A two-year, six-month mission to raise $30,000 was reached in March of 2019. The primary goal was to raise enough funds to construct a paved pathway through the entire garden.
“People who were mobility challenged could not go through the entire garden and enjoy it,” said Mary Wuest, Garden Manager. “We made a decision to put pavers in, and it’s been a two-year process.”
It took six phases to build a paved pathway that will now open the way to many people using walkers or wheelchairs, which gives them the opportunity to visit all twenty-two themed gardens.
“It’s a sanctuary and a precious gift to the area,” said Kathryn Pierson, a ten-year volunteer.
Mary and Kathryn are seeing more visitors enjoying the paved pathway, but there is another group of volunteers that are benefiting. A unique raised garden constructed along the paved path is designed especially for The ARC, a community-based organization advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These garden volunteers who are mobility challenged now can plant plants as well as tend to their garden.
The completion of the walkway may take until the end of April or May. However, this new addition to Nature Coast Botanical Gardens is creating a unique atmosphere for many new and past visitors.
Nature Coast Botanical Gardens
1489 Parker Avenue
Spring Hill, FL
Open daily, from Dawn to Dusk
https://www.naturecoastgardens.com/
