SCROLL DOWN TO SEE A FULL GALLERY OF IMAGES FROM THE GRAND OPENING
BISBEE — More than fifty supporters of local nonprofit Premier Alliances, Inc. celebrated the completion of its Founders Garden during the recent grand opening.
Guests from across Cochise County and beyond joined Premier Alliances’ staff and board members for a brief ceremony marking the completion of what is believed to be the largest outdoor therapeutic garden in Arizona.
Covering over 30,000 square feet of the nonprofit’s Bisbee Campus, the Founders Garden is a private therapeutic healing space open and available to the public at no cost, Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. Designed to follow federal accessibility guidelines, development of the Founders Garden began nearly four years ago with the input of several local stakeholders representing areas of public health, education, autism services, mobility challenges, and local plant life. It features wide, accessible pathways perfect for mild physical therapy activities, plentiful seating and fragrant native plantlife for quiet reflection, as well as two greenhouses and several raised garden beds for future therapeutic gardening activities.
“This Founders Garden represents the latest in a history of forward-thinking efforts that combine our dedication to our mission of Improving the Lives of People with Disabilities, with a drive to provide new and innovative opportunities to the greater community,” said Derek Jordan, Outreach Coordinator for Premier Alliances, during the grand opening. “This healing space, open and available to the public at no cost, will provide a secure, accessible location for mild physical rehabilitation, therapeutic gardening, and other peaceful healing activities.”
The opening featured additional comments from Premier Alliances CEO John Charley and Board President Joel Evans, as well as music from members of the Sierra Vista Symphony and was catered by the High Desert Market.
This year marks the 60th Anniversary of Premier Alliances, Inc. This milestone has been commemorated with several efforts, including the purchase and installation of accessible playground equipment in Garfield Park, the opening of two free electric vehicle charging stations on the Premier Alliances campus, and the donation of more than 300 children’s books touching on disability-related issues to the Cochise County library branches and Bisbee’s Coppper Queen Library.
The Founders Garden is located on the Premier Alliances Campus, 1556 S. Naco Highway. For more information on the Founders Garden, visit www.premieralliances.org or call (520) 335-0373.
