The Indiana Canine Assistant Network and Little Red Door Cancer Agency have partnered to create a shared Rejuvenation Garden amidst the concrete environment of downtown Indianapolis. The garden will be located at the corner of 18th Street and Pennsylvania, behind the office building housing both organizations. Improvements have already begun with a tentative completion date of late October/early November.

Currently, the 1600 sq. ft. lot is barren, with the only evidence of anything green being a lonely tree and a few stray weeds poking out from beneath a 3” layer of heat-radiating stones. But once completed, this garden will boast of greenery and flowers and will serve the clients and staff of both nonprofits by providing an area in which to reflect, heal and relax. And the garden belongs to the dogs, too! ICAN service dogs in training will have a specific location within the area to conduct their “business” and, of course, have an area to play.

Want to lend a hand? Contact volunteer Sherri DeCoursey at 317-501-2099. And come next spring and summer, stop by and enjoy the garden!

GENEROUS SPONSORS
Ameri-Turf, providing sod;
StoneWorks LLC, providing labor for an elevated stone planter;
Greendell Mulch & Mix, providing compost for soil enhancement;
Tiffany Lawn and Garden Supply, providing flume for walkway;
Barth Electric, providing security lighting;
Lowe’s Home Improvement in Mooresville, providing landscaping plants;
Discount Block Factory Outlet, providing walkway stone for a wheelchair accessible walkway;
Gail Sturm, Paula McDonald, & Darryl Clifton, providing ornamental trees.
Stone Center of Indiana, providing the materials for the stone planter.
United Signs & Printing, providing garden dedication plaque/signage.

Boy Scout troop #56 has already made a contribution to the garden. A high school senior Scout has designed a mural to be housed in the garden which shows how assistance dogs positively impact the lives of people with disabilities and the incarcerated.