The Quad City Botanical Garden’s New Ability Garden
A Project Inspired by a Legacy Dedicated to Accessibility for Those with Mobility Challenges
The team at Outdoor Innovations, including Ken and Barbara Hoffman, are so grateful to have been part of this most recent project. The construction of the Quad Cities Botanical Center’s new Ability Garden was such a rewarding experience! This new, sensory-friendly garden was specifically built and designed for people experiencing mobility challenges, such as being in a wheelchair, or on crutches.
The new ability garden was constructed by Outdoor Innovations, and will remain firmly planted in our memories for years to come. This project was directly inspired by those who have or are experiencing difficulties with mobility that affect their ability to get out and enjoy simple acts such as gardening.
Built with the Sensory Experience in Mind
Ken and the team at Outdoor Innovations really made took this special design and made it their own, bringing the type of craftsmanship that only Outdoor Innovations can provide. The garden has many, sensory-friendly, and universally accessible features:
Octagon Cedar Gazebo: The 16ft Octagon Cedar Gazebo with cedar shingles and cupola has exposed double rafters and tongue and groove ceiling from Country Lane and was built by Outdoor Innovations. Nestled under the gazebo benches were placed to enjoy the shade.
The Plant Beds: For these plant beds, designed and built with the sensory experience in mind, we used Rosetta Belvedere and Rosetta Outcropping. This is a stone that is made for the sense of touch, with a beautiful, natural look and feel. The plant beds were designed and built for those of all different heights and types of mobility to enjoy.
Lighting: Coming soon, these gardens will also be lit with stunning LED lighting. Both the gazebo and the plant beds will have lighting installed, to help the numerous visitors to the QCBC (Quad Cities Botanical Center) enjoy the Ability Garden well into the evening, and heightening the sensory experience!
Soft and Natural Stone Bench: Built from the same materials as the plant beds, there is are distinctive stone benches that were added to enhance the natural flow as you travel through the ability garden, and a resting place for those who need it.
Stop By and Visit the Ability Garden at QCBC
As it says on the sign, “The Ability Garden is designed to improve accessibility to garden spaces and provide gardening opportunities to more people” At Outdoor Innovations, we understand the importance and tranquility that gardening, and garden spaces can provide. We encourage everyone in the Quad Cities to venture out to the new gardens.
Take in the sensory friendly plants, the soft natural stone, the wide pathways, and elevated garden beds that this space has to offer! We would like to thank everyone who made this amazing and beneficial project possible, it will be one that remains near and dear to our hearts.
We would love to hear about your visit to the Ability Garden at the QCBC! Visit us on Facebook and tell us about your experience! If you have a project you would like to discuss contact us today.