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Avera Health and Avera St. Mary's has announced a gift to the city of Pierre for $30,000 to fund the building of "play pods" along the multi-purpose trail in Pierre. Bill Van Camp, Avera St. Mary's Governing Board Chairman, made the announcement at the Pierre City Commission Tuesday.
"For several years, the City of Pierre, Project ACHIEVE and the Let's Move Coalition have worked together to create a healthier Pierre by providing increased opportunities for physical activity," said Joseph Messmer, Interim Regional President, Avera St. Mary’s. "Avera Health is delighted have this opportunity to further our mission of making a positive impact in the lives and health of those in our communities by joining this effort."
The funds will be used to create two play pods, areas designed specifically for children to play, along Pierre’s new multipurpose trail system. The play areas along the trail are designed to entice families to use the trail together by providing something adults and children can both enjoy.
“Avera’s generous contribution of the play pods along our new multi-purpose trail is greatly appreciated,” said Laurie Gill, Mayor, Pierre, SD. “These play areas create a win-win situation. Everyone gets exercise moving along the trail, and the children take an interest in the trail because it provides them with special places to enjoy, too.”
"This gift completes our vision," said Tiffany Sanchez, co-chair, Project ACHIEVE. "Avera’s partnership with the city of Pierre and the ACHIEVE/Let's Move Coalition to create a complete play trail shows their commitment to our entire community."
Planning work for the play trail and pods is well underway, and the city expects completion in the summer of 2013. For more information or to request a media interview, please contact Amanda Bacon, Communications Coordinator, Avera St. Mary's, at 224-3160.
Avera St. Mary’s includes: Avera St. Mary's Hospital, Avera Maryhouse Long Term Care and Avera ParkWood Independent Living Apartments in Pierre, as well as Avera Gettysburg Hospital, Avera Oahe Manor and Avera Oahe Villa Congregate Living in Gettysburg. These facilities were all transferred to Avera Health Jan. 1, 2013.