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Welcome to Sean’s Therapy Garden

Jul 22, 2024 | More Info

For years, The Shea Center professional staff has envisioned adding an outdoor therapy area where clients can enhance their strength, balance, coordination, and sensory integration. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the Fosheim and Offield families, this vision has come to life in Sean’s Therapy Garden. At a dedication event, this beautiful space was named in memory of Sean Howard, a cherished husband, father, son, brother, and friend of The Shea Center.

The Howard Family                                The Fosheim Family                              The Offield Family

A group of five people, consisting of three adults, one child, and another adult, are standing in front of a gate that reads "Sean's Therapy Garden." The gate is adorned with horseshoes and a sign that says "Help. Heal. Believe." The adults are dressed in summer attire, and the young girl is wearing a floral dress. They all appear happy, enjoying a sunny day in a garden setting, emphasizing the welcoming and therapeutic environment of The Shea Center.  A group of six people, consisting of four adults and two children, are standing together and smiling in front of a wooden fence adorned with greenery. The adults are dressed in casual summer attire, and the children are wearing floral dresses. The scene depicts a warm, family-friendly environment, highlighting the supportive and community-oriented atmosphere of The Shea Center.  A family of five, consisting of two adults and three children, stands together in front of a stone wall with a door. The adults, dressed in casual summer attire, smile warmly, while the children, also casually dressed, stand close together. The setting is enhanced by potted flowers and greenery, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The image captures the essence of family togetherness and the inviting environment, highlighting the supportive and community-oriented atmosphere of The Shea Center.

The garden gate entry is adorned with horseshoes from each horse in The Shea Center barn, adding a special touch. The garden features elements for play and make-believe, including a crawl-through Little Red Barn, a farm sink, a sand table, a water table, and a slide. Winding walkways with various stones, surfaces, and “wood cookies” challenge clients’ balance. The tree bench and “mushroom stools” provide relaxing seating under the sheltering trees. Planters with plants and flowering vines create a fragrant backdrop, offering shapes, sizes, and colors to delight the senses. Activity boards with various textures provide additional stimulation, while butterflies, treasured by Sean’s family, adorn the garden walls.

A smiling woman and a young girl stand in front of the entrance to Sean's Therapy Garden at The Shea Center. The gate, decorated with horseshoes, features a sign that reads "Help. Heal. Believe." The garden inside is lush and well-maintained, with greenery and flowers creating a serene atmosphere. The woman is wearing sunglasses and a blue dress, while the girl is in a floral dress and boots. They are both hugging and looking at the camera, radiating happiness and warmth, embodying the therapeutic and community spirit of The Shea Center.   A vibrant outdoor therapy garden featuring a red playhouse shaped like a barn, surrounded by wooden pathways, tree stumps for seating, and lush greenery. The area includes sensory panels and educational displays on the wooden fence, adding a colorful and interactive element to the environment. In the background, there is a small playground slide, enhancing the engaging and therapeutic space designed to provide a supportive and stimulating experience for visitors at The Shea Center.   A wooden outdoor sink station designed for children's play and learning activities. The setup features a white sink with a faucet, a wooden backsplash with holes for storage, and various compartments and hooks for organizing tools and toys. The station is positioned on a tiled patio with additional play items and equipment nearby, providing a functional and interactive space for children to explore and engage in hands-on activities at The Shea Center.

A young girl is deeply engaged in playing with a sand table filled with colorful toys and structures. She is focused on her activity, using her hands to explore and manipulate the items in the sand. Adults stand nearby, creating a supportive environment. The scene captures a moment of tactile play and exploration, emphasizing the engaging and developmental activities offered at The Shea Center.   A child enjoys sliding down a small playground slide, with an adult assisting at the top and another adult waiting at the bottom. The playground surface is covered with a blue soft mat, and colorful circular markers are placed on the ground for additional play activities. The scene takes place in an outdoor area surrounded by a fence and greenery, highlighting the fun and safe environment provided for clients at The Shea Center.   A young girl in a pink dress plays with a wooden puzzle, assisted by two adults sitting on tree stump seats. The adults, one in a plaid shirt and hat, and the other in a gray shirt, are attentively engaging with the child, creating a nurturing and interactive environment. The scene takes place outdoors in a garden area with greenery and various play items in the background, highlighting the supportive and developmental activities offered at The Shea Center.

A young boy is engaged in drawing on a large outdoor magnetic whiteboard, which is mounted on a wooden fence adorned with decorative butterflies. The board is surrounded by lush greenery, planters, and tree stump seats, creating an inviting and interactive space. The boy is using colorful magnets and markers to create his artwork, highlighting the creative and educational activities available at The Shea Center.   A young boy is playing with a bed of smooth stones in an outdoor sensory garden, guided by an adult woman. They are engaged in a tactile activity, exploring the textures of the stones. The area is part of a larger garden with pathways, greenery, and other sensory elements, designed to provide therapeutic and developmental experiences. The environment is inviting and supportive, highlighting the interactive and nurturing activities offered at The Shea Center.   A woman and two young children are exploring a sensory wall in an outdoor garden. The wall features various textured panels designed for tactile interaction, adorned with decorative butterflies. The woman, dressed in a blue dress, is holding the hand of one child while the other child examines the panels. This engaging scene takes place in a vibrant and educational garden setting, emphasizing the interactive and supportive environment provided by The Shea Center.

Master builder and longtime Shea Center leader Kevin Walker worked closely with RRM Design and the professional staff at The Shea Center to create the concept, which he then adapted and expanded on. The Shea Center family is grateful to the following for their donations of time, talent, and treasure, which made Sean’s Therapy Garden a reality.

Kevin Walker, Master Builder, Director of Building & Grounds, The Shea Center
Don Iler
RRM Design
Expanding the Vision / Team 30 Volunteers
Jeff Scott
Shea Therapy Staff
The Fosheim Family
The Offield Family

 

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