Essentia Health is excited to announce it will purchase the therapy practice of Park Avenue Therapies, a longtime community pillar in Cloquet.
Park Avenue founder and owner Rhonda Johnson approached Essentia earlier this year to gauge the health system’s interest in acquiring the therapy practice. Both parties signed a purchase agreement in early July, and the transition is expected to be complete on Oct. 1. Johnson and her team of physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, athletic trainers and support staff will become Essentia employees.
“As a physical therapist myself and owner of this practice for 35 years, I am happy I will also continue working until my retirement in the coming years,” Johnson said. “We recognize it is a privilege to be trusted with the care of others and we look forward to these ongoing opportunities.”
The Park Avenue Fitness Center will remain independent and is not included in the purchase.
In addition to physical therapy, occupational therapy will be offered at the newly named Essentia Health-Cloquet Therapy, which will remain at 1204 Cloquet Ave.
This purchase underscores Essentia’s commitment to Cloquet, a community we’ve served since opening the Essentia Health-Cloquet Clinic in 2022. The clinic at 1413 Hwy 33, which includes a seven-days-a-week urgent care, has been so popular that a brand-new expansion doubling the size of the building will be finished and open to the public in August. The upgraded clinic will feature a retail pharmacy with a drive-through, plus additional parking.
The purchase of Park Avenue Therapies will make therapy services more accessible locally for Essentia patients.
“We couldn’t be more proud to partner with Park Avenue on the therapy offerings available for the patients we’re honored to serve in this community,” said Katherine Brunette, rehabilitation services director at Essentia. “We’re well aware of how hard Rhonda and her team have worked to cultivate meaningful relationships with folks who rely on them. As a result, Park Avenue is highly regarded for the personalized treatment plans and attention to detail it delivers. We’ll do our best to carry on that tradition and give our patients the same level of care and compassion.”
