WABASH, IN – Wabash-area residents who use the trail and picnic shelter on the Parkview Wabash Hospital campus can now take advantage of a convenient parking lot.
A lot with spaces for four vehicles has been added next to the pavilion and the paved trail that encircles the seven-acre pond on the south part of campus. Two of the spaces are designated as handicapped parking.
“We’re so pleased we could add this parking lot thanks to the generosity of foundation donors,” said Deb Potempa, president, Parkview Wabash Hospital. “It’s a great way to encourage more people to come to campus to get some fresh air, gather with friends and work toward greater wellness.”
Previously, shelter and trail users tended to park along the side of John Kissinger Drive. The lot will now enable them to avoid having to walk out into the road.
The lot has been poured and striped for temporary use, but it will be finished this spring with a final coat of blacktop, new stripes and landscaping.
Potempa anticipates the hospital will host a ribbon-cutting in the spring, but said she wants the community to be aware that the lot is already available for use.
“With the unpredictable ups and downs in winter weather, there may be more than a few days when the temperatures are mild enough to allow people to get out and exercise,” she said. “Even if they don’t live within walking distance of the hospital, now they can take a short drive and park next to the pavilion and trail.”
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 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.
The trail is used frequently – in fair weather and inclement weather alike – 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.
Skateboards, roller blades/skates and bikes are not permitted on Parkview Wabash’s trail.
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.
“Charitable donations to the Foundation have helped enhance the quality of care and services available to this community for years,” said Denise Andorfer, director, Parkview Foundations. “Donor generosity makes a difference in ways large and small, and this is another wonderful project that will show area residents we welcome them to make the hospital campus a part of their wellness routine not just for testing and imaging and doctor visits, but also for physical and social activity.”
Parkview Wabash Hospital is located at 10 John Kissinger Drive, just off U.S. 24 in Wabash.
