It might not be open for patients yet, but the new Oak Valley Hospital facility is certainly drawing a crowd.

The first public tour of the new Oak Valley Hospital building took place Thursday, Sept. 24 with city officials, Oak Valley Hospital District personnel, and members of the community getting a behind the scenes look at the construction currently being done by Acme Construction of Modesto.

Mickey Peabody, who is the chairperson of the oversight committee that monitors the bond funds OVHD is using to build the new hospital facility, has set up the tours on a monthly basis for those who want to see the construction up close.

Dave Martin, who is the project manager for Acme Construction, gave the tour.

“We’re really picking up the pace here,” Martin said, noting all the steel work was recently completed.

Martin told the group his construction crew has been working with Oak Valley Hospital personnel to ensure existing hospital operations have not been impacted. He said one issue that recently occurred was when a helicopter transporting a patient had to land at the hospital’s heliport, and construction crews had to lower the crane that was on site.

“Communication is the key,” Martin said.

Oakdale resident George Vierra was part of the tour.

“I supported the bond issue, and wanted to see how everything was coming,” Vierra said.

Chet Mallory and his wife, Melba, were also on the tour. Chet was an original Oak Valley Hospital District board member who was a part of the district’s decision to open the current hospital many years ago.

“A community needs a great hospital, good schools, an airport, and a golf course,” Chet Mallory said, commenting on the new hospital construction.

For a spot on a future tour, call Mickey Peabody at 471-9859.