MAKE-A-WISH
SENSORY GARDEN
A one-day community build for Will — Middlebury, Vermont, Summer 2025
BUILDING SOMETHING THAT MATTERS
In the summer of 2025, Dark Horse Construction had the incredible honor of participating in the creation of a sensory garden with the Make-A-Wish Foundation — built for a boy named Will from Middlebury, Vermont. What followed was a truly inspiring collaboration of local businesses and community volunteers who came together to transform an outdoor space into something extraordinary.
The entire project — from clearing and grading to final feature installation — was completed in a single day. A special thank you to Mark Bonser of Phoenix Development Group for bringing everything together and making this incredible day possible. That's the power of community.
SCOPE OF WORK
Site Clearing & Demo
All existing material and boulders were removed from the garden site to prepare a clean canvas for the new sensory garden layout.
Material Installation & Grading
Mixed materials were installed, separated, and graded across the site to create a variety of sensory zones — each offering distinct textures and experiences for Will and future visitors.
Stepping Stone & Boulder Placement
Large stepping stones were placed at both the front and back of the garden for safe, accessible entry and exit. Natural boulders were repositioned to serve as the foundation for a custom water feature.
Heavy Equipment Operations
Our team operated heavy equipment to transport and precisely place materials delivered by trucks at the street — navigating a residential site with care and efficiency.
Feature Construction Support
Our crew provided hands-on labor to assist in the construction of the garden's key attractions: a solar-powered fountain, a sand play area, a swing set, and a shaded synthetic turf space.
PROJECT GALLERY
The Darkhorse team alongside Make-A-Wish volunteers — Middlebury, Vermont, Summer 2025
Heavy equipment work in progress — grading, material separation, and feature construction
Solar-powered water feature installation — boulder placement and fountain finishing
MEDIA COVERAGE
The Middlebury Make-A-Wish sensory garden received local news coverage, shining a spotlight on Will's story and the community that rallied to make his wish a reality.
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