HARBOR SPRINGS — Bay Bluffs Foundation has launched a new capital campaign aimed at transforming the outdoor spaces at Bay Bluffs – Emmet County Medical Care Facility into accessible and therapeutic environments for residents, staff and visitors.
The “Raise the Garden” initiative, introduced last week, will fund a series of outdoor improvements, including reshaped garden beds, new plantings, expanded patios, wheelchair-accessible raised beds and refreshed interior courtyards.
The enhancements are designed to promote physical activity, reduce stress and encourage social interaction—especially for older adults and individuals living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
“We have a beautiful property here at Bay Bluffs,” said Administrator Lisa Ashley. “We want to make it enjoyable and enriching for residents and their visitors. But like any outdoor space, creating and maintaining it takes time, effort and resources.”
The plans were developed in partnership with Drost Landscape and the Harbor Springs Garden Club to ensure accessibility, beauty and long-term sustainability.
Ashley emphasized the health benefits of time spent in nature, citing studies showing outdoor access can improve mood, decrease agitation and reduce isolation. “Enhancing our outdoor environments will benefit our residents throughout all four seasons—and positively impact our staff as well,” she said.
The Bay Bluffs Foundation has already committed $20,000 to the project, with additional $20,000 support from Friends of Hospice of Little Traverse Bay and $10,000 from Bay Bluffs reserves. Organizers say they are one-third of the way toward their $150,000 fundraising goal.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the foundation funds projects that fall outside traditional healthcare reimbursements or Emmet County’s capital millage. Since its founding in 2006, it has supported Bay Bluffs through capital improvements, programming and other resident-centered needs.
Donations to the Raise the Garden campaign can be made online at baybluffs.org/raise-the-garden, by mail to 750 East Main Street, Harbor Springs, MI 49740, or by calling 231-526-2161.