Contractors pitch in to fix Healing Garden fountain

SANDPOINT — The Healing Garden at Bonner General Health was designed as a tranquil retreat for those facing difficult times and to remember and honor loved ones whom they have lost.

The large fountain, which once added to the tranquility and solace of the garden, has been silent for two years. It is once again working, however, after two Spokane-based contractors working at BGH — Bouten Construction Company and Energized Electric, Inc. — stepped up to fix it at no cost to the hospital.

“I appreciate our contractors going above and beyond. It really shows their commitment to our community,” said Curtis Johnson, director of facilities for BGH.

Energized Electric’s superintendent Wayne Bryant said they were working on the hospital’s generator when they learned the fountain wasn’t working and wanted to do something nice for the people who were so nice to them.

“Everybody was great to work with, so we thought it would be a great idea to get their fountain going,” Bryant said. “It’s a beautiful garden. I was amazed when we got that water feature going — it was just really cool.”

In collaboration with Johnson and BGH Maintenance Lead Chris Fultz, Bouten Construction’s superintendent Ken Gifford and foreman Jake Endicott, along with Bryant and his crew — foreman Mike Benefiel, and apprentice Jared Davis — ran power and conduit to the fountain, repaired piping and the water feed, and rebuilt the breaker panel.

“We really appreciate the opportunity to be in Sandpoint and want to establish a long-lasting relationship with the community not just as contractors but as neighbors. It’s important for us to give back to the communities we work in,” Gifford said.

The garden was built on the grounds of Bonner General Health and was designed by an “enthusiastic” group of community and hospital volunteers, according to a story of the garden on the BGH website.

Garden paths curve and wind between carefully chosen flowers, shrubs, and trees — some planted in memory of loved ones, according to the story. A carved eagle, perched atop the waterfall, makes a fitting garden guardian. The leaves imprinted on the pathways resemble fossils to remind those who visit the garden of the full cycle of nature.

“Even before it was built, the Healing Garden brought our community together,” according to the website. “Allied with a common goal, residents and volunteers worked to create a place of healing that truly reflects the surrounding natural beauty that we enjoy here in northern Idaho. In every way, in every season, the Healing Garden achieves this purpose.”

Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.