WABASH, IN – Bringing a large project to fruition takes vision, commitment and resources, not to mention patience. But in the end, the results can be beautiful.
And beautiful results are being realized in the form of the paved trail encircling the seven-acre pond on the
Parkview Wabash Hospital (PWB) campus. The vision for the trail as a place for exercise, social gatherings
and quiet contemplation has unfolded in stages over the past few years. Committed to the benefits of the trail for co-workers and the broader community, hospital leaders completed an extension last year that doubled the trail’s length. Benches have been installed alongside the bowl-shaped dry pond, and grasses and
wildflowers have been planted. Now only time is needed for the entire green space to take its final form.
“We decided to plant about 30 different types of native grasses, plants and wildflowers so the area should be
alive with colorful blooms, bees and butterflies each spring and summer,” said Deb Potempa, market
president, Parkview Health South. “We ask for everyone’s patience, though, because while some of the
flowers have begun to bloom, it will likely take two more years for all the plants to get well established.”
Wabash resident Pam Dyer already loves the extended one-mile trail, which is accessible by sidewalks to
and from the north side of the city and connects to the 3/4-mile Charley Creek Trail between OJ Neighbours
Elementary School and Wabash’s Field of Dreams.
“It’s a safe place for us to run,” Dyer said of the trail’s campus setting. “We like the layout and the surface of
the path, and we love the scenery. The flowers are a beautiful addition! The grounds are kept immaculate,
and we appreciate all the hard work that goes into keeping this area so nice.”
Dyer and her husband, Joe, are well known in Wabash for their love of physical activity and being outdoors.
The couple runs or walks four to eight miles a day – a habit they established some 50 years ago and still
enjoy. They visit the PWB trail three to four times a week, sometimes lunching at the pavilion and chatting
with other residents who use the trail.
“We’ve talked to several people, and it is great for all ability levels and ages,” said Dyer. “Many people love
the peacefulness of the area.”
Once the plantings mature, a variety of pollinators and other wildlife should be attracted to the marsh setting.
Native grasses and flowers were chosen to suit the soil conditions and expected fluctuations in rainfall and
runoff. An assortment of grasses, sedges and rushes was planted, as well as a collection of herbaceous
flowering plants. Descriptive plant names hint at the rainbow of colors and shapes visitors will be able to
enjoy when these and other plants flower: Nodding Bur Marigold, Common Boneset, Common Sneezeweed,
Marsh Rose Mallow, American Bugleweed, Allegheny Monkeyflower, Blue Vervain, and Golden Alexander.
A temporary covering of seed oats and rye protects the plantings.
On a sunny day in September, PWB leaders held an official dedication for the trail extension. Hospital co
workers, project donors and other community members joined Potempa and Denise Andorfer, director,
Parkview Health Foundation, for the occasion. Lydia Miller, manager, Chaplaincy, Parkview Health, offered a
blessing for the path to be ever useful and safe for those who enjoy it.
Potempa and Andorfer expressed their gratitude to Lance and Shelly Agness, who represented their family
foundation. Lance and his sister, Lana Barnhisel, manage the foundation, which was established by their
parents. A plaque commemorates the Agness Family Foundation gift that made the trail extension and
wildflower oasis project possible.
“We are so grateful community-minded donors like Lance, Shelly and Lana continue to step forward to
support this project because they value the ways in which trails and green spaces can enrich Wabash
County life for everyone,” said Andorfer.
“The Agness Family’s generosity and vision have enabled us to enhance the trail in an environmentally
sustainable way while creating a healing space that nurtures physical and mental well-being,” said Potempa.
“It’s another wonderful example of how, together, we are making Wabash County a vibrant, highly livable
community.”
Since the extra half mile was added to the trail, usage has increased significantly. Parkview Wabash co
workers, fitness enthusiasts like the Dyers, and residents and staff of Wellbrooke of Wabash – located next
door to the hospital – are among those who regularly run, walk, roll, stroll, picnic and enjoy peaceful reflection in the trail space.
The vision for the green space between N. Wabash St. and Alber St. on the south end of PWB’s campus
originated with the new hospital, which opened with a half-mile trail, picnic pavilion and pond in 2018.
During facility construction, the hospital foundation launched a fundraising effort for a half-mile path to
complement the City of Wabash’s plan to connect downtown to the north side by expanding the Wabash
Walking Trail. The foundation board felt a paved path on hospital property would grow that community
initiative and provide a safe, accessible place for exercise or a break outdoors for patients and their family
members, hospital co-workers and area residents. Plans for a trail parking lot were delayed by the pandemic,
but in late 2022, the foundation board approved a plan to move forward, and the lot was completed in spring 2023.
Soon after, plans were made to extend the trail farther west and create a peaceful natural setting with
additional plantings. The trail extension was completed in 2024.
Anyone is welcome to use the parking lot for the safe enjoyment of the trail and its amenities. Trail users
should be aware that skateboards, roller blades/skates and bikes are not permitted.
Parkview Wabash Hospital is located at 10 John Kissinger Drive, just off U.S. 24 in Wabash.
