Skip to content

Leadership Group Completes ''Outdoor Oasis'' Project at the Livingston Council on Aging


Leadership Group Completes "Outdoor Oasis" Project at the Livingston Council on Aging


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Chamber Office
Phone: 225-665-8155
Email: office@livingstonparishchamber.org
Date: October 5, 2023

Leadership Group Completes "Outdoor Oasis" Project at the Livingston Council on Aging

Denham Springs, LA - On Thursday, October 5, 2023, the Chamber of Commerce community project, "Outdoor Oasis," was unveiled. This project was chosen by members of the Leadership Livingston Project Group after Kay Granger, Director of the Livingston Council on Aging, presented the need to the group.  The project's core concept is to provide outdoor seating for seniors visiting the Denham Springs location. While the center hosts seniors for activities indoors on weekdays, the limited outdoor space was in need of enhancement.

To bring this project to life, the team successfully raised $19,500.00, which covered expenses for land preparation, concrete installation, as well as the acquisition of tables, benches, and raised planters. Funding was generously contributed by private sponsors, local clubs, churches, and individuals who rallied behind this worthy cause.

Kim Galloway, the project manager, expressed her gratitude, saying, "I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Ms. Kay Granger for affording us the opportunity to collaborate with the Council on Aging. Though I was initially unfamiliar with this facility, I have grown to cherish it deeply. I am immensely proud to have been part of this wonderful small group that worked together to create this beautiful outdoor area for our seniors. Our aspiration is that the outdoor seating area will provide an inviting and comfortable place that our seniors continue to enjoy for many years to come."

Travis Tharp, a dedicated project member, shared his personal experience, stating, "Being a part of our Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Livingston Class project has been truly rewarding. Contributing to the creation of an outdoor seating area for the Council on Aging has had a profoundly positive impact on me. It is a testament to the power of community and the positive change we can bring about when we unite with a shared vision to enhance the lives of those around us. This project has not only provided an 'Outdoor Oasis' for the seniors of Livingston Parish but has also filled my heart with a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose."

Kathleen Abels, another project group member, added, "This project was very rewarding. I have always held a special place in my heart for our seniors, and I believe this project will enable them to access and enjoy the beautiful outdoor nature area."

Kim Decelle remarks, “I have learned so much about our Parish and have met so many fascinating people since joining the Leadership Livingston Program. This program has taken me out of my comfort zone and brought some forever friends into my life. Since starting our project with the Livingston Council on Aging, I have attended several functions and have introduced other local BRGP Physicians' offices to COA who are now involved with the center. Our group was extremely excited to have the opportunity to create an outdoor space for our seniors. After speaking to several members and hearing them express their appreciation and how much they were enjoying the area I knew we had made the right choice for our project. The Council on Aging is blessed to have Ms. Kay Granger as their director. She was a pleasure to work with and truly loves her seniors.”  

The dedicated members of the project group include Kim Galloway, Kim Decelle, Travis Tharp, Kathleen Abels, Kayla Coots, Bradley Ward, LeAnn Stelly, and Leslie McKinney.

 

About Leadership Livingston Projects: These projects are a program requirement of the Leadership Livingston Program implemented by the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce. Since the program's launch in 2012, over 30 projects have been completed, including Albany Community Park, the French Settlement Playground, the Challengers Special Needs Ball Field in Walker, the Helipad in Killian, the First Responders Monument in Walker, and nearly 27 other projects impacting thousands of residents and visitors to Livingston Parish.