MANHATTAN, Kan. — Meadowlark is taking steps to invest in the health and wellness of the Manhattan community and its members, specifically those ages 55 and older, which includes a significant percentage of the population.
Per a release, a future project to construct a new building will feature opportunities to support ages 55 and older with a gym, fitness classes, expanded wellness programming, outpatient therapy, and a fitness-focused indoor pool area. This building will sit adjacent to Meadowlark's post-acute care center, Bramlage House.
Meadowlark's Special Programs will be able to expand far beyond its current abilities with this new facility. More individuals will have the opportunity to connect with resources such as trained medical professionals, health-specific programming, and collaborations with community entities like the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art, UFM, and the Flint Hills Discovery Center.
“Meadowlark has long been focused on supporting the local community both on and off its campus,” said Lonnie Baker, Meadowlark CEO. “Focusing on the organizational priorities of health, wellness, and living life in way that is fulfilling is exciting and motivating for our team.”
In a recent Community Needs Assessment, Meadowlark determined that Manhattan needed and could support more age and income appropriate housing. According to the release, people who are considering a move to Meadowlark have indicated they enjoy the lifestyle living on the campus has to offer and would like to see a modern living option with high ceilings, natural light, underbuilding parking, and is pet friendly.
According to the release from Meadowlark, this prompted the plan to build The Monarch, a 24-unit independent living apartment building centrally located on the Meadowlark campus.
Furthermore, Meadowlark will construct a medical office building off of Tuttle Creek Boulevard next to the Blue Hills Shopping Center. CenterPointe Physicians, PA will lease the 7,000 square foot clinic to continue their community focus of primary care for all ages. Meadowlark's longtime partnership with CenterPointe lead to this opportunity to further enhance primary care for residents of Meadowlark and the Manhattan community.