A New Place to Relax

A small area outside of the activity center at the has served many functions over the years. But now not only will it be a place for residents to relax, but it will also help raise funds for the organization.

The patio-type area lies outside the Julie A. Tatti and Thomas A. Barrett Activity Center on the premises. Workers are in the process of building a fountain in the middle and laying bricks that have been purchased as fundraisers and dedicated to a person or group of the purchaser’s choice. There are also a number of benches lining the patio that have been dedicated as well.

“We’ve made different uses of this area over the years,” said Chris Brancato, director of development for the DPD. “It had a basketball court for a while, and also a very small miniature golf course. Now we’ve decided to turn it into a relaxing area for the residents, and a fundraiser as well.”

Brancato said that the benches were available for a $1,200 donation.

“We’re currently at 10 benches and counting,” Brancato said.

Bricks came in three sizes, and were available for donations of $150 for a small, $250 for a medium and $400 for a large. The fountain in the middle of the patio was also the result of a $5,000 donation.

“A plaque will be made for the $5,000 donor, the parents of a resident of the DPD,” Brancato said.

The patio rests outside of the recently renamed activity center, which houses an indoor pool for residents’ use. DPD staff members and their families are also welcome to use the pool.