Portland Memory Garden is intentionally crafted to cater to older adults, especially those living with memory loss, their families and their caretakers. Accessibility is an important element in all aspects of the garden’s design.
The garden offers the following accessibility features to make it a welcoming and safe environment for all visitors:
Wheelchair- and walking device-friendly design
- Circular pathways and visible landmarks to ease navigation
- Tinted concrete walkways to avoid sun glare
- Raised garden beds for easy access to plants and flowers
- Benches, picnic tables, and seating in sun and shade
- Fenced perimeter for security
- Accessible restroom on site
- Drinking fountain
- Loading zone at park entrance
This healing garden is a quiet respite for people of all ages and abilities to experience nature. Admission is free for all. Open from 8 AM to 9 PM every day.
Pathways designed for ease of movement, navigation, and vision
Portland Memory Garden is constructed to provide a therapeutic outdoor space to people of all abilities. As such, all pathways are ADA accessible and easily traversed by wheelchairs and walkers.
Pathways are laid out in circular loops with no dead ends, ensuring that anyone walking the path can easily navigate back to the entrance. The central pavilion visible from all areas of the park provides a landmark to prevent visitors from becoming disoriented.
Each concrete pathway is tinted to prevent sun glare from obstructing vision.
Ample seating and amenities to provide comfort during your visit
Benches and picnic tables located in both the sun and shade are located throughout the park and are easily reached from the concrete pathways. This makes it simple for visitors to find seating at any point in their journey through the garden.
Raised garden beds provide additional seating, and allow visitors the opportunity to easily interact with the plants located within the planters. Being able to easily interact with plants means that visitors can enjoy the sensory stimulation, both sight and smell, provided by proximity to flowers and greenery. This sensory stimulation is particularly beneficial to individuals with memory disorders, helping them recall fond memories and make new ones.
An ADA accessible restroom, as well as a drinking fountain, are located on site, making it simple for guests to meet their most basic needs while inside the park.
A secure and easily accessible space
The garden is enclosed by an attractive wrought-iron fence with a gate that can be closed to prevent guests from going beyond the perimeter. This is especially helpful for visitors with memory disorders that may have a tendency to wander off.
The entire park is visible from the central pavilion, allowing caretakers and family members to monitor guests while still allowing them to explore the park independently.
There is a handicap parking space in front of the park large enough to accommodate vans, as well as a loading zone that allows for easy drop off and pick up of guests and their mobility devices. Street parking near the park is free and abundant.
As we age, mobility issues and sensory loss can make getting enough time outside difficult, but spending time outdoors is crucial to maintaining our health. With all of its accessibility features, Portland Memory Garden offers a secure environment for older adults to spend time in nature and enjoy outdoor activities.
Plan your visit today to experience all that Portland Memory Garden has to offer. We hope you visit soon.