August 2024 – Leadership Beatrice Orientation

October 2025 – Leadership Beatrice Overnight retreat was held where the idea of the Cancer Garden came to life!

November 2025 – Committees were formed and Southeast Community College was contacted about collaborating on a design opportunity for students.

March 2025 – Leadership Beatrice met with officials with the City of Beatrice to propose the idea.

April 2025 – SCC Landscape Design students presented Garden design.

April 2025 – City of Beatrice agreed to lease greenspace for the garden.

May 2025 – An MOU was signed between the City of Beatrice and the Beatrice Community Hospital Foundation.

November 2025 – Cancer Garden Groundbreaking

November 2025

Work in November will focus on preparing the site for major structural elements of the Cancer Garden. Crews will mark and dig pavilion footings, begin framing for the concrete walkways, and pour the pavilion footings along with most concrete paths. Site grading will take place along 3rd Street followed by bringing in soil and compost to support future landscaping. All pavilion footings will be inspected by the City of Beatrice to ensure the project continues safely.

December 2025

December work will continue with shaping the garden’s landscape and infrastructure. Crews will grade newly placed soil along the concrete walkways and walls, being installing steel edging for landscaping beds, and place key features. Low-voltage wiring for lighting will be installed, along with underground sprinklers and electrical trenching. Tree installation will begin, brining the garden one step closer to life as the year comes to a close.

January 2026

January marks the start of visible vertical construction as work begins on building the pavilion. Landscaping efforts will continue as conditions allow, including installing additional trees, drip irrigation lines, mulch, boulders, and lighting. Crews will also place rock in landscape beds along the wall further defining the garden’s layout and features.

March 2026

March work will focus on completing major infrastructure and finishing touches across the garden. Light poles will be installed and crews will finalized electrical connections to outlets throughout the space. The remaining trees will be planted, and all remaining concrete will be poured, bring the Community Cancer Garden closer to completion.

April 2026

April will focus on complete key functional and memorial elements of the garden. Crews will finish installing the sprinkler system and drip irrigation for trees, ensuring long-term sustainability of the landscape. Benches and other memorial features will be set in place, allowing the garden to fully take shape as a meaningful space for reflection and remembrance.

May 2026

May will bring the garden to life with the planting of all remaining plants and shrubs. Crews will install additional drip irrigation as needed, complete final grading, and finish seeding and irrigation work. These efforts will provide the final touches to the landscape, preparing the Cancer Garden for growth, beauty, and long-term care.

June 2026

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony