Eskenazi Health officials and civic leaders from across Central Indiana came together Tuesday to celebrate the opening of The Commonground at Eskenazi Health, a unique outdoor green space focused on community, serenity and wellness for patients, visitors and employees on the Eskenazi Health campus.
Some of the world’s most acclaimed design and architecture firms collaborated to create The Commonground. It offers a productive outdoor landscape featuring a dining center, a lively garden community space and an expansive overhead trellis covered year-round with native vine species and plant life.
“Thinking of what this space will mean for all those from across our community and beyond who visit and enjoy this extraordinary place, we are both grateful and thrilled to be celebrating this moment,” said Dr. Lisa Harris, chief executive officer of Eskenazi Health. “From the natural beauty, to the productive plant life, to the overall atmosphere of social connectedness, The Commonground represents our vision for a healthier, more vibrant future for our community.”
The grand opening festivities included the Taste of Eskenazi Health, an event featuring healthful food offerings from the various food retail outlets at Eskenazi Health; as well as yoga, hula hoop and jump rope demonstrations; live entertainment and the Eskenazi Health Farmers’ Market.
Among the most notable features of The Commonground is a surface-level fountain, appropriately called Healing Waters, free of barriers and open to bare feet and wheelchairs.
“Enhancing connectivity and providing our community with inspiring and beautiful places are at the heart of our mission,” said Brian Payne, president and CEO of Central Indiana Community Foundation and The Indianapolis Foundation. “And The Commonground does just that. It brings people together and it adds a sense of community to a healing environment. It is an honor to be part of such an extraordinary project.”
At the nexus of Eskenazi Health and the IUPUI campus, The Commonground’s pathways weave visitors together through alternately intimate and social spaces, performance and lounging areas, work and dining spaces. Honored guest speakers and civic leaders from across Central Indiana voiced support for The Commonground and Eskenazi Health’s innovative approach to health care.
“The Commonground is the latest in a long and meaningful progression of innovative developments from Eskenazi Health in its mission to improve the health of our community,” said U.S. Congressman André Carson. “Eskenazi Health is a tremendous resource for the health of Central Indiana and an example of all that we can achieve when we work together toward a common goal.”
