The Department of Parks and Recreation is working with The Friends of Horticultural Therapy, Inc. to build a therapeutic garden at the County's Shenandoah Park site.
As part of the agreement, the County will oversee development of the project and the Friends group will manage the daily operations. This project is the culmination of an 18-year effort by the Friends group to realize their vision of improving the lives of adults with disabilities through therapeutic horticultural activities. The new garden will provide a permanent space with classrooms, administrative offices, and surrounding acreage for participants to have hands-on experience in creating and maintaining gardens and other therapy projects.
Friends of Horticultural Therapy (FOHT) is now raising funds, for the construction of park. The new garden and learning space will be donated to PWC to permanently house the Horticultural Therapy Program. The program will be operated by the PWC Parks Department and Community Services respectively.
Project Updates
Expand all- Updates following February 19 Meeting
Following the February 19 meeting, staff determined the following Transportation Improvements are most feasible: (1) sightline improvements at intersection on Bristow Road and Doug Drive; and (2) 250 LF extension of the existing right-turn lane from Bristow Road onto Doug Drive. These improvements bring the total park development costs to $2.213M ($1.478M for park design and construction and $735K for transportation improvements), with the Friends of Horticultural Therapy contributing $90,000 in raised funds.
Project Presentations
Expand all- August 14, 2025
Staff presented a history on the project and heard feedback on the most recent design work.
- February 19, 2026
Staff presented the final design and heard community feedback on the planned amenities.