All People Accessible ~ Survey Started 5/17/18

Deborah and Abby from the Independent Living Center of the North Shore and Cape Ann visited yesterday, 5/17/18, from 11am – 12pm, to perform an “All People Accessible Business” survey. Most of the measurements were taken with a tape measure. They’ll return in June to measure with a level the slope of our outdoor trails. We requested the survey to better understand the scope of improvements needed to make our Accessible Gardens more accessible for independent wheelchair-users. Since 2011 we have successfully served wheelchair-users dependent on assistance from a care-partner.
Currently, along the 0.1 mile MargFMac Front Garden Loop, there are 3 “small and short distance” changes in slope (Cut Flowers to Rose Trellis, 16′, Raspberries to Cedar Grove, 28’to landing + 8′, and Wood Storage to Koi Pond, 16′), and 1 “large and long” change in slope (Orchard Ave., West to East, 64′ From Compost to Pear Tree Patio + 16′ from Patio landing to Raspberry Trail).
Currently, the Secret Garden and Cottage Garden are not at all wheelchair-accessible. Also, the Caretaker’s Cottage is not at all wheelchair-accessible.
The plan is to improve wheelchair-access at the MargFMac Front Garden Loop, and create wheelchair-access at the Secret Garden, Cottage Garden, and Caretaker’s Cottage. We are currently raising $100,000. to fund these goals, and we welcome all contributions!
Deborah and Abby were happy to discover our gardens. “I had no idea this was here!” both said. They were excited to share about our gardens with friends.
See photos below.
Moving forward with a listening heart,
vision, inquiry, and action,
~ Mary