Lily Pond Overlook Patio and Forest Flowers Trail

The Lily Pond Overlook Project: A Sanctuary for Caregivers and Nature Lovers

The Lily Pond Overlook project at Rest-Stop-Ranch is more than a beautiful addition to our accessible gardens; it represents our commitment to creating a place where caregivers, individuals with disabilities, and those with mobility challenges can find peace and connection with nature. This project will complete a fully accessible pathway to a serene pond, allowing visitors to enjoy moments of respite, reflection, and renewal in a tranquil natural setting.

Why the Lily Pond Overlook?

The Lily Pond Overlook is designed with accessibility at its core. The ADA-compliant path will lead visitors to a quiet spot by the pond, where wide, smooth trails and wheelchair-friendly seating will ensure that individuals with mobility aids can navigate independently. This spot will become a refuge for caregivers and care-receivers, offering them a place to unwind, find solace, and connect with the natural world in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Our founders, Mary MacDonald and Karl Ackerman, were inspired by Mary’s experience caring for her mother, who had dementia. Nature provided her with a sense of calm and healing, which she wanted to share with others facing similar challenges. The Lily Pond Overlook is the next step in making Rest-Stop-Ranch a true sanctuary for caregivers, providing them a place to recharge and renew alongside their loved ones.

Why Support the Lily Pond Overlook?

Supporting this project will help us fulfill our mission of making nature accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. By donating, you’re directly contributing to:

1. Creating Accessible Nature Experiences: Your support will fund ADA-compliant paths and overlook features that provide a safe, independent experience for those with mobility challenges. This ensures that more individuals can experience the therapeutic benefits of nature.

2. Providing Respite for Caregivers: Caregivers often face high levels of stress and isolation. The Lily Pond Overlook will offer them a quiet, restorative space to recharge and connect with their loved ones.

3. Fostering Inclusivity and Connection: The project is a testament to inclusivity, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access natural beauty. Your donation helps make the healing power of nature available to all.

4. Supporting Community Wellness: Rest-Stop-Ranch is a hub for community connection. The overlook will enhance our ability to serve families, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities, providing a space to find calm and feel supported.

5. Leaving a Lasting Legacy: Your gift will create a legacy of peace and inclusivity for generations. The overlook will serve as a place where countless caregivers and individuals with disabilities can find solace and connection in nature.

The Journey to Completion

The total cost of the Lily Pond Overlook project is estimated at $10,000. This amount will cover the ADA-compliant path, seating, and sensory-friendly features that make the space accessible and inviting for all. Thanks to a generous donation from the Cummings Foundation, we’ve already made progress toward this goal, but we need additional support to bring the project to completion.

The Power of Your Donation

Every contribution, regardless of size, makes a real impact. Here’s how donations will support the project:

• $25 could fund plantings around the overlook, enhancing the sensory experience.
• $50 could help provide materials for accessible seating, giving visitors a place to rest and reflect.
• $100 could go toward paving the path, ensuring it’s safe and navigable for all.
• $500 could fund sensory-friendly features, enriching the natural experience.
• $1,000 could sponsor a dedicated bench, creating a special place for reflection.

Every dollar moves us closer to opening the Lily Pond Overlook for caregivers and individuals with disabilities, creating a space where they can experience the beauty and peace of nature without barriers.

Join Us in Making Nature Accessible for All

By supporting the Lily Pond Overlook project, you’re helping to create a sanctuary for caregivers, individuals with disabilities, and anyone seeking the healing power of nature. Together, we can build a place where everyone feels welcome, supported, and connected.

With your support, the Lily Pond Overlook will become a space that embodies our belief in the restorative power of nature. Your gift will help ensure that caregivers, individuals with disabilities, and their families have a peaceful space to find renewal and joy.

Thank you for considering a gift to this project. With your help, we can bring the Lily Pond Overlook to life and make nature accessible to all.

Learn more about Rest-Stop-Ranch 
Channel 5 - "5 for Good" segment

Danvers Community TV - "Seen and Heard" Interview by JD

November 2024 update:
Well the pavers and stone dust have arrived, so I've got work to do. :)