KU News Release

Grant to Audio-Reader will provide enhancements to Sensory Garden

LAWRENCE — The Audio-Reader Network at the University of Kansas is one of five local organizations that received grant money this year to fund efforts to preserve and understand nature in Douglas County.

The grant for $3,395 was awarded by the Elizabeth Schultz Environmental Fund and announced by the Douglas County Community Foundation. The grant will fund an automated watering system and wheelchair-accessible picnic tables in the Audio-Reader Sensory Garden.

“Our garden is a unique sanctuary for the senses,” said Janet Campbell, executive director of Audio-Reader. “The Sensory Garden experience is for everyone but has been carefully designed with the visually impaired and wheelchair bound in mind.”

The new watering system will eliminate the need for staff to hand water or hose the garden. Wheelchair-accessible picnic tables will give visitors, particularly those with group tours and other similar events, a place to congregate, socialize, eat and relax.

“The garden is an ongoing project to provide a diverse population with an exceptional and accessible outdoor environment,” said Campbell. “Resources like the Elizabeth Schultz Environmental Fund are essential to keeping projects like ours alive and flourishing in our community.”

Founded in 1996 as a national “Make a Difference Day” volunteer project, the Sensory Garden was pioneered by Diana Frederick, former Audio-Reader development director. The garden is open to the public year-round with free tours available upon request. For more information, visit the Audio-Reader Web site or call (785) 864-4600.

-30-

The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.