Today, it’s an open space. Soon, it will be a place where people grow vegetables, prepare healthy meals, spend time together, and discover new interests.

That’s the vision behind Aspire Living & Learning’s new Outdoor Learning & Wellness Garden, planned for its Community-Based Day Program in Leominster, Massachusetts.

On June 27, more than 100 people Aspire supports, their families, employees, sponsors, and community partners came together for Aspire’s inaugural 3K Walk-n-Roll to help bring that vision to life.

The morning wasn’t just about completing a 3K. It was about spending time together. People walked and rolled at their own pace, caught up with friends, met new faces, enjoyed music and refreshments, tried their luck at raffles, and celebrated alongside one another. Across Doyle Field, there were conversations between families, encouragement from volunteers, and support from local businesses that believe in Aspire’s mission.

By the end of the day, the event had raised more than $5,000 in net proceeds to support the Outdoor Learning & Wellness Garden.

The Outdoor Learning & Wellness Garden project is a natural extension of Aspire’s Community-Based Day Services, which supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in building independence, pursuing personal goals, and participating more fully in their communities. As Aspire looked for ways to expand those experiences, the organization recognized the need for a dedicated outdoor space focused on wellness, nutrition education, and hands-on learning.

Participants will plant, tend, and harvest vegetables in accessible raised beds before bringing what they’ve grown into cooking and nutrition classes. The garden will encourage healthy habits while giving participants another place to learn, spend time together, and enjoy the outdoors. ADA-accessible gathering areas will ensure everyone can participate, and future plans include an inclusive basketball court.

“One of the best parts of the 3K was seeing people who have known each other for years reconnect, while others were meeting for the first time,” said Steve Mendoza, assistant vice president of program operations for Massachusetts and New Hampshire. “It reminded me how many lives Aspire has touched over the years and how strong those relationships continue to be.”

He also thanked everyone who supported the event, saying their belief in the project and Aspire’s work is creating new opportunities for connection for the people Aspire supports.

“What makes Aspire special is the community that surrounds it,” Aspire CEO Erica Hare said. “Our first Walk-n-Roll brought together people who support our mission in so many different ways. Together, we took an important step toward creating a space that will benefit people for years to come. We hope it’s just the first of many opportunities to celebrate, connect, and strengthen our community.”

Aspire thanks presenting sponsors 4 Seasons Comfort and the Nypro Foundation, along with All One Credit Union, Workers Credit Union, Community Counseling Center, Fidelity Bank, Protective Services Inc., Coakley Family Dental, and CrossFit-696 at Fitness Concepts for helping make the inaugural Walk-n-Roll a success.

Construction on the Outdoor Learning & Wellness Garden is expected to begin in fall 2026. If you’d like to help bring the project to life, consider making a donation. Every gift helps support the creation of a space where the people Aspire supports can learn, connect, and enjoy meaningful experiences outdoors.