The family that founded Lane Automotive in Watervliet more than 50 years ago has stepped up to the plate and hit a home run for the PARCOURSE at Lakeland Hospital of Watervliet, adding substantially to the capital campaign to get that track back up and running for the community at large.
George and Janet Lane, Watervliet residents themselves, recently donated $51,000 in support of the Lakeland Watervliet PARCOURSE – an outdoor walking/running track available to the community. A total of $50,000 of the gift will fund renovations to the two quarter-mile asphalt loops and various stations featuring professional grade exercise equipment. An additional $1,000 will go toward a memorial park bench on the course named in the family’s honor.
The Lanes are longtime members of the Watervliet community and founders of Lane Automotive 54 years ago in 1964. The family has a long history of philanthropic giving and have generously supported Lakeland Health for many years. George and Janet are now retired, but remain involved in the family business which had its beginnings a short distance away from the hospital on Red Arrow Highway. Since then, the company has grown exponentially into massive quarters along I-94 at M-140 in Watervliet.
Brandi Smith-Gordon is Vice President of Philanthropy and President of the Lakeland Health Foundations. She says, “We are so very grateful to George and Janet for their tremendous generosity and continued support of Lakeland Health.” She adds, “Their gift will provide our community with access to a free, outdoor exercise space which will help people of all ages and fitness levels reach their health goals.”
Currently, the PARCOURSE is a 1.1 mile walking/running track with a gravel base. The track is free of charge and open to the public seven days a week, from dawn to dusk. It is primarily used by physical therapists and rehabilitation patients, local sports teams, physical education classes, residents from nearby apartment complexes, and community members.
The newly redesigned course will feature two quarter-mile asphalt loops that can accommodate individuals with disabilities who may need to use wheelchairs or walkers. Plans for each loop include four exercise stations or pods. Each station will include different types of professional grade exercise equipment that offer varying degrees of difficulty for all fitness levels. These stations can range from stationary equipment, such as a pull-up bar, to equipment with moveable parts like a stationary bicycle.
To date, a total of $221,162 has been raised in support of the $365,000 project which is slated for completion in 2020. For continued updates on the project, or to learn more about how you can provide support, contact the Lakeland Health Foundations at (269) 927-5143 or visit them online by clicking the link below:
http://www.lakelandhealthfoundations.org/parcourse
Established in 1984, the Lakeland Health Foundations have raised millions of dollars in gifts over the years to help fund new and updated facilities, purchase state-of-the-art medical equipment, provide educational scholarships for hospital employees, and sponsor a wide array of community benefit and outreach programs. The Foundations receive gifts from individuals, businesses, institutions, and other foundations.
The architectural rendering of part of the Watervliet PARCOURSE accompanying this story on Moody on the Market is courtesy of Lakeland Health Foundations.
