Ground broken on Serenity Garden

Tucked in an isolated corner of Ridgeview Park, a thin white line winds its way across the ground. It seems almost like a finish line.

Almost, but not quite.

Construction crews broke ground Friday on the Serenity Garden, a citizen-led project that will create a peaceful oasis dedicated to people affected by cancer. The out-of-place-looking stripe that snakes across the secluded site will serve as a guide for workers during the weekslong building phase, mapping out where each flowerbed, walkway and patio belongs.

For volunteers who spent months raising money needed to see this project take root, the line marked the end of something. At the same time, it also heralded the start of something much, much bigger.

"Fifty years from now, our children will be able to come here and see a beautiful garden," said Raymond Reed, president of the Serenity Garden Foundation and a cancer battler himself.

"I think the Lord intended for us to be here," he added as he surveyed the site, which offers a view of the South River.

Construction on the garden, which will be overseen by the city, is expected to take about six weeks. The work is funded by public donations, with a total of $50,000 raised so far.

Envisioned as a burst of colorful flowers intertwined with a brick walkway where people can engrave the names of loved ones diagnosed with cancer, the Serenity Garden will serve as a place to meditate, remember and even rejoice, organizers said.

Dedication of the initial phase, which will include benches and a people's bell provided to mark milestones both sad and triumphant, is expected to take place next spring. Once the garden is established, city crews will maintain the flowery sanctuary, although all supplies and additions will continue to be paid for by donations.

For Mayor Tom Reynolds, who was among several City Council members in attendance Friday, this garden seemed like a "wonderful" way to remember those the community has lost to cancer.

His own father, he said, was killed by cancer almost seven years ago.

"There are times I still want to talk to him," he said. "This will be a place where I can do that. I can come and talk to dad and reflect and remember the good things."