ShareThe Fresno Association of REALTORS® (F.A.R.) understands that thriving communities are built on more than just homes—they require welcoming public spaces where people can gather, connect, and enjoy their surroundings. That’s why F.A.R. proudly supported the expansion of the Art of Life Healing Garden in Fresno’s Woodward Park, a project made possible through the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Placemaking Grant.
Transforming a Space for Connection, Healing & Remembrance
Woodward Park, the largest park in Fresno County spanning 300 acres, serves as a critical outdoor resource for residents. With five miles of trails, bike paths, and dedicated play areas, the park provides a space for recreation, relaxation, and community engagement. However, Fresno’s extreme summer heat—often reaching 105 degrees or more—limits the usability of many of its amenities during the hottest months of the year.
With the generous funding from the NAR Placemaking Grant and with additional efforts of F.A.R. and its volunteer members, this project directly addressed that challenge by adding:
- New trees for shade, enhancing comfort and reducing heat exposure
- Permanent bench seating, creating more opportunities for rest and connection
- A commemorative plaque, celebrating the spirit of community resilience
By providing essential shade and seating, we are transforming this space into a more vibrant, accessible, and inclusive destination where families can gather, children can play and visitors can reflect, even during the hottest months of the year.
The Art of Life Healing Garden: A Community Treasure
The Art of Life Healing Garden inside Woodward Park broke ground in 2015, uniting local REALTORS®, businesses, service groups, schools, families, and individuals of all ages to take part in creating a place for all to have a sense of community, to heal, and to find hope and renewal. The three-acre Healing Garden offers hope to all those going through difficulties, not just cancer. Cared for entirely by volunteers in the community, the Garden features:
- Works of art by local cancer survivors
- A meditation labyrinth for reflection
- Outdoor musical instruments and interactive play areas
- Serene gathering spaces for community events and personal respite
The Art of Life Healing Garden has provided a sanctuary for the community, serving as a reminder to "be still, celebrate life, love openly, always remember, and fight on." This expansion project has increased the usability of this treasured space, ensuring that visitors can comfortably enjoy its beauty, engage with its interactive features, and benefit from its sense of peace.
Commitment to Placemaking and Community
At F.A.R., members are dedicated to more than real estate—they are committed to building strong, connected and sustainable communities. This project is a testament to the power of Placemaking Grants, as it took underutilized spaces and enhancing them to foster greater social, environmental and economic benefits.
By working alongside local leaders, volunteers, and community members, F.A.R. was proud to contribute to an initiative that will serve Fresno residents for generations to come. F.A.R. encourages fellow REALTOR® associations to explore how NAR Placemaking Grants can be a catalyst for positive transformation in their own communities—because REALTORS® don’t just sell homes, we build communities.