The Resource Coordinator for Services to Seniors in Vita says they are hoping to revamp the overgrown outdoor green space at the Vita and District Health Centre and make it more accessible for residents. 

Carol Dolynchuk says the current outdoor space is nearly unusable especially for the residents in wheelchairs.

Right now it’s an overgrown park-like area," Dolynchuk explains, noting it is also mostly inaccessible for their residents in wheelchairs. "it has the interlocking bricks which we are hoping to redo them and reuse them and then maintain them properly."

She also says they will have to install specific doors on the care home, proper ramps for residents to be able to get in and out with ease and redoing the landscape.

Dolynchuk says they are estimating the project will cost around $60,000 although they hope to have a lot of work done by volunteers. She notes the costly part will be the engineering work in order to have the proper drainage and levelling the brick floor. 

"We want the space to be perfectly flat so they can go out on their own with their motorized wheelchairs or people can push them out there."

She notes everyone should have the option of going outside for fresh air during the day and says it would also make for a good space for families to spend time with their loved ones. 

Dolynchuk says they have applied for grants for the project but adds they are also looking to the Regional Health Authority as well as the Hospital Foundation for funds as well as the community.

"We’re doing like a coffee house so it’s just coffee and tea and treats with some music from some local entertainers here. We just want to engage the public and let people know what we want to do and ask for help to do it."

The event takes place Friday, February 15 at the Vita Personal Care Home.