Novi, Michigan, September 21, 2025
News Summary
The Miles family, having recently relocated to Novi, Michigan, has turned a fallen tree into a creative tree fort, enhancing their sense of community and encouraging outdoor play. The project involved Danny Miles and his three children, Trek, Andrew, and Easton, who took this opportunity to foster neighborhood connections and enjoy quality time together. Despite the fort’s short-lived existence, the initiative reflects the importance of outdoor activities for children and the potential for natural occurrences to unite a community.
Novi, Michigan – A recent project by Danny Miles and his three children has captured the attention of their new community, stemming from a fallen tree at Pavilion Shore Park. Having relocated from Santa Barbara, California, the Miles family’s initiative to build a tree fort from the rotting tree has not only provided a fun activity for the children but has also fostered connections within the neighborhood.
The Miles children—Trek, 11, Andrew, 9, and Easton, 6—have developed an enthusiasm for outdoor activities from their time in California, where they participated in wilderness training camps and engaged in homeschooling that emphasized outdoor learning. This background in outdoor exploration made the incident of a fallen tree an exciting opportunity for creativity and teamwork.
On September 5, Danny Miles assessed the fallen tree’s condition and confirmed it was safe for his children to use. The construction of the tree fort took two days, during which the children utilized hand saws to remove limbs and connect parts of the structure. The resulting fort measured 5 feet high, 15 feet long, and 10 feet wide. The use of natural vines for structural connections showcased the children’s creativity as they transformed the fallen tree into a play area.
As the children worked on the fort, neighbors—including other children and parents—gathered to watch, fostering community interaction and collaboration. The completed tree fort offered an avenue for outdoor play as the children enjoyed using it for a day before the city moved in to clear away the debris, along with the fort.
This experience of building a fort closely mirrors the Miles children’s past endeavors while attending outdoor school in Sierra Valley, California, where they frequently worked on similar projects. Trek Miles relayed that constructing forts is a fun way to encourage outdoor activity, which he and his siblings value highly. They all expressed a desire to see more kids playing outside rather than being absorbed by video games, underscoring their inclination toward outdoor engagement.
As they adapt to their new environment, Danny Miles has noted that his children face challenges in making friends, especially in a community where many peers are more focused on gaming. The project, thus, provided a noteworthy opportunity for neighborhood kids to engage in outdoor play and interact with the Miles family, assisting in both social connection and a return to nature.
The creation of this tree fort stands as a testament to the importance of community interaction and the encouraging of outdoor activities for children. It highlights the potential that naturally occurring events, like the fall of a tree, can bring about positive experiences and create bonds within a new community.
FAQ
What motivated the Miles family to build a tree fort?
The Miles children developed an outdoor passion in California, participating in wilderness training camps and homeschooling focused on outdoor activities. A fallen tree at Pavilion Shore Park presented an opportunity for the children to build a tree fort.
How did the tree fort construction take place?
The construction took two days, with the children using hand saws to remove limbs and connect pieces, resulting in a fort that was 5 feet high, 15 feet long, and 10 feet wide.
What was the outcome after the construction?
The children enjoyed playing in the fort for one day before the city cleared away the debris and fort.
What challenges have the Miles children experienced in their new community?
Danny Miles noted difficulties his children faced in making friends as they adjusted to a new environment where many peers were more focused on video games.
What is the overall significance of the tree fort project?
The fallen tree fort project provided a unique avenue for neighborhood kids to experience outdoor play and interact with the Miles family in a new community.
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Key Features of the Tree Fort Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Family Involved | Danny Miles and his three children (Trek, 11; Andrew, 9; Easton, 6) |
| Location | Pavilion Shore Park, Novi, Michigan |
| Construction Duration | Two days |
| Fort Dimensions | 5 feet high, 15 feet long, and 10 feet wide |
| Community Engagement | Neighboring children and parents gathered during construction |
| Outcome | Fort enjoyed for one day before city removal |
| Challenges Faced | Difficulties in making friends in a new community |
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Additional Resources
- C & G News: Fallen Tree Brings Neighborhood Together
- Wikipedia: Novi, Michigan
- Little Guide Detroit: 25 Places to Take Your Kids on a Rainy Day in Metro Detroit
- Google Search: Outdoor Activities for Children
- Singletracks: Best Bike Trails near Detroit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Development
- Patch: Canton Fire Reminder: Christmas Tree Danger
- Google News: Community Engagement
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
