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Winthrop Area Clinic's new landscaping benefits downtownSince opening in December 2007, the Winthrop Area Clinic continues to grow, settle into the community and is a vital business member in the downtown area.  New landscaping was completed outside the Winthrop Area Clinic in August. The project is meant to create a healing environment for community members, as well as adding style and green space to the downtown area.
Now the clinic is enhancing its care for the community outside its walls through a landscaping project aimed at creating a healing environment for community members, as well as adding style and green space to the downtown area. "The renovation of the inside of the building far exceeded our expectations. We're proud of being able to provide the community this kind of facility," said Toby Freier, director of operations and finance at the New Ulm Medical Center (NUMC), which owns and operates the Winthrop Area Clinic. "We wanted to make the same kind of investment to the outside of the building for all to enjoy." Freier pointed out that the landscaping project is in line with the city of Winthrop's comprehensive plan for the downtown area, which is partly why the Winthrop Economic Development Authority (WEDA) contributed $3,000 toward the $13,000 project. The remaining $10,000 will be funded by donations through the NUMC Foundation. "This project is the only garden-type space of its kind in the downtown Winthrop area for everyone to enjoy the outdoors in a peaceful, landscaped area," said NUMC Foundation Executive Director Carisa Buegler. "We have a vision that this space will not only provide a healing environment for patients, but also a welcoming green destination for all residents and downtown visitors to enjoy – a place to walk to, enjoy a cup of coffee from Sister's Coffee or spend lunch breaks." The project includes adding new greenery in the front of the building and east side of the building, including bushes and trees. It will also include the addition of a picnic table, benches, and birdhouses; removal of the fence next to the building; removing some extra concrete to increase landscaping area; and the addition of outdoor lighting. "This is just another step in investing in the community," Freier said. "Our primary role is to provide health care – but also we want to re-invest in the community and contribute to making it a vital place for people to live and work." The Winthrop Area Clinic continues to be "right on track" for projected patient visits, Freier said. "And, we have the capacity to grow. If we continue to provide consistent, reliable service for our patients, we will continue to grow and be the provider of choice in the area. Having accessible and quality health care is vital to economic development and job creation. It's a great asset for the Winthrop business community and goes a long way toward retaining community members of all ages." Related Links New Ulm Medical Center Foundation  Back to Health Edition |
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New Ulm Medical Center
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