Special to KRTN
Trinidad, Colo., May 23, 2023 — Sister Blandina Wellness Gardens announces its public reopening next month. Effective June 1, 2023, the location will be open and staffed Tuesday through Sunday, offering free Gardens admission for community members and visitors, apart from private and special events.
The outdoor venue was temporarily closed beginning September 2022 as a public-safety precaution due to Downtown Trinidad Development Group’s selective demolition and preservation of Schneider’s Brewery, which is now complete. Sister Blandina Wellness Gardens appreciates the community’s patience while awaiting its reopening and apologizes for any inconvenience resulting from its temporary closure.
In honor of the reopening, Sister Blandina Wellness Gardens will be hosting a free community celebration on Friday, June 2. Attendees can enjoy informational tours of the Gardens, followed by remarks from community leaders, including Mt. Carmel Wellness & Community Center board chair and event emcee Ed Griego, Denver Broncos All-Pro Middle Linebacker 1974-1983, Randy Gradishar, and Holy Trinity Graduate 1957 and CIF Los Angeles City Section Sports Hall of Famer Mike Maio. The evening event will conclude with live music by Christa Russell & Todd Franks.
Opened in July 2021 in the heart of downtown Trinidad, Sister Blandina Wellness Gardens provides individuals and families with a place for spiritual, mental, physical, and social well-being. Originally a member-access venue, the reopening as a public garden celebrates the pioneer spirit of the Gardens’ namesake of exploring new frontiers and championing others to be their best. Sister Blandina Segale was an ordinary woman who did extraordinary things with purpose and passion. She founded School District 1, the first in the state of Colorado, and championed for children, education, and justice. She is a role model for all. Attendees of the Community Celebration will receive a free Champion of Trinidad pin, while supplies last.
The property that is now Sister Blandina Wellness Gardens was purchased by Phil Long Enterprise over several years, consisting of five total lots and three buildings. No taxpayer dollars were involved in the creation or in the ongoing maintenance of the Gardens.
To preserve the history of the buildings that were onsite, Phil Long Enterprise, with Downtown Trinidad Development Group and Trinidad Construction Group, salvaged materials during the demolition process to reuse during construction, including the heavy timbers, clay tiles and decorative terracotta. What was the second-story façade of 219-25 North Commercial Street now serves as the entryway into the Gardens.
All features within the Gardens were carefully selected for their significance in what they represent about Trinidad’s history, Sister Blandina and her religious order, the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. There are approximately 500 names of past and present Sisters of Charity engraved on the structure surrounding the bronze, life-size statue of Sister Blandina.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Sister Blandina Wellness Gardens Community Reopening Celebration
Where: Sister Blandina Wellness Gardens, 225, N. Commercial Street, Trinidad CO
When: Friday, June 2, 5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- 5:00 p.m.: Tours of the Gardens
- 6:00 p.m.: Remarks by Mt. Carmel Wellness & Community Center board chair Ed Griego, Denver Broncos All-Pro Middle Linebacker, 1974-1983, Randy Gradishar, and Holy Trinity Graduate 1957 and CIF Los Angeles City Section Sports Hall of Famer Mike Maio
- 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.: Live music by Christa Russell & Todd Franks
- Complimentary lemonade and iced tea for attendees; water, soda, and snacks for sale.
- Free Champion of Trinidad pins to attendees, while supplies last.
No registration required; free and open to the public. No pets allowed.
Sister Blandina Wellness Gardens is a 501(c)3 operated by Mt. Carmel Wellness & Community Center. Its mission is, through the nurturing of mind, body, and spirit, to inspire community members with extraordinary purpose and passion to champion others and embody Sister Blandina’s legacy. The Gardens offers a wide variety of wellness activities, classes, activities, youth programs, cultural events, and entertainment, including a new 2023 Summer Concert Series. View and register for upcoming activities and classes at their event calendar.
Effective June 1st, the Gardens will be open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. 24/7 security surveillance is provided for the safety of its visitors. To learn more about Sister Blandina and the Wellness Gardens, follow us on Facebook or call 719.845.4877.
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