As part of an improvement project emphasizing good health, Columbia Basin Care is creating a park for residents, families, and staff.
 
Beep! beep! beep! That’s the music of construction as Columbia Basin Care dramatically improves its outdoor space with the creation of a park featuring a picnic pavilion and wheelchair-friendly pathways.
 
The park is a one-acre parcel of land adjacent to the nursing home, bordering Webber and 10th streets. Lined with mature trees, the area has remained largely undeveloped and under-utilized. The new space will include a picnic shelter with kitchen area, new and enhanced pathways, fresh lawn and new plantings.
 
The new park will include a picnic shelter with kitchen area, new and enhanced pathways, fresh lawn and new plantings.
 
The outdoor space will serve as an amenity for residents, their families, and staff. The pavilion and lawn area will be an ideal setting for popular resident activities, such as bocce ball and painting classes. In addition, the outdoor space will offer opportunities for physical therapy sessions.
 
“Fresh air is good for the body and mind,” says Aubree Olmstead, executive director of Columbia Basin Care. “We’re excited to offer our residents and their families a beautiful setting where they can gather, relax, and enjoy the outdoors.”
 
Griffin Construction is general contractor. Completion of the park is expected by October 2016.
 
The park project continues substantial upgrades completed in 2015. That major renovation created a new exterior, an expansive courtyard, walking paths, garden space, and specially-designed areas for practical applications of physical and occupational therapy.
 
Columbia Basin Care, located in The Dalles, is the region’s only community-owned, not-for-profit skilled nursing facility. Founded in 1964, Columbia Basin Care has served the community for over 50 years, and is one of the city’s largest employers, with a staff of over 80 people.
 
As a nonprofit, the facility is run by a volunteer Board of Directors, comprised of individuals who live and work in The Dalles. While Wasco County owns the building and grounds, Columbia Basin is an independent compa­ny with local control and decision-making authority. As a non-profit, there are no owners or investors, and funds are dedicated to facility upgrades and staff improvements to increase quality of life for residents.

Comments are closed.