City Councilmembers Carmen Rasmussen and Donna Wright steady the ribbon for Mayor Jon Nehring to cut. Pictured in background from left: Star Reed with dog, Charlie; Rehab Services manager Erin Melcher; resident Marlene Williams; Care Center administrator Ken Bloomstine; and three of the center's 17 physical therapists, Craig Jordan, Kathy Peterson and Janelle Sunnarborg. Photo courtesy of Doug Buell, City of Marysville.

 

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring and city councilmembers joined with workers and residents of Marysville Care Center August 25 to dedicate a new outdoor Mobility Park at the facility.

The park is designed to re-create the conditions and terrain that seniors and disabled residents experience in their everyday lives. Features include a large gazebo and outdoor walking areas composed of different types of surfaces such as curbs, steps, ramps, cobblestone walkway, gravel and bark, all of which can present mobility challenges to elderly and handicapped individuals.

Because the area is outdoors, weather conditions also make the experience more realistic for individuals undergoing physical therapy.

"This mobility park is an impressive achievement, and it fits in perfectly with our Healthy Communities goals to promote walking and mobility across all ages," Nehring said at the dedication. "The park assists the Rehabilitation Unit in its work to help seniors regain strength, get back on the road to recovery after serious illness or trauma, and gives residents a variety of different walking terrains to match real-life conditions around our community."

The Care Center also installed a shuffleboard court, putting green and basketball hoop to incorporate fun into the mobility area.

Nehring added that senior citizens make up about 15 percent of Marysville's population, contributing to the community, shopping, visiting parks, worshipping in local churches and other activities, so mobility is important to maintaining quality of life. He thanked Marysville Care Center for creating an active environment for senior and disabled residents.

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