Perfecting Park Place with Pergola: A Resident Gives Back to the Community He Loves 

Park Place Senior Living is a vibrant and active community located directly across from Parkview Regional Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana. One of the things that sets Park Place Senior Living apart from other senior living communities is our staff and resident longevity. This is evident when you visit the community and see the beautiful relationships that have been built. “We embrace building relationships and living out our core values,” Executive Director Kristin Townsley said. Now, the community is even more beautiful and welcoming, thanks to long-time resident Bill Bryan. 

Finding a Home at Park Place Senior Living 

Mr. Bryan has lived at Park Place Senior Living for four years. He and his late wife, Erma, found Park Place after an exhaustive search for the right home. They liked the natural setting, vibrant community, and payment structure of Park Place and decided to call it home. Their family was also pleased with the proximity to Parkview Regional Hospital. 

A Thoughtful Tribute 

After the passing of his beloved wife, Erma, Bill felt compelled to honor her memory in a way that would also benefit the community. “I had three objectives in mind,” Mr. Bryan said. “One was to thank the Park Place staff for all the help they gave us when Erma was ill, I wanted to thank the individuals for the care they gave her, and I wanted to create something in memory of Erma.”

What began as a simple idea—a vinyl-covered structure to replace folding canopies—evolved into a collaborative project with Park Place staff. Through persistence and partnership, Bill helped create a beautiful pergola to augment the community’s pavilion that, combined, can now accommodate up to 36 people.

“It has taken about a year longer to complete than I thought it would,” Bill admitted, “but it’s worth it. It’s a space where Garden Home residents can gather, connect, and celebrate.”

Planting Seeds for the Future

Bill’s vision didn’t stop there. In conversations with Executive Director Kristin, he proposed transforming the open area near the pavilion into a memorial garden. Residents could donate plants, benches, or plaques in honor of loved ones—a living tribute to the people who make Park Place feel like home.

“I think Kristin would do a real good job of taking that forward,” Bill said. “I even have two arches and a small bridge we could use to get it started.”

About Park Place Senior Living

Park Place Senior Living respects and honors the independence and dignity of our residents while maintaining a clean, comfortable, and safe environment for them to thrive. Our community is open, friendly, and welcoming. Our facilities and grounds are often bustling with activity as families come together to spend time with their loved ones.