What is the Discovery Garden?

The Discovery Garden is a beautifully landscaped wheelchair-accessible public garden (13,350 square yards) adjacent to Playpark in Legion Memorial Park, Hollidaysburg.  For more information, read the Story of the Discovery Garden.

The unique public garden is a community resource - a place where people can go to relax and enjoy nature. It includes theme gardens connected by wheelchair accessible pathways for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy. The garden's focus is hands-on educational opportunities for school-aged children and individuals served by human service organizations in Blair County.

Who Designed it?

A core committee of volunteers headed by the project's coordinator Karen Claton researched and recommended design elements and themes for the individual gardens within Discovery Garden. Many individuals in Blair County contributed ideas and professional advice. They included: engineers, landscape architects, landscape designers, horticulturists, numerous contractors, and students. And some elements such as the sundial (the only one of its size and kind on the east coast) required consultation from people in other parts of the country.

Is it Accessible?

Discovery Garden's purpose is to be a focal point in the community for activities which bring together people with and without disabilities. It provides hands-on activities and learning opportunities for individuals with special needs. The various elements of the garden are connected to one another by wheelchair-accessible pathways.

A sensory garden will allow individuals with disabilities who may be visually impaired or use wheelchairs to touch, feel and smell the plants and flowers.

Who Paid for Discovery Garden?

The overwhelming majority of funding was received from businesses and individuals who generously donated to the project. The funds are managed by The Skills Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) organization which supports the mission of Skills of Central Pennsylvania, Inc.

The estimated total cost of Discovery Garden, including a small endowment fund to go toward necessary maintenance in future years, is $160,000.

 Who’s in Charge?

Discovery Garden has broad-based support throughout Blair County. The volunteer steering committee that oversees the project is made up of individuals from the community including representatives from various organizations. The committee is led by Karen Claton.

The Borough of Hollidaysburg is responsible for routine and ongoing maintenance of the site and The Skills Foundation is responsible for raising and managing funds for the endowment and adjunct horticultural therapy program.

A volunteer group is responsible for care and upkeep of the garden, including spring and fall clean-up, planting, weeding, watering and more. The group is always looking for new volunteers with a green thumb or an interest in gardening. Please call Karen Claton at 695-4655.

If you have a question not answered here, we'd like to know, please email us at paclatons@aol.com, we will respond as soon as possible.