The Garden of Life is located on the Hershey Medical Center campus adjacent to the main cafeteria. The garden area was formally an embankment at the base of a Medical School stair tower covered with overgrown junipers.  The concept was to offer families of organ donors a place of reflection to commemorate their loved ones’ memories and to recognize their incredible gift of life.

 

The garden is semi-circular with a central fountain representing the wellspring of life.  Radially from the main fountain are three fountains that represent reflection, restoration and renewal.  A series of arbors with benches line the outer ring of the garden which contains a mix of cutting flowers, perennials and native trees and shrubs. A butterfly garden was included to represent the freedom of the spirit.

 

The Garden of Life is a collaboration between Gift of Life Donor Program and Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

Location:  Hershey, Pennsylvania

Clients:  Gift of Life Donor Program; Penn State-M.S. Hershey Medical Center

Size:  25,000 sq. ft.