The Town of Islip Parks Foundation broke ground on its first-ever Serenity Gardens, a much-anticipated inclusive “park within a park” that will cater to people with visual and hearing impairments; Alzheimer’s, or dementia, those on the autism spectrum; seniors; veterans, and all who enjoy the beauty of nature and the outdoors.

Located on the grounds of Brookwood Hall, Serenity Gardens will be a first-of-its-kind park in the Town, providing people of all abilities a way to enjoy nature, in an environment constructed for their individual needs.

“This, of course, would not have been possible without the dedicated members of the private nonprofit Parks Foundation of Islip Town, and our devoted community, whose donations ensure all $2 million of this garden park is entirely funded free of any burden to taxpayers,” said Islip Town Supervisor, Angie Carpenter. “The formation of this Islip Parks Foundation has really been a dream come true for me, and something I was proud to spearhead and make a priority,” said the Supervisor.

Once complete, Serenity Gardens will feature lush foliage and greenery to promote tranquility; fragrant plants and flowers; a garden with a braille system; a walking labyrinth made of stones; sensory walking paths with mulch, tactile pads, rubber and gravel; wind chimes, as well as a sensory wall.

Wide walking paths will surround the entire park and divide it into four quadrants. With the groundbreaking, the Town will begin the process of prepping for these individual components, the first being a large gazebo that will anchor each of the quadrants at the center.

“We must also thank our dedicated Parks and DPW Department, who have been working hard to prepare this Park for installation and will now be hard at work to make our dream for Serenity Gardens a soon-to-be-had reality,” said Supervisor Carpenter.

The Entenmann Family is sponsoring the Veterans/Seniors quadrant and the Bohlsen Group is sponsoring the Autism/Developmentally Disabled quadrant.

Quadrant sponsors for the Alzheimer’s Disease/Dementia quadrant or the Sight/Hearing Impaired quadrant are available. The Foundation is also seeking community feedback and input for Serenity Gardens.

Visit the Parks Foundation website for more information.