BELFAST — On Friday, June 20, work began on the Catherine L. Alling memorial walking path at The Residence at Tall Pines.

Alling lived at The Residence from 2006 until earlier this year, when she passed away at a local hospital surrounded by family. After Alling passed, members of her family approached The Residence with a sizable donation which they hoped could serve to provide enrichment in the lives of Catherine’s peers and those who choose to live at The Residence in the future.

Matt Griswold, Executive Director of the Tall Pines campus, asked for ideas from his management team. A paved walking path was suggested to honor Alling, who loved to walk around the building and often encouraged her neighbors to walk with her.

In the weeks that followed, Matt worked to get donations to cover the difference between the family’s donations and the cost of installing the path. Resident Council at The Residence donated some funds as well as Tall Pines’ ownership and a few anonymous community members. The Residence staff and residents are excited to see work being done on the path. It will provide everyone a new way to enjoy the outdoor spaces which were previously inaccessible to many residents. At six feet wide, the path will allow for wheelchairs to pass over it with ease.

Additionally, there will be level, paved spaces along the path where Matt plans to install benches for people to rest and enjoy the natural beauty around them.