It took a community, a partnership of people and organizations who had a vision and were determined to make the vision a reality—the outcome?—the North Park Medical Center in Walden. The open house ceremonies took place on a Saturday, August 23 with close to 200 people attending the grand opening.

Kyle Flineau, credited with forming the focus group 7 years ago, opened the ceremony by congratulating the members of the community saying, “This is no small achievement in our community. The opening of this medical clinic would not be possible without the collaboration and cooperation of the focus group members, the community and the partnership with many. Health care is important to the economic development of our community. Today we are showing you a milestone.” He goes on to say, “In 1998 a number of members of the community met in the Community Church and made a wish list of our hopes. That wish list sparked a letter from the Town of Walden’s Board of Trustees in 2001. They said, “We are behind your leadership.”

The State of Colorado’s Governor’s Office Energy Impact Assistance program’s initial funding of $500,000 funded the project which represented approximately one-third of the budget. In addition, Governor Ritter’s office gave an additional $250,000 for equipment. “The Governor’s Office’s support gave the vision creditability”, Flineau stated.

Mountain Parks Electric, through the Operation Round Up program, donated $10,000 to help make this center possible.

Susan Kirkpatrick of the Governor’s office congratulated the community and all partners. “Great things happen because of an early focus group’s determination to have a vision become a reality. Governor Ritter relays his congratulations”.

With the grant money, the committee was able to identify and purchase land with room for expansion. Today, the North Park Medical Center houses the offices of the Jackson County Nurse, Jackson County Mental Health, Jackson County Social Services and North Park Physical Therapy.

Flineau thanked the many members of the focus committee and in particular to Lynn Irving and Gina Hackett whose constant support motivated the committee to move on at the most trying times. Thanks also were extended to Mountain Valley Bank who made the first step for the project, along with the Town of Walden, North Park Hospital District, North Park Medical Clinic, Jackson County Mental Health, and the North Park School District, Dave Johnston of D.J. Designs Architects, and a list of others. “The support of all of you and all partnering organizations represents the finer fabric that is representative of this community. The medical center fulfills the vital need for diagnostics and treatment of patients.”

JoAnne Follett – “So glad it is here”.

Helen Williams – “We’re so proud of the clinic—everything is in one place. The clinic as it was before had very little room to move around in. Now we have the space and far greater privacy.”

Helen applauds Kyle Flineau, Lynn Irving and Gina Hackett-Board President, and the community itself for its dedication.

Chard Smith – “It’s been a long process, often frustrating, but it’s finally here.”

Fran Bourbeau – “It’s finally here and we’re very happy that it is”.

Eddie O’Brien of Colorado Grand, an organization known for its generous donations to the Colorado towns they visit with pre-1960 race cars reminisced, “Some 20 years ago,, we came to Walden with its ambiance and grandeur---a great place to come. We donated our first gift of $1,000 to run an ad in search of a doctor—that was 20 years ago and look at what has now been accomplished.”

A moment of silence came of the guests as the Shuler family and friends raised the American flag and State of Colorado Flag in memory of Gene Shuler. The flagpole was donated in his memory. Gene Shuler served in the armed forces, had a love for the American flag, and loved his community.

We celebrate National Cooperative Month in October and just as it was 70 years ago when a small group of people in a rural community came together, worked against great odds and frustration, made it possible for rural communities to have electricity. The people and their determination and strength, together can make visions become realities. Just as it did then for bringing electricity to our communities, the community’s vision of the medical center were made possible by working together for a better community today.