The City of Gulf Shores held a ribbon cutting for a new Sensory Garden and a recognition ceremony for Evelyn Sanders for her 34 years of service.

“Sanders was a member of the Gulf Shores Beautification Board and Tree Board for 34 years. Not only that, but Ms. Evelyn has been a longtime business owner. One of the first business owners in Gulf Shores as well as one of the originators of the Shrimp Festival. She has long deep roots here in the city of Gulf Shores. We wanted to say thank you for her years of service,” said Public Works Director Mark Acreman.

Sanders was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation and a white Natchez crepe myrtle, her favorite tree, to be planted in the park of her choosing. After the presentation, Sanders cut the ribbon on the Sensory Garden.

The Public Works Department has worked in collaboration with the Gulf Shores Garden Club and Beautification Board on the design and implementation of this project. The Sensory Garden is fully accessible and is intentionally designed to be experienced through each of the five senses.

The Sensory Garden is located at the corner of West 2nd Street and West 19th Avenue in front of the Bodenhamer Recreation Center and features areas to sit and enjoy lunch. The garden features plants that bloom year-round, like plum, blueberry, kale, guava, cilantro, rosemary, and more ready to be picked and enjoyed by the public.