Mindy Harrington Memorial Garden

On September 8, 2004, almost three years to the day that we lost our beloved coworker and friend, the Champaign County Forest Preserve District Foundation proudly dedicated a community tribute – the Mindy Harrington Memorial Garden. Four years earlier, our world was rocked when Mindy, our Human Resources Manager, was diagnosed with leukemia. She had been employed at our agency for 13 years, and more importantly, she was a dear friend to all.

Losing her barely a year later at the age of 37 left us tremendously saddened. At the same time, however, we believed we owed it to her children to remember her spirit, her passion and her zest for life in a positive way that they could embrace as well. Interestingly, as we were trying to determine a fitting tribute to our friend, a member of the community called and said he wanted to help develop an area of beauty as a tribute to Mindy, a place that was peaceful and beautiful in an area she loved. Thus, the concept was born.

Mindy was beautiful. Her spirit – her kindness, strength, courage, and her zest for life – shone through for all who knew her. The Mindy Harrington Memorial Garden is a reflection and a restatement of that beauty. The soft swish of water over rock, continuous, unending, reflects the quiet strength that was Mindy. The flash of sunlight on glass restates the flash of laughter in her eyes and the spark of joy and fun that was Mindy. The graceful curve of the pathway as it enters the garden, and the motion of the sculptural forms embedded in the concrete flow with the grace, beauty and elegance that was Mindy. The curving concrete and brick forms that whirl toward the rock and pool in the center of the garden speak to the brilliant depth of spirit that was Mindy.

Mindy

Entrance View

Mindy's Children