May 11 - 27 2021
Accessible Lilac Fest

Accessible Lilac Fest

Presented by Rest-Stop-Ranch Respite Retreat Center & Accessible Gardens at Rest-Stop-Ranch Respite Retreat Center & Accessible Gardens

Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, Rain or Shine.  Choose from two sessions: 1-2:30pm or 2:30pm - 4pm.  Reserve early as space is limited and fills up fast.  Reserve no later than 5pm the day before your visit.

Our Accessible Lilac Fest is inspired by our experiences with the Boston-area Arnold Arboretum "Lilac Sunday" (369 plants) and the world-famous Rochester, NY Lilac Festival (1200 plants).  At these big events, as great as they are, it can be difficult for wheelchair-users and care-partners to walk and wheel the long distances from the parking area.  The plants are commonly far from the trail or nowhere near a trail, making the flowers hard to see and smell.  The restrooms are often not close enough for comfort.  Crowds can be noisy and uncomfortable.  We experienced a need for a different type of Lilac Fest... an Accessible Lilac Fest!

People with disabilities and care-partners experience big benefits, including:

Access parking virtually at the plantings.
Walk or wheel a short distance to the plants.
Picnic at a wheelchair-accessible picnic table.
Use a wheelchair-accessible port-a-potty.
Avoid the crowds.
Enjoy peace and quiet.

Admission Info

Tickets are free-of-charge.  Pre-register by phone, 978-887-4202.

Phone: 978-887-4202

Email: mary@marymacmissions.com

Additional time info:

Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, Rain or Shine.  Choose from two sessions: 1-2:30pm or 2:30pm - 4pm.  Reserve early as space is limited and fills up fast.  Reserve no later than 5pm the day before your visit.

Dates & Times

2021/05/11 - 2021/05/27

Location Info

Rest-Stop-Ranch Respite Retreat Center & Accessible Gardens

202 Haverhill Road, Topsfield, MA 01983

Accessibility Info

15 Lilac Plants are accessed via a 4-ft. -wide brick-laid path.  25 Lilac Plants are accessed via a compacted stone-dust, 3-ft.-wide trail.  Your Reserved Private Garden Time ensures you will have easy access to parking, and be one of just a few people onsite.  A wheelchair-accessible outdoor restroom is available, and serviced weekly.  Individuals requiring assistance, must bring a care-partner.  Please bring your own assistive device (i.e. wheelchair, walker, stroller) - these are not available onsite.  Chairs and benches are placed approximately every 10 feet, in the garden, for people needing to rest or stop.

People with disabilities and care-partners experience big benefits, including:

Access parking virtually at the plantings.
Walk or wheel a short distance to the plants.
Picnic at a wheelchair-accessible picnic table.
Use a wheelchair-accessible port-a-potty.
Avoid the crowds.
Enjoy peace and quiet.