Homestead Enjoys Tour & Picnic at Lacey

Homestead Assisted Living enjoys a picnic and trail tour. (submitted photo)

In 2010, a dream became a reality for Mahaska Community Recreation Foundation and the trail tram tour program was brought to life. Carl Drost partnered with MCRF to purchase the first tram – a white club car shuttle. With the help of volunteer driver, Charles Argo, residents from local assisted living and nursing home facilities were able to enjoy the Mahaska Community Recreation Trail via an extended electric golf cart. Six years later and the program has become an unbelievable success serving over 1,000 riders per year. Growth has allowed for 3 additional trams to be purchased and 10 dedicated community members have willingly joined the volunteer driving team. This past week MCRF was able to accommodate Homestead Assisted Living with the annual trail tram tour ride that includes a pit stop at the Lacey Recreation Complex to enjoy a picnic! Anna Schaefer, Assistant Activities Director at Homestead, stated, “The trail tram picnic tour is one of our most popular yearly events. Residents look forward to and enjoy hearing the tour guides discuss the history of Oskaloosa because most of the history happened in their lifetime. Most residents spend limited time in the community going to doctor appointments or doing a little shopping so getting out in nature is very enjoyable and therapeutic for them.” Trail tram tours are open (and FREE!) to the public Monday-Friday at 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. by reservation only from May-October. To make a reservation please call MCRF at 641-672-2499.