Nearly six months after the first renderings were revealed, a $1 million treehouse is underway at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs.

After years of planning, designing, and fundraising, the much-desired addition to the Evans Children's Adventure Garden is under construction. While a definite schedule for completion has not been announced, the summer event of 2018 has already been designated as "The Great Tree House Adventure: Play Up High."

The Tree House will be a three-story structure accessible from the ground or from the overhead boardwalk.

The design is intended to to teach children about nature through interactive exhibits and structures and a hands-on learning experience is another component of the treehouse. Interpretive elements as well as artistic elements will be a part of the finished project that teaches about dendrology, or the study of wooded plants. 

According to the Garvan Gardens website, the 1.5 acre Evans Children's Adventure Garden already includes a 12-foot waterfall and a man-made cave. The garden also features a bridge constructed from wrought-iron "Cedar tree branches," a series of wading pools and more. Parents can enjoy a bird’s eye view of their children at play from a 450-foot long, 20-foot tall elevated walkway.

During the construction phase, access to the Hixson Nature Preserve will be blocked.

For more information about Garvan Gardens, visit their website.