/meeting room, and the installation of three-phase power into the commercial kitchen will help in re-establishing the use for which this building was constructed so many years ago.
Survey work is being completed so that the addition of low and high-ropes challenge courses can fully make the most of the unique topography and mature trees found on the Freedom Center property. We believe that by installing these two features we will augment the team-building component offered to organizations using the property to enhance their cohesiveness.
With the addition of hiking, nature, and a fitness trail in various locations of the property we will soon be able to showcase the various types of environments that exist on these 100-acres.
A floating dock (that will accompany the new floating swim platform) has been built. A small sandy area has been spread and positioned alongside. A pull-along rope ferry crossing the lake and a boardwalk near the northern side will add to the natural allure of clear calm waters. (The possibility of a zip-line from high above in the trees on the far side to a gentle landing near the picnic grounds is also being considered.)
The ball and sports-fields will be relocated from their current setting to an area toward the north. This will allow for better scheduling for both softball and soccer. The establishment of a contemplative Meditation and Prayer Garden is planned for the far south side of the property, across the lake from the dam. This spot is to nestled amongst the trees alongside a small stream, complete with bench seating and wood chip pathways.
Circle of Friends
Meditation at the Lake
We have identified a necessity for the future successful development of the property, and are in the very early stages of setting the processes in motion that will allow us to meet this ambitious objective. A large multi-purpose Field House that can host larger meetings and functions, a gymnasium, and other indoor activities will have to be constructed. Once a location has been positively identified, a preliminary site survey, soil sampling, and engineering will begin. We will need to take into consideration traffic flow (on our grounds and on the surrounding roads) and the parking needs for the users of this building. Also needing major consideration is water usage and well/septic capacity. When blueprints and architectural renditions of the planned building are created, they will be carefully scrutinized to ensure that this addition to the Freedom Center will blend in with and compliment our pastoral atmosphere.
The Halverson
Inside
This is the original old log lodge, and is currently the most ambitious project underway at the Freedom Center. Repairs are needed to the stone foundation and fireplaces, original log walls, flooring, windows, rafters and roof. Portions of the structure need to be raised and strengthened with new bracing and framing. Chinking between some of the logs will have to be replaced to correct vertical support issues. A portion of the second floor (inside) is being removed, and the roof over the dining room is being raised.
New restroom facilities, plumbing, wiring, and HVAC systems will all be installed. The commercial kitchen will be renovated, and will be much more useful with the setting up of 3-phase electrical service. Sliding glass doors leading onto a wrap-around deck off the dining room will further open the building to the peaceful setting overlooking the natural amphitheater of the grounds.
