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Dear Network,
On a recent trip to Madison Children's Museum with my toddler, a staff member told me about the many considerations that go into designing the museum's expanding outdoor spaces. The goal, she explained, is that everyone who visits the museum can interact with exhibits and activities. They're built for people of all sizes and ages. The staff has training so that they can work with neuro-diverse populations of visitors. Paths are wide enough for wheelchairs, garden beds are accessible from a seated position, and stimuli can be enjoyed from all different heights and in many different ways.
After my visit I caught up with the museum's Environmental Education Manager, Cheryl DeWelt (a name that may sound familiar to those of you who attended Wisconsin School Garden Network open-calls) to hear more about what features she thinks about when designing a garden for a broad population.
"A big one is raised bed planters," said Cheryl. "And also the pathways. The size of pathways and the materials. Pathways should always be 36-48 inches wide. There are a few ways you can make them." Two of pathway materials that Cheryl suggested are decomposed red granite and EWF, or engineered wood fiber, both of which are ADA-compliant and are traversable for wheelchairs while also being safe for kids running and jumping around.
But garden accessibility is about so much more than path width and planter height. One of the most important ways to make a garden space accessible to all children, explains Cheryl, is having trained educators who can provide hands-on mentorship. "It really does make a big difference," Cheryl says.
In this month's newsletter, you'll find resources that address garden accessibility and design. There are so many good ones out there so we included more resources than usual! Be sure to check out the announcements section for exciting news coming in January as well as the grants section for some upcoming funding opportunities.
Wishing all of you a warm and healthy end to 2021. We're looking forward to great gardens in 2022!
-Renata, Wisconsin School Garden Network Communications Director
P.S. - We want to hear from you. Tell Wisconsin's school garden community about your garden on our Facebook page or Twitter using the hashtag #wischoolgardens or send us an email.
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Create a Garden Accessible for Those with Physical Limitations
By designing your garden with accessibility in mind, you can create a garden that can be enjoyed by everyone. Here are some ways to plan a garden that is welcoming to all. View resource »
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The Universal Garden
This story from the Americans with Disabilities Act National Network describes of research and construction of an accessible garden through the story of one garden's creation. View resource »
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A Guide for Making Community Gardens Accessible for all Members
Through promoting the principles of Universal Design this guide is intended to offer gardeners assistance on how to make their gardens more accessible for people of all ages and abilities. View resource »
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Creating a Special Needs Garden for Children
Cited benefits of gardening include improved motor skills, enhanced creativity, increased social skills, and improved self-confidence. Gardening also reduces stress and helps children cope with anxiety and frustration. These are things that can benefit all children, regardless of age, health, or ability. View resource »
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Tips for Creating an Accessible School Garden
In this brief you'll find tips for garden design, tools, and practices to help make your garden a place for everyone to participate in activities, lessons, and more. View resource »
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Search our Library!
The Wisconsin School Garden Network searchable resource Library is a great place to get started. Check out our garden accessibility resources. View resource »
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Tips for Creating an Accessible School Garden
Therapeutic engagement with gardening and garden-based activities is one type of intervention currently being explored for children and youth with ASD. This resource has more information about the benefits of gardening and tips to help you think about garden design and features. View resource »
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Design a Healing Garden
Intentionally designing your garden space with this purpose in mind can provide even more benefits. In this activity, young gardeners will brainstorm ways to create their own healing garden. View resource »
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