Magothy River Tree Fort Culminates Life-Long Dream |
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Wednesday, 03 November 2010 19:00
By Hayley Gable For lifelong Pasadena resident Craig Federoll, building the ultimate tree fort had been a personal dream of his since he was a young boy. Having grown up on Park Creek, Federoll enjoyed being around the water and wanted to find a way to build a waterfront structure that was unlike any other. In March 2009, Federoll’s mother Susan, who was a career social worker, passed away. After many sleepless nights and much thought and consideration, Craig decided to do what he had always dreamed of doing: Building his tree fort. With the support of his wife and two children, Jake, 7, and Abby, 11, he began constructing the fort around a large, sturdy tree that overlooks the Magothy on the Pasadena waterfront home that he has resided in for the last 11 years.
Photo by Brian Lancione The Federoll tree fort, dubbed the Black-Eyed Susan, had a humble beginning but has since grown into a spectacular pirate ship fully equipped with a plank and crow's nest.
Unsure of exactly what kind of tree fort to build and which type of theme to base it around, Federoll turned to outside sources for help. "Before I began, I went out and bought several books on tree forts and houses in order to get some ideas and inspiration," he said.
However, it wasn’t until Federoll’s extended family arrived in town for a visit that he was able to come up with a strategy. "We went to the Inner Harbor to visit the USS Constellation, which has the look and feel of a pirate ship, and I knew right away," stated Federoll, "that I wanted to do a pirate-themed fort."
Craig started by building the first level platform, which includes a real captain’s wheel, a pirate flag and other buccaneer-related décor that he and his family have found at local flea markets and antique shops.
Over the course of a few months, Craig added three additional levels and many more decorations and augmentations to his tree fort. He decided to name it "The Black-Eyed Susan," after his mother, Susan, and her favorite flower.
The fort, which is built onto a tree that slopes atop a waterfront hill, grew to heighten overtop Federoll’s home. "It is absolutely safe," he added. "All doubts were definitely alleviated when it survived the many snowstorms and blizzards from last winter."
Federoll, who regularly receives comments and praise from curious boaters who cruise by, says the feedback he has gathered from neighbors and the community has been uplifting and encouraging.
"I haven’t received any complaints at all about it; the kids love it, the adults love it, and the neighbors love it," he stated.
The four story-high fort includes a tire swing, two hammocks, a slide, an anchor line, a rope climb, a pirate flag, an American flag, a telescope, a walking plank, a crow’s nest, a captain’s steering wheel and tiller, and its own hall way.
"It’s amazing to sit on the top deck and watch the sun set," Federoll added. "There’s also a lot of wildlife you can easily see – ospreys and eagles especially."
As far as Federoll’s two kids are concerned, the Pirate-themed tree fort has made them all the more popular amongst their friends. "All the kids absolutely love it. We have a blast during our cookouts and get-togethers," Federoll concluded.
