WATERVILLE — More than 1,000 yellow tulips, a sybol for eliminating the stigma surrounding mental illness, will be planted Oct. 12 in Hope Gardens at the RiverWalk at Head of Falls, Veteran’s Memorial Park and at the Bill and Joan Alfond Main Street Commons.
The Yellow Tulip Project was founded by Julia Hansen when she was a sophomore in high school.
Planting will begin at the RiverWalk at 2 p.m. and finish at Veteran’s Memorial Park. A Yellow Tulip ambassador, Abi Bloom, will lead the opening ceremony at the Veteran’s Memorial Park at 4 p.m., where hot cocoa and cider will be provided.
Participating organizations include Waterville Creates!, Waterville High School, Kennebec Behavioral Health, Waterville Parks and Recreation, Hardy Girls/Healthy Women, The Family Enrichment Council, Maine General Hospital, Johnny’s Selected Seeds, FEDCO Bulbs, Colby College Museum of Art, Waterville Peer Support Center, the Universalist Unitarian Church, Waterville Rotary Club, Waterville Lions Club, Maine Film Center, as well as many privately owned properties throughout Waterville.
Hansen’s goal is to make a space for determined youth to join to eradicate the stigma surrounding mental illness, build communities and spark conversations about how to decrease the suicide rate. This is done through the Hope Gardens and related programming. In May, when the tulips are in full bloom, there will be associated wellness events available for all to attend in Waterville.
“We are thrilled to be working with The Yellow Tulip Project to help raise awareness for mental illness while spreading joy throughout Waterville. I’m looking forward to the programming in May and seeing all the beautiful tulips in bloom,” said Serena Sanborn, education and outreach coordinator at Waterville Creates!.
