MANCHESTER, New Hampshire— The Brigit A. Feeney Foundation for Hope and Healing announced today that it has broken ground on Brigit’s Garden, a public garden in Livingston Park in the City of Manchester. Brigit’s Garden, the foundation’s founding project, is funded by donations from the family and friends of Brigit A. Feeney, an NH Department of Justice victim and witness advocate who died in a motorcycle accident in 2021. The Foundation’s mission is to grow recognition and support for professional victim witness advocates.
“The collaboration between the Brigit A. Feeney Foundation and the city is a true testament to the value of public-private partnerships,” said Mayor Joyce Craig. “Brigit’s unwavering support for the victims and their families has made a lasting impact on our community. This garden will honor her life and legacy and provide a beautiful public space for the whole community to enjoy.”
Approximately 1/3 acre of land in Livingston Park has been made available through an agreement between the Foundation and the City of Manchester Parks and Recreation Division. The council of mayors and aldermen approved the garden project in May 2022.
“We are grateful to the mayor, city councils and the Parks and Recreation Division and Commission for their support of the project,” said Andrew Feeney, Chairman of the Board.
“We look forward to beginning planting so visitors to Livingston Park can enjoy the blooming garden through Spring 2023,” said Amy Vorenberg, Chair of the Foundation Board. “In the coming weeks we will be planting dozens of trees and shrubs, as well as more than a thousand perennials and bulbs. We hope the public, as well as lawyers and victims of crime, will visit the garden and be empowered by Brigit’s example of courage and compassion.”
“Brigit lived in Manchester and was a regular at Livingston Park. She spent time there with friends and walked her dog,” said Board Member Maureen Feeney. “We want the garden to bring people together to enjoy its beauty.”
The foundation will invest more than $100,000 in the project to provide seating and pathways for visitors to walk among trees, flowers and shrubs. No public funds are used for the planting and maintenance of the garden. Endowment funding will support irrigation, lighting, hardscapes, and plant purchases. The project was designed by Terra Firma Landscape of Portsmouth, NH. Family and friends worked with contractors to build the garden.
The Brigit A. Feeney Foundation is a registered public charity in the state of New Hampshire and is tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the US Internal Revenue Code.
