Work has been progressing nicely this fall on the Serenity Garden project at North Shore Health. Photos submitted by Mary Sanders
Rick Crawford and crew broke ground for phase one of Serenity Garden on September 1 at the garden’s northwest corner near the hospital, the location of the enclosed seating area. After prepping the wall’s foundation and “outlining” the walkway from North Shore Health’s entrance door, rain delayed progress for a day. But the packed foundation held and soon a stonewall surrounded this private seating area where the first inscribed pavers will lie. By Tuesday, September 15, the last cement for the walkway was poured, leveled, and brushed.
This writer found the skill and care given to construction quite fascinating. For example, one laser tool precisely measured vertical distance so the “outlining” forms on the garden’s curving walkway and gathering space would create a consistently level “mold.” Another example is the skill displayed in the cutting and laying of accent pavers edging the oval gathering area. On that gathering area’s main surface, the crew used mats to give the not-completely-set cement a slate texture.
Workers trowel and sweep as they finish the concrete walkway that loops around the garden area. Next summer, flowers and shrubs will grace the serenity garden, making it a special place for North Shore Health residents, hospital workers and visitors alike.
Very soon, some landscaping will begin, primarily creating modest berms in three areas, installing edging rock along the hospital wall, and bringing in some accent boulders. Soil for planting will arrive in the spring.
If you have the chance, do give kudos to Project Manager, Nancy Koloski, for her conscientious coordination to all the many details of this construction. Rick Crawford told this writer he would hire her if she were available.
A donation matching challenge!
An anonymous community member has offered a generous gift in the form of a matching challenge up to $500. If you can help meet this challenge, your dollars will double in value! Just send a check to North Shore Health with a Serenity Garden notation. Send it to North Shore Health at 515 5th Ave W, Grand Marais, MN 55604; Attn: Kimber Wraalstad.
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