WABASH, IN- This winter, Parkview Wabash Hospital added a parking lot next to the picnic pavilion and the paved trail that encircles the seven-acre pond on the south end of campus. On Tuesday, June 6, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will officially open the lot, which has already seen considerable use by Wabash-area residents.
“We have seen plenty of people taking advantage of the parking lot, trail and pavilion this spring,” said Deb Potempa, market president, Parkview Health Southwest. “Walkers, runners, people using walkers/rollators and other mobility equipment, and families with strollers. One family had their Easter celebration there because it was easy for them to unload with the parking lot so close to the pavilion. We want to encourage more people to come out and enjoy this recreational resource.”
At 11 a.m. on June 6, hospital, Parkview Wabash Foundation and community leaders will gather for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the pavilion, trail and lot and thank donors whose gifts to the foundation have made them possible:
• Paul Speicher – Ralph Naragon Fund with the Community Foundation
• Ralph and Becky Naragon
• First Merchants Corporation
• Beacon Credit Union
“The community has come together to invest in wellness, a vision for more accessible outdoor-activity resources,” said Denise Andorfer, director, Parkview Foundation. “We are so grateful for their generosity. The more this hospital and this community can encourage people to get out in the fresh air, enjoy time with friends and family, and find activities to help them cultivate greater wellness, the better it is for the future of Wabash County.”
That was the original goal when the trail was first created. In late 2017, as the new hospital was being built, the Parkview Wabash Foundation launched a special effort to raise funds for a half-mile path. At that time, the City of Wabash was working to expand the Wabash Walking Trail to connect downtown to the north side. The foundation’s board members felt a paved path would grow this community initiative while enabling residents to boost their physical activity in a safe, accessible place. The path was also intended to provide patients, family members and hospital co-workers with a place where they could take a break outdoors. To further encourage use of the path, the foundation board decided to add a pavilion and picnic tables.
Plans for a trail parking lot were put on hold due to the pandemic, but in late 2022, the foundation board approved moving forward with lot construction.
No matter the weather, the trail is well used as it is completely accessible by sidewalks to and from the north side of the city. It also connects via sidewalk to the Charley Creek Trail, a 3/4-mile paved path that extends from OJ Neighbours Elementary School to Wabash’s Field of Dreams.
“We want area residents to know they can feel free to make the hospital campus a part of their wellness routine and to use this space for their physical and social activity,” said Potempa.
The public is invited to attend the informal ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. Parking will be available across John Kissinger Drive from the trail/pavilion area, along the east service drive that loops around the hospital. Easiest access to this service drive is from N. Wabash St. on the east side of the hospital campus. Guests should turn from N. Wabash onto John Kissinger Drive, then take an immediate right onto the service drive to park. A golf cart and driver will be available on the east service drive beginning at 10:30 a.m. for guests who have difficulty walking distances.
Although the trail/pavilion parking lot has been in use since this winter, it was finished more recently with a final coat of blacktop, new striping and landscaping. Anyone is welcome to use the lot for the safe enjoyment of Parkview Wabash’s trail and pavilion. Trail users should be aware, however, that skateboards, roller blades/skates and bikes are not permitted.
Parkview Wabash Hospital is located at 10 John Kissinger Drive, just off U.S. 24 in Wabash.
