FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 24, 2017
Florida State Parks Begins Work on New Accessible Serenity Garden at Wekiwa Springs State Park
~Innovative project is among the first of its kind in the nation~
 The garden will be available for relaxing activities such as tai chi, meditation and yoga,
and educational areas of the garden have been planned to support special
events, educational programs and workshops.
APOPKA, Fla. – DEP's Florida
Park Service is partnering with the Wekiva Wilderness Trust (WWT) to create an
accessible serenity garden at Wekiwa Springs State Park to expand access and
enhance the park experience for visitors with diverse abilities. This innovative project will transform a half-acre site within the park
into an innovative garden oasis that creates unique opportunities for people of
all abilities to relax, explore and interact with nature. The garden will
create a dynamic, fully accessible environment featuring lush native plants,
accessible winding paths, water elements, interactive exhibits, exercise areas
and gathering spaces to facilitate educational programs and special events.
“The department is very excited about this project, which will provide groundbreaking opportunities for relaxation, contemplation and education,” said
Gary Clark, DEP deputy secretary of land and recreation. “Thanks to our many partners, we will be able to create inclusive experiences at the park for all visitors, including people who use wheelchairs, people with autism and those with other chronic conditions.”
DEP is providing $50,000 in funding for the joint project, which
is being managed by WWT – a nonprofit volunteer group that regularly partners
with the park. Other project partners include Friends of Florida State Parks; the Seminole County Master
Gardener Program with University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural
Sciences; occupational therapist and award winning author Dr. Amy Wagenfeld;
award-winning landscape architecture firm Dix. Hite + Partners; the engineering
firm of Carnahan Proctor and Cross; and Sweetwater Oaks Gardening Club.
“This is truly a pioneering effort in the advancement of equitable
access to nature,” said Sarafaith Pekor, project manager. “Partnerships with
healthcare organizations, occupational therapists and universities are going to
ensure the project’s ability to open the park to many more people and enrich
lives through outreach, education and research.”
“Expanding access and offering a unique way for people of all ages
and diverse abilities to enjoy the park is something we are very excited
about,” said Robert Brooks, manager of the Wekiva River Basin State Parks.
The project is currently in the design phase with work on paths,
irrigation and other hardscape elements beginning soon. The total project cost
is estimated to be $200,000-$250,000 and the garden is expected to be open
within a year. Wekiwa
Springs State Park will continue to provide a variety of recreational
activities, including hiking and biking, as well as swimming in the iconic
springs.
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