The Nimick Family Therapeutic Garden
After extensive planning, the 10,000-square-foot Nimick Family Therapeutic Garden stretching along the Shady Avenue façade of the Squirrel Hill facility was officially dedicated and opened on June 18, 2011.
As flowers bloom and birds sing, the garden welcomes young patients, their families, staff members and neighbors.
“It’s exactly as we planned,” says President and CEO David Miles. “During the days, therapies and learning for our children are seamlessly integrated with enjoyment of the garden. And in the evenings, parents enjoy the quiet beauty around them as they refresh their spirits.”
Led by landscape designer Christine Astorino of New Dawn Garden Design, the planning process included major input from young patients, families and staff. Their ideas are implemented throughout the garden—for example, kids wanted a treehouse, and a fountain they could control. Staff wanted a space where therapies and education could happen, and parents wanted a quiet outdoor place where they could relax.
With special nighttime lighting and no thorns or poisonous plants, the garden features delightful sculptures by world-renowned California artist Albert Guibara.
The Nimick Family Therapeutic Garden was named in honor of the late Thomas H. Nimick Jr. and his late wife Florence Lockhart Nimick. It was made possible by the lead gift from Nimick Forbesway Foundation – Charles L.H. Nimick, Victoria Nimick Enright and Cathleen (Kit) Nimick, Trustees (pictured right). The beautiful garden is a fitting tribute to their parents, who contributed 74 years of combined service to The Children’s Institute.
F. Brooks Robinson, Jr., a member of The Children’s Institute’s Board of Directors, says, “This is a remarkable gift from a family that has for decades been strongly supportive of this amazing organization.”
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For information on making a gift in support of The Nimick Family Therapeutic Garden at The Children's Institute, please contact Helene Conway-Long at 412.420.2201 or hcl@the-institute.org. |
