May Be Just What the Doctor Ordered
Bright sunshine and a cool breeze welcomed a noontime crowd Oct. 15 to view the ribbon-cutting for the University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center Wellness Trail.
Bright sunshine and a cool breeze welcomed a noontime crowd Oct. 15 to view the ribbon-cutting for the University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center Wellness Trail.
Located behind Siedeman Cancer Center on the northeast corner of the UHGMC campus at 13207 Ravenna Road in Claridon Township, the wide path starts at the parking lot and circles back through the woods for 0.8 miles.
It is open to patients, families, hospital staff and the community and reinforces UHGMC’s commitment to fostering wellness, hospital officials said in a press release.
“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 Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Sague. “This project allows all stakeholders to come together for a common purpose. 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.”
The trail offers patients, caregivers and area residents a place to exercise, reflect and connect with nature — enhancing overall quality of life and community engagement, officials said in the release.
The project came about after UH Senior Development Officer Bill Rice introduced Foundation for Geauga Parks Executive Director Christine Davidson to the trail concept in November 2023 and they strategized on a partnership for joint fundraising.
Donations to design and create the trail came from a variety of sources, including the William and Eleanor Veverka Semenik chair in interventional cardiology, the Patterson Family, the Foundation for Geauga Parks, the Unto Others Foundation, and individual community donors, UHGMC said in the release.
Jim and Nancy Patterson, of Chester Township, attended the event.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who made this dream into a reality,” said Stefano before the ribbon cutting, mentioning the generous donations. “This wonderful trail provides an opportunity for the community, patients and employees to enjoy nature and exercise in a gorgeous setting.”
UHGMC Chief Medical Officer Marlea Miano said the chance to get outdoors will be good for everyone on campus.
“I encourage our employees to get out moving and walking. It will clear their minds in the middle of the day,” she said, adding the benefit of exercise is well-known.
“Most people agree that walking is good for a body,” she said.
Shortly after the ribbon was cut up and pieces handed out to participants, the crowd surged forward and went for a wellness hike down the pristine, limestone trail.
