Arc of Onondaga Foundation Sensory Garden

 

After years of planning, it’s official! Ground for Arc of Onondaga’s Sensory Garden has been broken and plans are underway. The garden will be located outside Arc’s Wilbur Avenue offices on the Westside of the city, and will not only provide a therapeutic environment for people with developmental disabilities but also contribute to the overall greenspace in Syracuse.

 

The garden, scheduled to be completed this spring, will include a variety of special plants chosen specifically to ignite each of the five senses. Flowers and plants with strong scents, unique textures, vibrant colors, and even edible herbs will inhabit the garden. Also included in the design is a water feature which will not only provide aesthetic beauty and add to its serene nature, but will also be the only element that will provide a therapeutic experience for all of the five senses.

 

Every little bit helps to reverse the impact of climate change in our environment and Arc is committed to doing its part. The carefully selected indigenous plants will create a new, friendly and natural habitat for local wildlife including several types of birds. It will also improve air quality and add additional permanent greenspace to the Westside community. And, since the garden will remain in place in perpetuity, it will offer a sustainable environment for the community and the people we serve for generations to come.

 

“We are excited to have finally broken ground for this amazing project,” said Sara Iritz Abbott, director of development. “It’s been in the planning stages for several years. Since its inception, Arc has been committed to making sure as many people as possible benefit from the intent of the garden including the people we serve and their families, community members, employees, and even the environment. It truly has been a labor of love.” Initial funding was secured through a generous naming sponsorship from the Arc of Onondaga Foundation and a grant from National Grid. Funds are not only needed to complete the project, but because of its perpetual nature, ongoing support is necessary for its maintenance and continued growth.

 

The garden will be dedicated to the memory of Martha Carmen. A staff member for Congressman Walsh in his Washington, D.C. office, Martha, without assignment, took time out of her busy schedule to meet with Stanfort Perry, Arc executive director and Arc staff to discuss the federal appropriations process and tour the administrative offices. Her invaluable advice on how to strengthen the proposal and details on federal funding available helped Arc to secure a Community Development Block Grant for $250,000. The grant allowed Arc the opportunity to complete many much needed renovations including an additional 28 space parking lot, concrete ramps and pipe handrails installed for safety, easy van turn-around layout, a second means of egress to the street, reconfigured walks with accessible curb cuts and walks to entrances, and much, much more.

 

 

The Sensory Garden is an opportunity to create a long-lasting, inclusive community greenspace which not only provides therapeutic value to the people we serve, but tangible environmental and recreational benefits to the city of Syracuse. Ongoing funding is needed to continue to maintain its beauty and therapeutic value. There are many ways you can contribute to this worthwhile project. Your gift would ensure that its benefits are reaped for years to come.

 

 

Throughout the garden will be a pathway paved with bricks. We believe that each brick should tell a story. For $100, you can purchase a 4”x 8” brick and have it engraved as you choose. Tell your story by honoring a loved one or dedicate your gift to someone special. As people walk through the garden, they’ll read the story you’ve always wanted to share!

 

 

Benches will be placed amongst the garden. Make your gift known by buying a personalized butterfly which will be permanently fixed to one of the benches in the garden. Each butterfly will serve as a reminder of your commitment to Arc of Onondaga and its mission. Your $300 gift will live on as the garden continues to grow.

Benches will also be available for individual sponsorship. For $2,500, a bench with a personalized plaque will be placed in the garden. Quantities are limited.

 

 

Any gift of $500 or more will place you amongst those honored for making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. The garden’s Wall of Donors will be prominently placed at the entrance of the garden and in front of the main entrance of Arc’s administrative office.

 

 

Sponsor one of the five senses and contribute to the therapeutic vitality of the garden. Each sense will have a potted area featuring plants and flowers stimulating to that sense.

 

 

The water feature is the one facet of the garden that incorporates all five senses into one element. As well as providing aesthetic beauty to the landscape, the tranquil running stream of water will provide stimulation through sound, sight, smell, touch, and even taste.

 

To find out more about the Sensory Garden, or for more information on making a gift, please contact Sara Iritz Abbott, Director of Development at 315-476-7441 ext. 103.