For the second time in 15 months the Quad City Botanical Center has opened a new exhibit at the Rock Island attraction. The newest addition, the Ability Garden, focuses on bringing the gardening experience to those with disabilities. The $138,500 project, located outside the main entrance of the 2525 4th Ave. botanical center, marked its […]
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For the second time in 15 months the Quad City Botanical Center has opened a new exhibit at the Rock Island attraction.
The newest addition, the Ability Garden, focuses on bringing the gardening experience to those with disabilities. The $138,500 project, located outside the main entrance of the 2525 4th Ave. botanical center, marked its completion Friday, Aug. 26, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by guests, donors and city officials.
Plans for the new Ability Garden took root in February of 2020 when the family of the late Linda Litt approached the center’s staff. Her family, who attended the opening, donated $50,000 as the Linda Litt Legacy to create the garden as part of her final wishes.
Ryan Wille, the center’s executive director, said “Toward the end of her life she experienced mobility challenges and what she missed the most was being able to get hands on, down and dirty, and work in her garden.” The garden for Ms. Litt had always been a source of peace, relaxation, and calm throughout her life, he said.
“What her family wanted most out of this space was simple – to create a beautiful, inclusive space for everyone that excludes nobody to celebrate her memory,” he said during the ceremony.
Accessibility and the sensory focus
Accessibility and the sensory focus were the two main factors considered in the planning of the new garden. The project was designed by Eric Hornig, a landscape architect and a principal of Hitchcock Design Group in Naperville, Illinois. The Ability Garden was built by Outdoor Innovations, a landscape design company in Aledo, Illinois.
“We decided to stop putting pencil to paper, or mouse to screen in 2022 and design this garden the old fashion way,” Mr. Wille said. “We got out here by hand, notebooks, poster board, spray paint, and a wheelchair. We made sure what we were designing would work exactly as we envisioned.”
Ken and Barbara Hoffman of Outdoor Innovations were the project’s lead contractors. They used modern design techniques and appropriate materials that include neutral color stone and softer stone material, according to the botanical center. Part of those design aspects still to be added will include a decorative metal sound shield that will reduce the noise from the surrounding area.
The garden beds vary in height, depth and width to be able to include everyone in the planting process. Each raised bed was planted by the Handicapped Development Center (HDC) and will be maintained by Hand in Hand. Ground level planting was designed and planned by the garden’s horticulture staff and all the new infrastructure was completed by Tri-City Electric, Uncommon Ground, and Granet Construction.
Funding
The completely donor-funded project of $138,500 was made possible by the support of multiple donors and organizations including the Linda Litt Legacy, which was the lead donor with the $50,000 gift. Other contributors are: Roy J. Carver Trust ($34,000); Regional Development Authority (RDA) ($25,000); Merck Pharmaceuticals ($22,000); Moline Foundation ($7,500); and the Tri-City Garden Club, in-kind donation.
“What our garden and the family of Linda hope for this garden is simple,” Mr. Wille said. “We want anybody and everybody to have the chance to experience this garden right here in downtown Rock Island. We believe it is a wonderful example of a true ability garden, accessible by all.”
Rock Island 4th Ward Alderwoman Jenni Swanson, who spoke at the event on behalf of the Rock Island City Council and Mayor Mike Thoms, said: “This is an exceptional project … The Quad City Botanical Center is truly an amazing part of Rock Island. They have been a part of our community for over 20 years, opening their doors on June 20, 1998.”
“The staff does a fabulous job of maintaining the gardens for visitors…,” she said, adding “The Ability Garden is a unique experience for those who face challenges in mobility issues. The elevated garden beds with the rounded corners allow for viewing from wheelchairs for comfort. The plants are sensory friendly for touching, and for providing a soft enjoyable physical experience.”
Recalling how HDC planted the flower beds ahead of the opening, Mr. Wille said “to see 20 to 30 people using it as we expected it be used was the best part for us.”
Ms. Swanson agreed, saying that she and the City of Rock Island “are grateful to Quad City Botanical Center for their vision to create and build this Ability Garden and the foresight to put it outside the gates so people of all abilities can enjoy it with no charge as often as they like.”
“That is truly a gift to our community,” she added.