Foulkeways to Open “Dream Garden” Memory Garden Safe Space

Foulkeways at Gwynedd (foulkeways.org) will officially open and dedicate the “Dream Garden” memory garden addition to its Abington House North (AHN) memory care/personal care building during a ribbon cutting ceremony to be held from 10:00-11:30 AM, August 27th, at the community.

The Dream Garden is a wheelchair and handicap accessible space that allows Foulkeways residents with cognitive issues to enjoy the outdoors without the possibility of confusion that a winding trail or walkway might create. It also features bright, white sidewalks to address the needs of residents with visual impairment. The Dream Garden is easily accessible from the “Main Street” of Foulkeways, where the community’s pharmacy, salon and other community services are located. In addition, it provides direct access from the community’s personal care, memory care and independent living buildings. The space is open to use by all Foulkeways residents, their families, staff and even the community’s child-care center. The space is lushly landscaped with a variety of flowers, plants and statues.

The Dream Garden honors the memory of former Foulkeways resident, the late Katherine “Kitty” Baker, who passed away in 2017 close to her 100th birthday. Baker’s million-dollar-plus gift to the Foulkeways Abington House North made the design and construction of the space possible. The Dream Garden was designed by Foulkeways Health Services Director Mary Knapp and her staff, with additional input from Katherine Baker’s son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Jane Baker, who are soon to become Foulkeways residents. In addition, Rick and Jane gifted three, large and beautiful statues to be installed in the space. It also displays the skills of Tom McLane, principal landscape architect, McLane Associates.

The event will be highlighted by remarks by former CBS 3 anchorperson Elleanor Jean Hendley. In addition, former NBC 10 co-anchor Renée Chenault-Fattah and executive producer of a recently completed documentary film, In Search Lost Time: Alzheimer's and Dementia's Impact on Communities of Color, will also speak.

Foulkeways Director of Health Services Mary Knapp commented on the Dream Garden, “We are proud to share the Dream Garden with all of the members of the Foulkeways family. My only regret is that Kitty was unable to enjoy life in our personal care building as she had planned.”

The community’s Director of Development, Andrea McCabe, adds, “The Dream Garden is a fitting tribute to the generosity and spirit of Kitty Baker. It is her living legacy.”

Foulkeways at Gwynedd, a continuing care retirement community, is home to more than 400, 65 and older adults. It is situated on 130 acres of beautiful, wooded countryside in Montgomery County, with an abundance of walking trails and wildlife. Guided by Quaker values, Foulkeways has set standards of excellence in retirement living for nearly 50 years.