The pool is closed (1-31-2025). Gritman says they have no plans for the property. We continue to advocate for this one-of-a-kind asset (warm water therapy pool) in Moscow.
The Jeff & Becky Martin Wellness Center Story
1957
Latah Care Center–first licensed nursing home in Idaho
Formerly called Latah Nursing Home–and later Latah Convalescent Center, Latah Care Center was built and dedicated, the first licensed nursing home in Idaho history.
1981-1982
Latah Care Center’s new wing added
2007
Future Redevelopment Considered
Latah County Commissioners asked Gritman Medical Center to take over management of the therapy pool at Latah Health Services and consider the building’s future re-development.
Prior to the vote, the Gritman Medical Center Board published its plans for the LHS facility.
February 6th, 2007
Latah County Election
Election held on the question of whether the premises known as Latah Health Services should be sold to Gritman Medical Center, an Idaho non-profit corporation for the amount of one dollar ($1).
April 2007
Transformation
Gritman Medical Center acquired Latah Health Services and renamed it Gritman Community Wellness Center, with the intention of transforming it into a premier wellness facility.
July 21st 2008
Quitclaim Deed
Grantor [Latah County] does hereby convey, release, remise and forever quit claim unto Gritman Medical Center … [the property].
2009
Asbestos Abatement
Phase I of the three-phase project began with asbestos abatement.
April 2009
First Fundraiser
The Gritman Foundation hosted its first public fundraising event, and art auction, that raised more than $8K for the Gritman Community Wellness Center.
June 2009
Renewal
The two oldest wings were demolished to provide better access to the rest of the building and increase parking space.
2009
15,500 visits
Visits to the facility increased by 10% over previous year.
Early 2010
Ron and Janie Nirk Therapy Pool
Phase I completed for the Nirk Therapy Pool and Spa, followed by the remodeling and enlarging of the locker rooms and exercise area.
Early 2010
The Nirk Challenge
More than $90,000 was raised for the therapy pool and spa.
February-May 2010
Major Renovations
Therapy Pool and Spa renovations including new pool tiles and mechanics.
17 October 2010
Sad Day
Jeff Martin, President and CEO of Gritman from 1999 until his death, died from injuries received in an auto accident near Bovill, Idaho.
October 2010
Jeff and Becky Martin Community Wellness Center
At the October 2010 Board Meeting, Gritman Directors voted unanimously to rename the facility.
2011
Dedication Ceremony
A formal dedication was held to memorialize Jeff Martin and the renaming of the Center.
15th March – July 2020
COVID-19
Martin Wellness Center adjusted patron activities to limit exposure and create equity of water therapy.
May 2023
Return to Regular Schedule
Opened from 6:15am to 6:30pm.
Late July to the beginning of August 2024
Land Classes Moved
Staff moved Land Classes to 409 Jackson Street site. Patrons began to be concerned that the warm water therapy pool could be next.
July – August 2024
Billing Problems Start
Patrons were told that the Gritman billing department was
experiencing problems and to set aside their budgeted money for monthly services. (Some
came to billing office in the Federal Reserve Building to pay and could not for the same above explained reason.)
13 August 2024
New Electronic Med Records System
“Gritman Medical Center has transitioned to a new electronic medical records system called OCHIN EPIC, …” allowing all of Gritman to be on one medical records and billing system. As a result, the Wellness Center has not been able to enter charges for July or August.“
7 – 11 October 2024
No Plans to Close Therapy Pool
An email Q & A from Gritman Therapy Solutions’ Director Jenni Dalton and Connie Osborn, Chief Quality Officer, was sent to patrons to offset their questions to staff. (The document promised no plans to close Therapy Pool &
Spa allaying patron concerns regarding the future of their aquatic therapy and conditioning and peer support at the Martin Wellness Center.)
October – December 2024
Patrons try to bring bills current
Patrons continue to ask staff when they will be monthly billed for past and present use of the Martin Wellness Center.
December 17, 2024
MWC Staff is notified
that the Martin Wellness Center will close January 31, 2025.
December 18, 2024
Patrons are notified
that the Nirk Warm Water Therapy Pool and Spa will close on January 31, 2025.
#GritmanMedicalCenter #NirkTherapyPool #prehab #rehab #saddayforlatahcounty