Children’s Sensory Garden

We are working to raise funds to install a children’s sensory garden in honor of long time Park District employee, Melissa Medeiros. This sensory garden is for children of all ages and abilities to enjoy.

Four people surround a cart of food in a warehouse. The are holding a large check made out to Neighborhood Food Pantry in the amount of $1,032

An imagining of our plans for a children’s sensory garden in Reed Keppler Park.

The Plans

Who was Melissa?

Melissa was an irreplaceable member of our community. She worked for over 18 years for the West Chicago Park District holding many different titles with her most recent being a Facilities Supervisor at the ARC Center. She took great pride in her work and especially enjoyed running the Senior’s Luncheon with the fire department. She will leave an everlasting mark at the West Chicago Park District and was able to make a huge impact through the work that she did there. Melissa was a Trustee with the West Chicago Fire Protection District and a pillar in the West Chicago community. She loved traveling, camping, music, helping at community events, and especially loved spending time with her family and grandchildren. Melissa was considered a mom to many and was cherished by many others.

Our Goal

In order to turn our dream of the Sensory Garden into a reality, we need to raise $100,000. To achieve this goal, we will be applying for grants, holding fundraisers and accepting donations. If you are able to donate towards this project, click the link below.

Donate Now

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$100,000

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Construction

Construction has begun on the Sensory Garden!

At the end of summer 2025 we were able to pour the concrete for the accessible walkway.

Construction in a park setting, showing workers and heavy equipment in the background. In the foreground, a curved section of concrete formwork made of white material and wooden stakes follows a path of dirt and gravel, leading toward a circular area. A low stone wall is visible on the left.

A close-up view of the initial construction phase on a path. Wooden stakes and white, flexible material are used to create the formwork for a curved pathway. A worker is visible in the middle background near more complex, raised formwork.

The most complete phase of construction shown. A large concrete slab has been poured and cured, featuring a circular area of exposed dirt in the center for planting. Wooden stakes form the edge of the central planting area. Orange and green safety fencing surrounds the construction site. A playground area is visible in the background among mature trees.