Morning Journal/Danielle Garner Threshold Residential Services Maintenance Director Bo Brown stands beside CEO Chris Page and Program Director Seth Walker in the vacant lot where a sensory garden will be built.

EAST PALESTINE — Threshold Residential Services is taking possession of an unused lot behind Bulldog Automotive and creating a community sensory garden. The garden extends Threshold Residential Services mission of enhancing the lives of individuals served and their families.

According to Threshold Residential Services CEO Chris Page, the idea originated a few months ago when leadership discussed plans with a marketing company.

“The plan started to fall into place,” Page said. “There has been just over $5,000 donated from members and partners of the community.”

Page, along with other Threshold employees, anticipates having another option serving individuals and the community. The goal is to integrate sensory into the garden with herbs, bright flowers, pollinating plants, vegetable plants and attracting wildlife. Last year Threshold joined the beautification committee and the garden will expand those opportunities.

“There’s a lot of evidence-based practice that shows working in gardens and working in sensory gardens in particular helps with cognitive engagement, and physical exercise that helps with stress reduction,” Program Director Seth Walker said.

Threshold services invites the whole community to join for a cost effective project to benefit all residents.

Threshold Residential Services has based its operations in East Palestine since 1975 and has expanded by adding a corner store, lawn care company and detail shop.

“It’s a great way to get our folks involved with their communities and keep them active,” he said.

Maintenance Director Bo Brown has been coordinating estimates for materials. He has been able to stretch funds by using reclaimed material and partnering with a non-profit organization.

Walker said he hopes to inspire other community organizations, businesses and residents to both use the garden and approach Threshold about partnerships.

“We just want to start something and say, ‘Hey, here’s a blueprint, here’s a sketch,'” he said. “We could turn this into something nice. We need your help.”

Threshold Residential Services plans to have an official opening by the end of May with a community volunteer day on April 2 in celebration of Earth Day. The day will be used to fill raised garden beds.

“We are hopeful to get some volunteers to fill those beds with soil,” Page said.

The garden will increase free flowing interactions between people in the community and create a space where people can interact with those from different backgrounds.

“This increases our footprint out into our communities so our individuals with disabilities can occupy the same spaces as non-disabled folks do,” Page said.