by Carole Conklin – WDOMI staff
When was the last time you took a walk through a garden and stopped to appreciate the beautiful scenery of plants and colorful flowers and breathe in the aroma of their scents? Since losing my sight back in 1991, I haven’t honestly had an interest to do so since I wasn’t able to appreciate the scenery. Yes, I could still enjoy the sounds and scents of my surroundings, but it just wasn’t as appealing for me since I couldn’t visually enjoy it. Of course, having someone with me to describe the plants/beautiful flowers and their shapes/colors is certainly appreciated, but to be able to take in the view with my own senses is more enjoyable and stimulating.
Almost 2 years ago, Mel Tanzman “Executive Director, Westchester Disabled On the Move” shared with me about a ribbon cutting ceremony he attended of a Sensory Garden at Crawford Park, 122 N. Ridge St., Rye Brook. A Sensory Garden is a garden designed for all populations – those with disabilities, children, patients in a hospital, and the general public. The idea behind the Sensory Garden is to combine elements that will stimulate all of the senses – fragrant plants, textured plants, vivid colors, and the element of sound.
I was intrigued by this and had planned one day to visit this garden but didn’t get to go until last fall where Debbie Reisner, Chief of Staff/Confidential Secretary for Town of Rye arranged for Laura Klein, President of the Friends of Crawford Park and Theresa Stevens, Landscape Designer, Friends of Crawford Park to give me a tour. I got to walk through and feel a few of the different textures of plants(leaves that were velvety, spiky) as well as leaves that had a minty scent. There were also a few flowers that I was able to touch. Though the fountain wasn’t on at the time, I was told that besides being able to hear the falling of the water, there is a bubbling sound.
The time I spent there with having an on-hands experience allowed me to once again enjoy my walk in the garden. I have a vision of having a Sensory Garden created in one of the parks in Yonkers and as Chair of the Yonkers Mayor’s Disability Advisory Board, my hope along with my fellow board members is to help see this happen for accessibility is vital so that all in the community can be an active part in enjoying the surroundings.
The Town of Rye has taken that initiative in bringing accessibility in their community and Westchester Disabled On the move honored them with the Corporate Citizen Award at the Strive for 35 Comedy for a Cause on October 17, 2019.