Cherry Park Retirement Residence recently opened up a whole new world to its residents.
Located at 317 Winnipeg St., the complex just celebrated it’s grand re-opening following renovations which have significantly improved the lives of the 70 people who call Cherry Park home.
“The feedback from the residents and families is just ecstatic,” said residence executive director Joanne Gardner who oversees a staff of 12. “We’ve always had the camaraderie because the residents are fantastic and help each other, now they’ve got a brighter space to live and work in. There is a difference, just on their faces on their attitude. It’s impossible to put a value on the quality of life.”
In addition to the ongoing work which began about three years ago to completely renovate each of the private units, some major changes were made on the main floor including a new theatre and exercise rooms. The activities room is also changed and is much airier and has a view of outside. Perhaps the real gem of the renovations is the new, enclosed formal dining room that is available for residents’ private functions.
Gardiner pointed out the sprinklers in each of the rooms makes the concrete and steel structure one of the safest of its kind in the city.
“I think the important thing about the work is that residents have their apartments and that’s private, that’s home,” said Gardner. “What they were lacking was that social aspect and now the can come downstairs almost any time of the day or night and there’s somebody to talk to.
“And the staff enjoy it too.”