––––– CAPITAL PROJECTS –––––

––––– PHASE TWO –––––

Pier/Dock Expansion Project

Blue Lotus has developed a valuable partnership with the students and faculty of Milwaukee School of Engineering. Plans are actively underway to expand the usability of the beauty of the pond. Before the summer season of 2010 begins, there are plans to build an accessible fishing pier, a relaxation deck that makes it easier for people in wheelchairs to get close to the water, and a specially made canoe lift to improve access to anyone wanting to canoe around the peaceful pond. The plans are in place. Financial help is needed. Would you like to know more? Please contact us.

Estimated Cost: Variable. Every donation helps in a big way.

The Wheelchair Accessible Deck Is Here
And It Is Wonderful!!
May 2010

Blue Lotus has been working with a fantastic group of engineering students from Milwaukee School of Engineering. MSOE’s Servant Leadership Program, headed by Dr. David Howell, worked in partnership with Blue Lotus to plan and help fund construction of our new deck and a beautiful fishing pier.

Prof. Deanna Leitzke involved her students with a class assignment of surveying the property before construction could begin.

The magnificent students planned, coordinated, and built the projects through rain and cold weather. Up to 40 people were working at one time. As summer begins, Blue Lotus has two more ways to open up nature and   enjoyment of the outdoors for our special guests.

Blue Lotus is grateful to all the time, funding, and support provided by these willing workers. We look forward to an on-going partnership with MSOE.

This is the first phase of completing this new addition.  In the fall built-in benches, railings, lighting, and a ramp and boardwalk to connect the deck with the new fishing pier will be in the makings taking us to the spring of 2011!

Visit our MSOE gallery to view all of the project photos.

Barn/Shed Project

Blue Lotus needed a shed to store the equipment used by our visitors as well as a work shed for tools and maintenance supplies. This has been accomplished by remodeling parts of the barn to use for these purposes. It has been a very cost-effective way to use space and meet the need of caring for the equipment that is so necessary to provide a full outdoors experience to our visitors.

The barn is still in need of further work. Although very usable now, we have visions of weatherizing it to increase use in the very early spring and very late fall. There is need for better lighting so it becomes a more fully functioning, grand room. Groups could then use it to do art, crafts, and building projects. Others may want to use it for meetings, presentations, or workshops.