On Monday morning, November 5 a groundbreaking ceremony for a sensory garden was held at the Choctaw Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, in Ackerman. Construction on the garden, which is being funded through donation and grants, is to begin within the next few weeks and weather permitting will be completed sometime in January.
Mike Pearson began the ceremony by recognizing special guests including members of the Hospital Board of Trustees, the Choctaw Medical Foundation, local elected officials, and other dignitaries.
Pearson pointed out that such a project could not be completed without funding and recognized the Choctaw County Chamber of Commerce, 4-County Electric and the First Impressions Grant for their assistance with the project; he also noted that no taxpayer funds are being used in the construction.
Deanie Grave explained that a sensory garden is designed to stimulate all five senses through different means. The garden will include numerous plants, a double-sided water feature, wind chimes and a standing xylophone. There will be four garden tables with special tools for the elderly and those with arthritis and bird houses.
There will be a concrete walkway throughout the garden to encourage physical exercise, an eight-foot privacy fence, a large gazebo and areas where residents can sit with their families.
Graves pointed out that research shows that as sensory garden provides definite therapy benefits. She added that common sense tells us how important it is for people to be outside in the fresh air, and to be with nature.
And of great importance, Graves said, “To our knowledge, this will be the only sensory garden in the State of Mississippi. We are proud that Choctaw County will be leading the way in this area.
Facility Director, Holly Cornett, said, “Just being able to out and sit on the porch and feel the wind and hear the birds and feel the sunshine is going to be so great,’ for the residents. Choctaw Nursing and Rehabilitation is licensed for 73 beds and currently has 63 residents. Cornett added that stimulation of the senses is extremely important for both physical and mental rehabilitation.
Graves pointed out that donations are still being accepted; there are two benches that can be purchased in honor of a loved one. And there will be a brick inlay feature where bricks will be placed in memory or honor of a loved one.
