Welcome To Everland - Colorado's First Immersive Eco-Retreat & Art Park
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Photo by: Nick Guzzo (SharedViews Media)
Colorado has become known as a creative mecca within the last 1-2 decades. The Mile High City alone has been filling up with almost 100,000 new people every year, all coming to get their piece of this new-world pie consisting of artists, creators, entrepreneurs, and innovators alike. Journeymen, if you will, toting passion, inspiration, and culture as they all settle here within what some might call, the true gateway to the west. This migration has allowed our state to stand out as a progressive leader in a country that’s found itself basically gasping for air and torn apart at the seams. Colorado has become known as a beacon of light and influence within such sectors as sustainability, music, legalized marijuana, city-wide art/culture, and most recently, legitimate civil rights action. That’s why it’s no surprise Colorado will now introduce the first interactive Eco-Retreat and Immersive Art Park.
“Everland” is a brand new, 145-acre retreat center, located at the skirt of Colorado’s Pike National Forest only 50 minutes south of Denver. Inside this magical paradise, you can “stay, play, and connect” says Johnny Jenkins, CEO and over-all spear-head of the inspirational new space which encourages visitors to explore not only awe-inspiring art installations, but also Mother Nature, and perhaps most importantly, themselves. The park offers something for practically everybody, regardless of age, interest, or budget. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in a world of art, self-healing, yoga, and sound therapy, or just looking for some of Colorado’s optimal camping space to seclude yourself from today’s madness, you can find it here, or a customized cross between it all. All while remaining centered around a structure of permaculture and sustainable efforts/educational opportunities. Group getaways, company retreats, and intimate to moderately sized celebrations are also excellent examples of Everland's capabilities. This last week, we got an exclusive look into what’s to come and it’s truly exciting to describe the vibe and potential radiating from this new haven!
Formerly a Korean Cristian Center, sits a gigantic structure centralized within the vast landscape. Previously a place of worship, the large building now consists of yoga rooms, meeting spaces, art galleries, and most notably, 13 converted lush 1-bedroom b&b spaces. Each room complete with a sky-light and personal french-door revealing an awaiting and endless wilderness outside. Looking for something more secluded? You can enjoy one of Everland’s beautiful “glamping” sites or for the most nominal fee, a natural camping space to pitch your own tent away from it all. Wherever you lay, you’re always welcome to take part in community events or health-based activities organized at the main facility. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure story in every aspect of the way.
Through-out the encompassing forest, you’ll find that almost “festival” vibe, but it’s not there for just 2-4 days. Permanent and long lasting art/play structures will fill the grounds and to an extent, already do. Working with top-industry names like Android Jones and Treenet Willy, the organizing team has mega, mega plans in the works for the near future. A complete network of treehouses will even eventually complement the endless hiking trails and interactive stories hidden in the forest. To top it all off, a semi-natural amphitheater serves as an intimate musical/performance setting within the trees.
So what’s the catch? Well, like all things in the world, this passion project was not immune to the chaos and uncertainty that came with the historic Covid-19 virus. As so many financial avenues came to a screeching halt, projects like this are reaching out to their potential community for that final push. At the time of our visit earlier this week, an Everland Kickstarter campaign was sitting at nearly $50k out of its goal of $89,000. Today, they’ve already smashed that goal and are sitting at over $93,000. But that doesn’t mean it’s too late for you to lend a hand.
“Logistical groundwork, support operations, and art-builds” are all still in need of development and the campaign still has nearly 40 days before its completion. That means you can still be involved in the crucial stages of getting this project off the ground. Ranging from $11 to $10,000, there’s an option to suit any individual or entity wanting to be involved. Gain rights to vote for future art installations, paid access to the grounds, memberships, and VIP experiences through whatever level of donation suits your budget and desires.
If you’re wondering when you can start taking part in this immersive experience, you’re in luck. There are events scheduled around the corner to begin introducing the space to the public. You can join multiple retreats already on the calendar for either July 18th - 19th, or Aug 1st - 2nd. More pricing and info will be available on the website’s “retreat page” soon but look forward to joining the Everland team along with special guests Kim Doyle & Chachi Mendoza for live yoga & sound healing, as well as an herbal nature walk & tincture tasting at their Magical Elixir Bar. These will be the first public retreats hosted at Everland!
However you desire to be involved, we hope you’ll lookout for more news and events from Everland. In today’s dark and uncertain climate, they are just the bright beacon of light many of us may be looking for.
