Siskin Hospital celebrates Healing Garden grand opening

Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Grady’s Garden, the first and largest of five planned therapeutic healing gardens at its downtown Chattanooga facility on Friday morning.

The first of its kind in the region, the Healing Gardens at Siskin Hospital are specifically designed for physical rehabilitation while being immersed in nature. A variety of textured surfaces, stairs of varying heights and inclines and raised planters with wheelchair compatibility are just a few of the features that clinicians will utilize during outdoor therapy sessions.

“Our goal is to help patients regain their best quality of life. Preparing them for a world that is not made of perfectly flat surfaces, while experiencing the beauty of nature, is just one of the many qualities that sets Siskin Hospital apart,” said Matt Gibson, Ph.D., FACHE, president and CEO of Siskin Hospital.  

The Healing Gardens not only supports physical rehabilitation, but also the mental well-being of patients, their loved ones and Siskin Hospital associates. Research has shown a clear link between nature and healing, including increased positive patient outcomes.

"Chattanooga is known for its outdoors assets, and it's also known for Siskin Hospital, a national leader in physical rehabilitation. So there are few things more quintessentially Chattanooga than Grady's Healing Garden," said Mayor Tim Kelly.  "Science has shown that access to nature can improve physical and mental wellness, so this new space will improve the quality of care available to Chattanoogans. Thank you Siskin Hospital for continuing to invest in our community."

Funded through a capital campaign, numerous foundations, organizations and individuals have donated over $2 million for the creation and maintenance of Grady’s Garden, named in honor of Chattanooga civic and philanthropic leader Grady Williams. Additional gifts include access to free Wi-Fi from EPB.  Money is still being raised for the other four planned healing gardens.