It’s a beautification project not normally seen at health care facilities in small town Saskatchewan, but in Dinsmore, one particular backyard is standing out above the rest after holding its official grand opening last weekend.
On Sunday, June 25, staff at the Dinsmore Health Care Centre welcomed the public to the unveiling of their colorful backyard, joining with residents of the facility to break in the new amenities of the ‘wandering garden’ that include a gazebo, a paved walkway, flowers, a bird bath, bird house, benches, and a special ‘Friends of our Garden’ wall that recognizes donors who made all of it possible.
The beautification project of the health care centre’s backyard was the brainchild of a committee comprised of Lori Blackwell, Terry Westbury, Melissa Bencharski, Carol Greuel, Marie McPhail, Sharon & Buzz Folliott, and Donna Moebis. Their plans date back to 2015, when they began putting the idea out into the public and started to raise funds toward their vision of what the backyard could look like.
Today, that vision has become a reality as the yard has been transformed into a bold, eye-grabbing location that is quickly becoming popular with not just staff and residents, but with the public in Dinsmore. The unveiling on Sunday was a celebration of the hard work, dedication and support that the project has had from the beginning.
Young Abby Friesen, an elementary student at Dinsmore Composite, kicked things off with singing O Canada before Lori Blackwell served as MC of the afternoon festivities, who touched on the financial support received by the committee. Everything from garage and bake sales to food sales and raffles contributed to the project, as did the families of residents who made monetary donations. The seemingly-endless number of fundraising initiatives undertaken by those in the community has made the yard project a unique venture that hits close to home.
“Together, we’ve created this beautiful space that can be enjoyed by residents, even from their rooms, or staff coming out to take a break, or even by those in the community,” said Lori.
Giving a dedication blessing with Bruce McPhail, who commended the committee for working towards their goals and doing what it takes to make their dream come true.
“They spearheaded this movement, and that’s what it takes; volunteers to reach the end result,” said Bruce. “Maybe some of us will come and go, but our hope is that this facility is still here for many, many years to come.”
The rest of the afternoon was filled with visiting and refreshments as staff served cake to those in attendance, but it was also time to officially designate the backyard as being ‘open for business’.
Perhaps it was fitting that the ceremonial ribbon on the Dinsmore Health Care Centre’s new backyard was cut by the facility’s longest-serving resident, Mildred Bailey Sr., who has lived there for 11 years.
“It’s the best place to be when you can’t be at home,” said Mildred.
