Green Spaces Enhance Treatment at Behavioral Health Facility in Colorado
Edwards, CO — Mental health issues are a growing concern in the United States, and rural communities like those in the Eagle River Valley face challenges in accessing care. Before the construction of Vail Health’s new inpatient behavioral health facility, Precourt Healing Center, residents in Eagle, Summit, and Garfield Counties had to be transported two or more hours away to receive care. The 50,000-square-foot healing center is located at Vail Health’s Edwards Community Health Campus and houses 28 beds for short-term stays and treatment for adolescents and adults.
Easy access to green spaces has been linked to supporting and improving mental health. SYNLawn Colorado was hired to build outdoor living spaces for patients on the building’s second and third-floor patios.
Creating Therapeutic Spaces with Artificial Grass
Well-designed therapeutic spaces play an important role in mental health. SYNLawn Colorado was hired by Haselden Construction to design and create outdoor green spaces featuring artificial grass for patients to enjoy on their own and while participating in art, yoga, music, and movement therapies. The SYNLawn Colorado team installed 4,635 square feet of SYNPlay 48 in green and blue on both patio areas.
While the blue and green combination of SYNPlay 48 provides a cheerful and colorful environment for patients, it can also affect their moods and behavior. Studies have shown that the choice of colors in hospital settings can influence patients’ perceptions of their experience and overall well-being. For instance, blue evokes a feeling of calm or serenity, so it’s used to create a relaxing environment that reduces stress and anxiety. Green is associated with nature and has a calming effect that promotes healing and wellness.
Choosing Safe and Sustainable Surfacing Materials
This choice of vibrant, low-pile artificial turf is designed for safety. SYNPlay 48’s low-friction, non-abrasive surface combined with an energy-absorbing cushion minimizes the impact of falls and helps prevent injuries. It provides a smoother and more accessible surface for people in wheelchairs or other mobility devices. It has even been safety tested and certified by the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) International. SYNLawn Colorado was mindful that some patients might have self-harming behaviors, so they ensured that the turf panels were completely secured to the concrete surface to prevent ingestion.
SYNPlay 48 is also a sustainable surfacing material. It has a long lifespan due to its durability and color-fast turf fibers that stay bright, are UV protected, and resist sunlight degradation. The facility will also reduce its carbon footprint since watering is not needed for the synthetic turf.
Through strategic planning and precision, SYNLawn Colorado’s hardworking team delivered a successful installation that will benefit patients of all ages at Precourt Healing Center. In recognition of this significant project, SYNLawn Colorado was awarded the “Best Healthcare Project” award at the latest annual SYNLawn Conference.
Collaborate with SYNLawn on Healthcare Projects
Our global network of distributor teams offers the skills and expertise necessary to work on any healthcare project. Our design and installation experts will work closely with you to create impressive installations. Call or visit your local distributor today for more information.
