University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center and Foundation for Geauga Parks are launching a new initiative focused on community wellbeing with the construction of a wellness trail.
University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center and Foundation for Geauga Parks are launching a new initiative focused on community wellbeing with the construction of a wellness trail.
The trail will promote physical activity, community engagement and enhance quality of life for residents, patients and caregivers, said UH Media Relations Specialist Maia Belay-Roberts.
Open to the public, the pathway will wind through the natural, forested landscape of the hospital campus at 13207 Ravenna Road in Claridon Township and feature a longer 0.8-mile loop and a shorter 0.5-mile option.
Trail construction, led by Landmark Lawn Care, of Chardon, began Aug. 2 and is expected to be completed by mid-September, weather permitting, said company owner Neil Holy.
“The wellness trail offers the Geauga community a space to enjoy the physical benefits of exercise while also achieving mental clarity and experiencing meaningful moments with nature,” said Dr. Gregory Stefano, director of the UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute at UHGMC and the William and Eleanor Veverka Semenik chair in interventional cardiology. “We are beyond grateful for everyone’s efforts in making this dream a reality.”
Roberts emphasized the hospital’s commitment to local collaboration in promoting healthier lifestyles.
“We believe that healing and wellness at UH Geauga Medical Center is not only a priority for our patients, but also equally important to those we work with and live with in our community,” said Jonathan Sague, UHGMC chief operating officer. “Our new trail will be a place to retreat, a place to exercise, a place to be mindful, a place to grieve, a place to heal and a place to be well.”
Fulfilling Foundation’s Mission
FGP strives to connect the community with nature and build a legacy of environmental stewardship for generations to come, according to its mission.
UH Senior Development Officer Bill Rice introduced FGP Executive Director Christine Davidson to the trail concept in November 2023 and they strategized on a partnership for joint fundraising.
In June 2024, Rice submitted a grant request to FGP seeking $50,000 over five years.
“Bill had gotten a commitment for $50,000 in matching money from Unto Others Foundation, but needed a pledge from us to ‘unlock’ that match money to construct the trail,” Davidson explained.
The FGP Grants Committee met with Rice and Sague in October 2024 to confirm the trail would be open to the public and align with its mission for community engagement with nature.
“We wouldn’t have funded a ‘private’ trail,” Davidson added.
FGP signed a pledge agreement in December 2024, officially committing $50,000 to UH Geauga.
Patterson Family’s Dedication
During the planning process, Davidson worked closely with Dave Patterson, of Chester Township, a longtime supporter of FGP.
He invited Dave to join the grants committee to evaluate UHGMC’s request before Dave later joined the FGP Board in January 2025.
A month earlier, Dave and his siblings pledged the first $10,000 of FGP’s $50,000 commitment in honor of their parents, Nancy and Jim Patterson.
Patterson Fruit Farm in Chester Township, founded by Jim’s ancestors in 1826, has strong roots in the community.
“My dad’s involvement with the UH hospital system is a deep one,” Dave said. “He has served on the Geauga hospital board for many years and through many transitions. He has even served on UH’s main board, looking out for Geauga and its citizens.”
Jim also held leadership roles across local government and community organizations, including 14 years as a Geauga County commissioner (from 1969 to 1982), where he focused on protecting and preserving land throughout the county, Dave said.
“We still are benefiting from the land use planning and foresights of those commissioners,” he said, adding his dad also served as Geauga County park commissioner.
Jim’s wife, Nancy, was a steadfast partner throughout his career, Dave said.
“At 83 and 84, they owe their great health to staying active and alert,” he said, adding his mother enjoys walking three miles a day on the family farm to stay in shape.
The Patterson family saw the wellness trail as a natural extension of their family values, Dave said.
“With all the good work that Bill Rice and Christine Davidson have done to put this project together, we are so excited to see this come to fruition,” Dave said. “My parents have been a great inspiration and role models for all of us, and we are pleased to make this commitment in their honor.”
Community-Wide Collaboration
In March 2025, FGP submitted a joint grant application with UH Geauga to the Clean Ohio Recreational Trails Program.
The foundation also hired a part-time grant writer to help with the process, which included submitting letters of support from the Geauga Park District, Geauga County Department on Aging, county Department of Economic Development, county Planning Commission and the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency.
UHGMC expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community and project donors, including Stefano, the Patterson family, FGP, Unto Others Foundation and individual donors who made the project possible.
“I’m beyond excited to utilize the new Geauga County hiking trail,” said Val Kovacic- Mauer, UH Geauga’s director of operations and clinical services. “It’s the perfect way to stay active, soak in nature and connect with our amazing community.”
