Frequently Asked Questions

1. For whom is the garden intended?
While the garden is a place where our children who have passed will be honored, it is foremost a healing place for those who are left behind. The garden will provide a safe place for our children to reflect, to grieve, to celebrate a life, or to remember loves lost, whether it be their friends, their schoolmates, their pet, their parent, or any other significant loss they might have experienced.

2.. Where will the garden be located?
The proposed site for the garden is in Garfield Park in South Pasadena, just past the new youth house near Grevelia Street.

3. Who initiated the development of the Children's Memorial and Healing Garden?
The idea for a children's memorial garden in South Pasadena was started by Kris Calvin (South Pasadena parent and South Pasadena School Board member) and Mieke Kramer (South Pasadena parent).

4. How did you arrive at the idea for a children's memorial and healing garden?
After the of death Marieke Douridas, a South Pasadena Middle School student who unexpectedly passed away in the spring of 2006, it became abundantly clear to many of us that the death of a child in a community affects not only the close friends and family of the child, but the entire community at large. Our youth was profoundly affected by this tragedy, and was at a loss as to how to deal with it. They were thrust into dealing with a type of loss many of them had never experienced: the loss of a peer. While schools jumped in and provided counseling for those who requested it, it was clear that the need for healing and understanding this aspect of life extended well beyond the classroom walls.

5. Why is a children's memorial garden important to our community?
A strong community begins with compassion. A children's memorial and healing garden stands as a silent profession of love for our children and each other. It allows families of all ages, denominations, and races from across the area to have a place to come together in memory of their children. It is truly a place of life and hope in memory of all children.

6. What if a child has passed away before this garden was even built; can their name still be added?
Absolutely.

7. How do I add a child's name to the garden?
A request for a name to be added to the garden can be made by sending an email to: mail@sphealinggarden.org. Someone will contact you as soon as possible.

8. How will the names of the children be displayed?
The names of the children will be engraved on boulders throughout the garden. These stones will enhance the naturalness of the garden environment without giving it the look of a tomb or cemetery. There may also be an opportunity to put a child's name on paving stones, but this is not yet definite. To make access to engraved surfaces equal to all, no other items in the garden will be available for engraving.

9. Is Garfield Park the best location for the garden?
Our committee has considered several locations for the garden, and felt that Garfield Park is the most suitable for the following reasons: it is easily accessible to the members of our community, especially to our youth; its central location promotes safety; it is not so secluded that it will leave the garden vulnerable to defacing and vandalism.

10. Will the Healing Garden have a negative impact on the traffic density in the neighborhood where Garfield Park is located?
We do not expect the healing garden to generate an increase in traffic.

11. How can I help?
Donations (monetary or material) from individuals and businesses are gladly accepted. Please visit our donations page for detailed instructions. Additionally, we are always looking for volunteers who can help organize fundraising events, help with public awareness, and of course help with the actual construction of the garden.

12. What types of incentives for businesses do you offer?
Aside from the satisfaction of being an active contributor to and benefactor of our local community, we offer a lifetime advertising spot on our Website for those businesses donating $500 or more in monetary, serviceable, or material goods, and for those businesses whose contributions exceed $2000, a mention on a plaque located in the garden. Additionally a charitable tax receipt detailing all contributions will be provided through The Marieke Dourids Foundation.

return to top