b'AT LAKERIDGE HEALTH PORT PERRYCOVIDhasbeenanexhaust- the building, surrounded by patienttoemployee-ownedGSPGroup.In inganddifficultjourney.Itsalsorooms, all with a view. This gardensstep with the Garden Committee, GSP highlightedwhattrulymattersinlocation makes it perfect for patientsbelieves strongly in engaging with staff ourlives;healthandwellbeing,to access for fresh air and time withand physicians, hospital users, volun-connectiontoothers,andenjoyingvisitors beyond the confines of theirteers and others as an integral part of the outdoors, to name a few. Visitinghospital bed.the design process. outdoorstominimizetransmis- ThispatientgardenhasbeenaGSP Landscape Architect Manager, sionofillnessduringCOVIDwaslabourofloveforGerrieCooper,aLori Balcerek shared the vision, We somethingmanyofusembraced.tremendouslydedicatedvolunteercan take advantage of elements like Therefore, when LHPPs Engineeringgardener who tends it almost daily.theexistingmaturetreesforshade and Infrastructure Manager, GrahamBut over the years, the sprinkler sys- andthesouth-facingsemi-enclosed Crouse, pointed out the challenges intem has failed, a number of the treesmicro-climate to make it a three-sea-the hospitals main garden and askedhave died, and the bricks of the walk- son garden, one that offers a healing if the Foundation could help, it onlyway and retaining walls have startedspace and is accessible to all.made sense. tocrumblemakingthemunsightly,We are excitedly embarking on the AtLakeridgeHealthPortPerry,andmoreimportantly,difficultfordesignphasenow,butthisproject patients and their families, and ouranyone with limited mobility to usewill take time. It could very well be staffhavemuchgreateraccesstothe garden.We are delighted to an- spring or summer of 2023 before we green space than at most hospitals.nounce this gardens refurbishing.unveil the newly designed space, a ThereisagardenbehindtheNewA sub-committee of the Foundationshealing garden that will enhance care LifeCentrewheremanyofusde- BoardofDirectorsandLakeridgesbeyond the walls of our communitys lighted in watching a mama fox withCapitalPlanningteam,followingahospital. her pups this spring.And, there ispublic procurement process, is pleased the main garden at the south side ofto have awarded the design contractPlease turn to page 29CELEBRATE YOUR FAMILY EVENTS HERE!BirthdaysAnniversariesRetirementFamily gatheringsBRANCH 419Take the mess out of your house and leave it in our hands!Hall Rental includes: bartenders, liquor license, insurance.Catering also availableCall the Legion905-985-8502FOCUS - JULY 202227'