Sensory Garden will be Part of Riverbend Park

Rochester Hills Receives $40,000 Grant for Riverbend Park Scotts Miracle Gro Provides Support for Sensory Garden

The City of Rochester Hills was recently selected to receive a total of $40,000 in monetary support and in-kind donations, to develop the new sensory garden that will be a key feature in Riverbend Park.

This 5,000 square foot garden will be comprised of two different areas – a student designed and maintained space and a professionally designed sensory garden. The garden will include areas specifically devoted to local schools, providing students the opportunity to learn the elements of ecology such as native plants, soil erosion, and pollination.

The garden will also serve the public as a recreational sensory garden. The natural elements playground immediately adjacent to the garden will be designed with sensitivity to children with special needs.

“We believe that gardens and green spaces have the power to positively transform our cities,” said Jim Hagedorn, Scotts Miracle-Gro Chairman and CEO. “We’re honored to work with the U.S. Conference of Mayors to bring more public green spaces to communities across the U.S. and their residents.”

As his key priority, Mayor Bryan K. Barnett has worked with a number of community members and donors to make Riverbend Park a unique regional attraction for the Rochester Hills residents. The GRO1000 Award is the second successful grant received by Rochester Hills in the last 30 days.

“We’re excited to see the strong support the Park is receiving in our community and at the national level,” states Barnett. “I look forward to working with Scotts Miracle Gro to provide this innovative outdoor classroom for our residents.”