Akron Children's Hospital Garden of Hope and Healing

It’s a healing garden for children, so who better to dedicate it than the children themselves.
The garden is located in front of the hospital in Perkins Square Park, between Bowery and Locust streets, bordering West Exchange Street. The dedication is open to the public.

The opening of the garden was held on May 28 and included a special reading of a “Litany of Hope and Healing,” featuring children’s definitions of hope and healing. Patient artwork created especially for the event was displayed. Attendees received packets of herb seeds.

“The groundbreaking represents the hospital community giving the garden to the patients and families,” said Karen Ballard, director of chaplaincy services for Akron Children’s. “This dedication provides the opportunity for the patients and families to express their appreciation for this wonderful space.”

The garden provides patients, their families and hospital staff with a private, outdoor space for reflection, meditation and renewal. It has several special features, including:
-a “healing” walkway, which winds throughout the length of the gardens

-a contemplation space with seating for outdoor ceremonies and benches for relaxation

-a water sculpture

-An extensive variety of annual and perennial flowers will bloom throughout the year.

“The garden is an extension of the family-centered care we provide,” said Sarah Friebert, M.D., director of the Haslinger Family Pediatric Palliative Care Center at Akron Children's Hospital. “Nature is a universal connection for all of us and a tangible expression of the healing that goes beyond traditional care.”

The Garden of Hope and Healing was made possible through a generous gift from the Women’s Board of Akron Children’s Hospital, as well as the support of the Palliative Care Committee and the Employee Foundation Council.

“Years of planning went into this project,” said Rochelle Stone, president of Akron Children’s Hospital’s Women’s Board. “We are thrilled that it is now a reality.”

About Akron Children's Hospital

Akron Children's Hospital cares for about 500,000 patients each year and performs more pediatric surgeries than any other hospital in northeast Ohio. Children's operates a 253-bed pediatric hospital in downtown Akron, as well as provides pediatric care at more than 40 locations throughout the region. In addition, Children's provides more than 100 advocacy, education, outreach and research programs for children and their families. Akron Children's Hospital has earned The Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission and Magnet Recognition Status from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.