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Above: Mark Combelic, Director of Grounds and Facilities, assesses the damage from the January storm of wind and ice.
Approximately six months ago, we were dealing with an ice storm that brought the local area to a stop. The Grotto was no exception. In the 37 years I have been facilities director here, I have never experienced a winter storm of such severity. Record low temps and high winds all played a part in bringing down huge trees, knocking out power and freezing water lines. Our upper-level public restroom and pump house was basically cut in two by a massive fir tree. Due to the loss of power in the pump room, the Meditation Chapel water feature froze, causing the water supply lines and pumps to burst. Pathways were torn up and impassable, along with countless shrubs being crushed.
Six months later, the damage has mostly been repaired; and, in some cases, certain areas improved. Just like the mythological bird the Phoenix that burned to ash and then arose from those ashes, The Grotto has also returned to its former glory. But, in The Grotto’s case, it took countless hours of hard work and a lot of determination to make it all happen. It has been a great learning lesson in what can be accomplished in a short period of time, and how to prepare for when nature throws another weather-related challenge our way.
Below: Looking back at the damage from the storm. Stay tuned for photos of how it looks now.
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