The vision of this collaboration--a campaign called 'Concourse Crossing'--is to provide people of all ages access to a cross generational cluster of opportunities and support for quality lifestyles, lifelong learning, a broad cross section of community services, fitness and wellness areas, regional government or recreational outlets, information and assistance and healthy aging. Part of this vision is to construct a centrally located, accessible community locus.
Public viewpoint and buy-in is essential and extremely valuable to ensure the design of the facility so that it will meet our growing needs.
On Friday, March 27, 2009, community members gathered to envision this new center of the community. Approximately 40 people offered insight and gained information.
This visioning largely takes into account our aging population and the need for healthy lifestyles. All attendees voiced their interest in further participation. The next step is feasibility and how different organizations and needs fit into the plan.
On April 14, 2009 the Concourse Crossing Steering Committee met to review the input from the 'Visioning' and do a site analysis on the potential locations. The committee looked at the advantages and disadvantages of each site based on; accessibility, central location, acreage available; cost of developing the site and other factors. The Mercy Memorial property has the advantage of being 'shovel ready' with road cuts and infrastructure in place and considerable property to accommodate a large facility and the parking necessary. It was the consensus of the group that we approach Mercy Memorial Hospital to see if they were interested in being part of our concept.
On April 24, 2009, representatives of the steering committee had a very positive meeting with John Kibble, V.P. of Business Strategy and Development and Lisa Bachmayer, V.P. of Clinical Services.
The next steps involve determining the size and scope of services to be offered in order for the developer to determine the square footage needed so that costs can be established. We are also confirming the financial backing for this project.
