Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Survivors Garden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Survivors Garden |
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Perennial Garden walkway
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| Type | Garden |
| Location | Grant Park, Chicago, Illinois |
| Area | 2.25 acres (9,100 m2) |
| Created | 1996 |
| Operated by | Chicago Park District |
| Status | Open all year (daily 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.) |
The Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Survivors Garden is a special place built in 1996. It covers about 2 and a quarter acres of land in the northeast part of Maggie Daley Park in Chicago. This garden is one of 24 similar parks across the United States. They were all created by the Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Foundation.
The foundation spent about $1.3 million to build this garden. It was designed to celebrate life and offer a peaceful spot for people affected by cancer. The garden helps them feel better and heal. It has three main areas, each representing a step in healing: accepting, getting support, and celebrating life.
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Garden Features
Historic Columns at the Entrance
When you enter the garden, you'll see two tall columns, each 40 feet high. These columns are very old and came from Chicago’s Federal Building, which was built in 1905. An architect named Henry Ives Cobb designed them.
Before they came to the garden, these columns were actually placed in Lake Michigan in 1983. They helped to protect the shoreline from waves. The Chicago Architecture Center later gave these columns to the garden. They stand near the main building at the garden's entrance.
Peaceful Pavilions
The garden has three pavilions, which are like open-air buildings. The main pavilion is at the garden's entrance. It represents the "Road To Recovery" for people dealing with cancer. Inside, there are seven plaques. These plaques share simple steps to help people overcome cancer. Two other pavilions are located at the southern end of the garden.
The Perennial Garden Path
The perennial garden walkway is a beautiful path filled with colorful flowers, trees, and shrubs. Along this path, you will find 16 plaques. Each plaque has inspiring quotes and helpful information for cancer patients. For example, one quote says, “Make up your mind that when your Cancer is gone, you are through with it.” This path is meant to help people feel positive and hopeful.
Garden Support
The Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Foundation first paid for the garden. Over the years, it became harder to find money for its upkeep. Before Maggie Daley Park was created, the garden sometimes had problems with things being stolen or plants not being cared for. By 2012, private donations were low. The Chicago Park District also didn't have enough money for the garden's high maintenance costs. Just for the summer, it could cost $60,000 to keep the garden looking nice. Today, the garden is cared for as part of Maggie Daley Park, which helps keep it beautiful for everyone.
