The Shadow
LOW MOOR — The Alleghany Highlands YMCA Nature Sensory & Wildlife Trail is a lot more colorful and a little more in harmony with nature, thanks to a grant from the Bath Community Hospital Foundation.
The grant from the Bath Community Hospital Foundation has funded the Harmony Garden, an area along the trail that features metal outdoor harmony flowers. Each makes a unique sound, and these flowers all come in different sizes, heights and colors. When struck by a mallet, they offer sounds similar to sweet gongs.
“These flowers are such a unique feature on our trail,” said Taralee Wolfe, the YMCA’s Member Services director. “We can’t thank the Bath Community Hospital Foundation enough for their interest in this project, and their financial support is greatly appreciated.”
“We are excited to sponsor the Harmony Garden at the YMCA Nature Sensory & Wildlife Trail,” said Lori Hicks, director of Marketing and Communications at Bath Community Hospital. “At BCH, we deeply care for our community and are thrilled to contribute to such a vibrant sanctuary for exploration and connection.”
The 0.25-mile trail is cut through the front of the YMCA property, adjacent to the Jackson River. Other stations include benches, sensory garden, gazebo and an ADA-compliant picnic table. Native plants and trees, bird houses and shrubbery are strategically located along the trail to enhance the sensory experience.
The trail was the brainchild of former YMCA CEO Jennifer Unroe and Wolfe, who worked together to develop the vision for this project. The trail is designed as an experience that engages various audiences living with special needs in surroundings that are nature-based while supporting sensory enhancement and learning.
“We hope everyone enjoys getting a little closer to nature on our trail,” said Alleghany Highlands YMCA CEO Bobbie Wagner. “You can relax, decompress and reflect on the beauty of the river and mountains while you walk along the trail.”
The mission of the Bath Community Hospital Foundation is to support Bath Community Hospital’s plans for development and community programs through philanthropy. Donations are gratefully accepted to further its mission to improve the health of our community. Make an online donation or mail your donation to Bath Community Hospital Foundation, Attn: Lori Hicks, P.O. Drawer Z, Hot Springs, VA 24445.
Since its inception in 1992, the Alleghany Highlands YMCA has provided a variety of youth and family programs along with expanded memberships and services into all the Alleghany Highlands communities. For more information on the Alleghany Highlands YMCA, call (540) 962-9622.
