Aureliano and crew members, Franscisco & Benny, provided volunteer assistance with Rest-Stop-Ranch’s educational exhibit at Topsfield Fair Flower Barn yesterday, 9/19/26, 9am – 2pm. Our build time was CUT IN HALF thanks to their presence, participation, and expertise. The past 3 years we’ve offered an exhibit, we would be at the Fairgrounds for another 4-5 hours today, Sunday, continuing to build just the hardscape.
This is our 4th Year building an example of what our nonprofit charity offers in the area of therapeutic horticulture: wheelchair-friendly, ADA-compliant trails, engaging intimacy with sensory-stimulating plantings, and a wide variety of eco-systems: pond, forest, open lawn spaces & cultivated garden beds.
In past years, the build has been on the verge of back-breaking for my spouse, Karl Ackerman, the design/build brains and brawn, with help from our dear friend and nonprofit board member, John Coulon. Karl has threatened not to continue “next year” because of the amount of work. Thanks to John and Joan Coulon for referring Arliano’s Landscaping (based in Lynn, MA).
This is a great opportunity to partner together this year.
Since our start (at the Flower Building), the Rest-Stop-Ranch exhibit offers:
- Example of Wheelchair-Friendly Trail & Patio/Deck, built with pavers and lumber.
- Bench for 2 (Stop & Rest)
- Table and 2 Chairs for discussing any topic with Topsfield Fair Guests or Volunteers (Learn & Ask)
- A Sensory-Immersion Experience (Touch & Feel)
- Water Features bring joy to children of all ages. Play is ok!