Camp Oakhurst has a new sensory garden to support its therapeutic recreation program, thanks to a donation from Twin Resources in Eatontown. OCEAN TOWNSHIP — Thanks to the generosity of a local landscape design firm, Camp Oakhurst has a new sensory garden to support the therapeutic recreation program at its year-round residential camp for adults and children with disabilities.
The garden, featuring an irrigation system and raised planting beds for herbs, flowers and vegetables, was designed and constructed by William J. McDaid and his staff from Twin Resources, Eatontown.
McDaid’s crew spent approximately three weeks constructing the garden in a strategically placed visible plot on the 15- acre campus.
The garden’s design enables participants to access the beds from a seated or standing position. Campers using wheelchairs are able to perform all activities related to a successful crop cycle including cultivating, planting, weeding, watering and harvesting.
The pavers surrounding the beds not only make the garden visually appealing, but also provide a firm, barrier-free surface for wheelchair accessibility.
“It’s just nice to be able to make a difference in someone’s life,” said McDaid, whose firm donated all of the materials, including the pavers, benches and trellises. “I have an amazing team who finds enjoyment in giving back to the community. … My hope is that this project’s outcome will provide real benefits to the participants at Camp Oakhurst for years to come.”
Camp Director Charles Sutherland said that the garden offers many new programming options for Camp Oakhurst’s clients.
“Having an accessible garden, where individuals of all abilities can become intimately involved with the growing process, is a real benefit for us,” he said. “By nature, gardening is such a therapeutic activity. For our campers to be able to touch and smell the soil and pick the vegetables is very stimulating.”
Sutherland said he hopes produce from the garden will be integrated into therapeutic cooking activities.
For more information on Camp Oakhurst’s programs, visit www.nysh.org or call 732 531-0215.