Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation announced its plans on Thursday to construct a series of therapeutic gardens on its main campus in downtown Chattanooga.
Plans include reimagining several outdoor areas of the hospital campus and its existing Leisure Park to create multipurpose healing gardens filled with a variety of herbs, plants, and flowers, all chosen with therapeutic and calming effects in mind.
Textured walking paths and raised-bed planters situated at various heights will provide accessibility for individuals who use adaptive equipment and mobility devices. Garden spaces will provide opportunities for patients to participate in innovate physical and occupational therapies in outdoor settings. Art installations, sculptures, and gathering spaces will invite patients, visitors, and associates to explore outdoor areas of the hospital campus.
The Healing Gardens at Siskin Hospital, once completed, will be open to the community. The capital campaign to construct the gardens has already garnered over $1.1 million in pledges and contributions from local foundations, businesses, and individuals.
“Research has shown a link between time spent outdoors and improved outcomes in patients’ healing journeys. The Healing Gardens will support and enhance our mission,” said Matthew A. Gibson, Ph.D., president and CEO of Siskin Hospital. “We are thankful for our incredible supporters whose generosity and leadership has enabled the early success of this campaign.”
Hospital leaders also told of plans to dedicate a large section of the garden in memory of Grady Paschal Williams, a civic leader and businessman who spearheaded fundraising campaigns for many local philanthropic organizations prior to his passing in March 2022. “Grady’s Garden at Siskin Hospital” will feature unique landscaping designs and an iconic pavilion-like structure where patients, visitors, and hospital associates can gather for special events, or enjoy quiet moments of rest.
“Siskin Hospital is delighted to honor our friend Grady Williams’ memory with the establishment of Grady’s Garden. Through his civic involvement and business relationships, Grady left an indelible mark on Chattanooga and beyond. He was instrumental in the planning process and beginning stages of fundraising for the Healing Gardens campaign, so we felt it fitting to honor his legacy in this way,” said Mike Costello, campaign co-chair.
The $3.5 million capital campaign goal includes the cost of constructing multiple garden spaces, including a rooftop terrace and courtyard, as well as an endowment to ensure perpetual maintenance and upkeep. In addition to the improvements being made through the Healing Gardens project, Gibson said that the organization is making record capital investments from to renovate all inpatient units and clinical areas of the hospital. “The Healing Gardens project, in addition to other major capital improvements, will continue to set Siskin Hospital apart from other rehabilitation hospitals across the southeast and will reflect the quality of care for which Siskin Hospital has come to be known,” Dr. Gibson said.