North Royalton Mayor Larry Antoskiewicz, far left, joined in celebrating Blossom Hill’s new Greenhouse and Activity Center. He is shown here with, from left, Lori Inks, development director for Blossom Hill; resident Lenice; Steve Zuponcic, Blossom Hill Board of Directors; and Lisa Kristosik, Blossom Hill CEO. (Photo Courtesy of Alexandra Ruggieri)
By Shirley MacFarland, special to cleveland.com
NORTH ROYALTON, Ohio – On a picture-perfect August afternoon, the Greenhouse and Activity Center of Blossom Hill Inc. was formally presented to the community with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Mayor Larry Antoskiewicz.
Four years ago, Blossom Hill began the process of a new installation behind its property on Abbey Road in North Royalton. After COVID-related delays, the organization has unveiled the Greenhouse and Activity Center.
The project was largely funded through a $160,000 grant from the Columbus-based Good Shepherd Foundation. The grant, the largest in the foundation’s history, was used to build the greenhouse, outdoor garden area, and walkway.
These new spaces expand safe exercise and recreation options for the 36 individuals and staff members residing at the property and Blossom Hill’s other residential facilities in Westlake and Parma.
The indoor and outdoor spaces will provide a haven where individuals can develop new skills, achieve their goals, and grow in the community together.
Blossom Hill also hopes that the greenhouse will engage the larger North Royalton community through volunteering opportunities. Activities may include growing food, developing work and management skills, and sharing responsibilities for maintaining and upkeep of the greenhouse and surrounding gardens.
Residents of Blossom Hill cheered the opening of the nonprofit’s new Greenhouse and Activity Center in North Royalton. (Shirley MacFarland, special to cleveland.com)
The first phase of the project was completed in 2020. It featured an accessible walking pathway so that residents could enjoy the peaceful surroundings, including bird watching and spotting many other animals that inhabit the woods behind the property.
Founded in 1968, Blossom Hill is a non-profit organization that owns and operates family-style group homes for adults with profound intellectual and physical disabilities. The homes provide a loving environment and personalized 24-hour care for individuals, short-term respite care for families that need temporary care for their loved ones and supported living care options.
