––––– CAPITAL PROJECTS –––––

––––– PHASE ONE –––––

Fence around the Pool

A fence surrounding the swimming pool to insure safety for all visitors to Blue Lotus Farm & Retreat Center was mandated by the liability insurance carriers. A variety of fencing was researched. Recommendations by the board of trustees included the following: a fence that provides adequate safety for strength, durability, height, safety locks, has two gates at different access points, wide enough to accomodate weelchairs of all sizes, has little to no maintenance, blends into the natural environment, and does not occlude the beauty of the pool and landscaping.

Estimated cost $4500.00 Actual cost $4000.00

Mission accomplished! The above fencing is made of the highest quality materials available that withstands wear and tear, is non-corrosive, rust-proof, and built at a height for superior safety. The gates are located for easy access for anyone who has limited or challenged mobility.

The swimming pool fencing was funded by your donations of cash and your participation at the July 10th, 2004 silent auction. Community, friends, and family support were instrumental in accomplishing this goal!! THANK-YOU!

Dock/Deck At The Pond

A major goal is to have an accessible deck/dock at the edge of the pristine pond on the property. Requirements included a surface easily accessed from the land, a non-slip surface, enough surface space for wheelchairs to make turnabouts, a sitting area with enough space to enjoy the peace and serenity, safety curbing around the perimeter, and a low to no maintenance material that accommodates the level of the water.

We found a local agent with expertise in just such a system! The new deck/dock is a floating system that is one that accommodates all ADA requirements, is easily changeable in design should needs shift, has NO maintenance, and has a 40-50 year life expectancy!

Estimated cost: $6400.00 Actual cost: $6400.00

The deck/dock also has been funded through private donations as well as contributions accrued through our first annual silent auction. THANK-YOU to all who helped to make this project a reality. The new system was installed in October/November 2004.

Driveway Paving

One of the most unique aspects of Blue Lotus Farm & Retreat Center is its seven-tenths of a mile gravel driveway. The driveway itself begins the journey into nature, the release of daily stresses, and general decompression of worldly thoughts. The driveway in early spring was in severe need of repair – having many ruts, dips, and brush occluding a clear unobstructed route to the property. The driveway was graded, adding 31 truckloads of gravel and pruned back on both sides of the road. This required heavy duty trucks and machinery to complete the job.

Estimated costs: On-going for repair and maintenance of the original drive and now the beautiful access drive to the new activities building

$6000.00 of the driveway repair was completed through the generosity of an individual donor! The area around the barn needs grading and gravel that is estimated at $1500.00. This is in addition to the $6000.00 donated for the main driveway.

Outdoor Accessible Bathrooms

The outdoor bathrooms have been funded through private donations as well as contributions accrued through our second and third annual silent auctions. THANK-YOU to all who helped to make this project a reality. The bathroom was completed in July of 2006.

Estimated cost: $30,000 Actual cost: $32,000

Accessible Paths Throughout Property

We did it! A hard smooth winding gravel surface to easily navigate to the pond. This was part of a project that added 6 new parking spaces on the east side of the barn.

Estimated cost: Ongoing for new paths and for repair and maintenance of existing.

Other pathways are in the master design ie. to the barn, around the pond, to the labyrinth, and simple pathways to enjoy the prairie and the beautiful natural landscape.

Activities Pavilion

This structure provides an indoor space with office, ADA bathrooms, kitchenette, storage space for supplies, and space for enjoying arts and crafts activities, healing workshops, and dining in inclement weather, (also eliminating the assault of occasionally pesky mosquitoes!). An overhang around two sides of the building with concrete deep enough for picnic tables will allow outdoor seating with shade for the many guests that need a solid, even surface to maneuver, and a screen porch to protect from the sun. The previous use of the wheelchairs over the grass had it’s limitations!

Donated by: The Metropolitan Builder's Association, 2007 Philanthropic Project Committee

General Landscaping

We want to make our beautiful natural landscape even more beautiful by adding native plants, shrubs, and flowers. Raised beds for vegetable and flower gardening are in the vision to be cared for by our many visitors as an optional activity. Working directly with the earth is a very healing modality. This is an ongoing project.

Estimated Cost - Varible: Determined by individual garden projects.

Program Development

There are groups who would like to come for a day or more of healing on the property but cannot either afford the nominal fees or they don’t have transportation to the country. The monies collected here go directly to meeting the needs of any special needs groups in the way of providing therapeutic activities, food, transportation, or special consultants to work with the needs groups.

Estimated Cost - Variable

If you are interested in sponsoring a group or would like more information, please contact Susan Bliffert at info@bluelotusfarm.org or call: (262)675-2473

––––– CAPITAL PROJECTS - PHASE TWO –––––

REMODELING THE BARN FOR EVENTS, MEETINGS AND PRESENTATIONS

––––– CAPITAL PROJECTS - PHASE THREE –––––

BUILDING OF RETREAT LODGE TO ACCOMMODATE YEAR ROUND PROGRAMS