By Judy Halone-The Courier-Herald

The folks at Bonney Lake Senior Center have it made in the shade - and it has a brand new patio to prove it.

The center is the newest recipient of the Lowe’s Heroe’s Project, which donated enough volunteer power and supplies Thursday to create a 16 by 40-foot patio situated adjacent to the building and next to Bonney Lake City Hall.

“We try to do something like this once or twice a year,” Bonney Lake Store Manager Steve Fox sad.

The store couldn’t take all the credit because other businesses donated supplies like cement and brick, he said.

“We’ve had a lot of assistance - it could be an expensive project.”

He estimated the cost of donations between $8,000 and $10,000.

After the city’s Public Works Department readied the site with sod removal and leveled the sand, a group of two dozen Lowe’s employees measured, raked sand, cut bricks and placed 16-inch concrete pavers.

The project included the addition of a wheelchair ramp for ease of accessibility in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“It’s a safe environment for them,” Human Resources Manager Ivett Rodriguez said.

While the group worked, several seniors and city employees checked out the progress.

“It’s beautiful - thank you!” Lucille Hilton said.

Fox waved back.

“We get involved in our community and try to do what we can to upgrade and help out,” he said.

Reach Judy Halone at jhalone@courierherald.com or 360-802-8210.