Arc of Central Virginia Cultivates Inclusion and Wellness with the Mark T. Davis Accessible Garden

The Arc of Central Virginia is making strides toward creating an inclusive and therapeutic space with the development of the new Mark T. Davis Accessible Garden, a project designed to serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The garden, which is scheduled for completion by next spring, will offer a range of opportunities for the Arc’s community members, from skill-building and socialization to mental and physical wellness.

 Heather Allen, director of development at The Arc of Central Virginia, said she is excited about how this garden will help the individuals they serve.

 "We’re not just building a garden, we’re building a space for therapy, skill development and connection to nature. For those with IDD, these activities offer a unique way to get outdoors, move their bodies and engage in meaningful, productive work,” she said.

 The garden, located off Bedford Avenue, was once an empty grass lot and has undergone a significant transformation. It will feature over 1,200 different plants, including trees, bushes, herbs, and fruiting plants, all carefully selected and arranged by permaculture expert Mark Angelini.

 "Mark's been incredible to work with. He helped us design the garden to ensure its minimal maintenance and sustainability. Everything will feed off each other, creating a whole ecosystem that supports itself," Allen said.

 In addition to the therapeutic benefits, the garden will feature six custom-designed accessible beds, two of which are specifically built for wheelchair users.

 Allen said that the participants are thrilled about the process.

 "Charles, one of the individuals we serve, has been our unofficial project manager. He watches every single step of the construction, from the installation of pavers to the fencing," she said.

A commonality with people with disabilities is just living a sedentary lifestyle, Allen said.

“So, we are always trying to incorporate activities that not only stimulate the mind, but it gets the body moving. So, they can get outdoors, move their body and it is a form of exercise. They can relieve the stress from their minds.”

The Arc has also partnered with local businesses, including Professional Lawn and Landscape Management, which oversaw the installation of wheelchair-accessible walkways and Genworth, which funded the garden's pergola and pavilion through a grant. The project has seen widespread community support, raising $50,000 in a 2023 campaign to bring the garden to life.

 Looking ahead, Allen is excited about the future possibilities for space.

 "We want this to be a community resource," she said. "Not only will we use fruits and vegetables in our skill-building cooking classes, but we’re also exploring the idea of hosting a community market. It’s about engaging in the community and bringing people to The Arc so they can see what we’re doing here."

 The next phase of development will involve volunteer groups finishing the garden beds and preparing the soil for planting. The Arc plans to host volunteer days in late October and early November, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the spring of 2025.

 "Gardening offers so many rewards,” Allen said. “From the therapeutic benefits of being outside to the sense of accomplishment that comes with planting, nurturing, and harvesting something you have grown. It is all about creating opportunities for our community.”

 The Mark T. Davis Accessible Garden will serve as a tribute to its namesake, a friend and mentor of Allen, who passed away earlier this year.

 “Mark was a gardener himself and his legacy will live on through this garden,” Allen said. “We’re honored to name this space after him.”