The buzz of excitement filled the air on Saturday, June 22nd, in Del Norte, Colorado, as the community gathered for the grand opening of the Rio Grande Hospital Wellness Center. The new Wellness Center truly embodies their motto “Empowered Health and Inspired Lives,” and brings together community members of all ages and walks of life.
The idea originated in 2016 when Arlene, CEO of Rio Grande Hospital, was inspired by the blue zone regions—areas where people live longer and healthier lives. Arlene envisioned Del Norte as a potential blue zone and began asking, “How can we get our community on the map?” Thus, the Wellness Center was born. Supported by a dedicated team, Arlene transformed her vision into reality, demonstrating the power of community effort and passion.
A Warm Welcome at the Wellness Center
Upon arrival at the Wellness Center, smiling staff members greet visitors in a welcoming atmosphere. The halls feature motivational message boards that emphasize the main aspects of wellness: community, nutrition, mindfulness, and natural movement. Each board is accompanied by a space to practice these wellness principles.
The Wellness Center boasts several unique features:
- 33’ Growing Dome Greenhouse: A year-round garden that will provide the community with fresh produce.
- Communal Meeting Space: This area welcomes everyone with a stunning wall sculpture, fireplace, and comfortable seating.
- Garden Meeting Room: A space to host classes put on by the local extension office.
- Test Kitchen: To try out nutritious recipes featuring produce grown on-site.
- Quiet Rooms: Heated massage chairs and a tranquil environment help calm the mind.
- Main Event Space: A labyrinth on the floor helps soothe anxiety.
- Fitness Room: State-of-the-art equipment provides opportunities for exercise and physical wellness.
Accommodations and Green Initiatives
In addition to the Wellness Center, there are RV hookups and six cottages. These living spaces are intended for family members of hospital patients, patients transitioning to hospice care, and those receiving treatment in the hyperbaric wound chamber. Each cottage is designed to resemble areas where people often live to be over 100 years old.
The centerpiece of the Wellness Center is a 33’ Growing Dome Greenhouse. This Growing Dome provides a space for community members to relax, engage in gardening, and enjoy freshly picked produce. Besides the standard features, it includes Backyard Boxes raised garden beds and the Desert Cooling Package. Built in just four and a half days by a Growing Spaces Full Crew, the Dome stands as a testament to the resilience of the community, even weathering a mid-May snowstorm during its construction.
When asked why she chose to add a Growing Dome to the facility, Arlene emphasized the importance of promoting a healthy diet as one of the main goals of the Wellness Center. “Since I will have a teaching kitchen nearby, it seems like a great thing to have,” she said. The kitchen will host classes showcasing different cuisines and healthy recipes, starting with Indian cuisine.
Another reason for the Growing Dome is that it is a place to relax and reduce stress for employees and community members. Arlene noted, “We know the sound of running water, plants, and a nice environment with heat and humidity does amazing things in reducing stress and allowing one to relax.” Additionally, she stated, “Many people in this region can’t afford to go to the health food store for healthy foods.” The produce grown in the Growing Dome will be available to community members at no cost.
A Community Effort
Growing Spaces is proud to support the Rio Grande Hospital Wellness Center. The Center is a recipient of our in-kind grant, which is available to community gardens, non-profit organizations, and schools. Arlene wrote in her grant application “Some of the healthy food we grow, we will be giving away to our poorer community and teaching a wholesome diet in the process. It is difficult to grow healthy fresh food here.” All services at the Wellness Center will be free of charge for at least the first year, ensuring that everyone in the community can benefit from its offerings.
Arlene concluded her opening speech with a quote by Margaret Mead, which perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the Wellness Center: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
The Rio Grande Hospital Wellness Center is more than a facility; it’s a beacon of hope and health for the Del Norte community and the larger San Luis Valley. It serves as a shining example of what a community can achieve when they unite with a shared vision of wellness and longevity.
