SOCIAL SCENE: Picnic in the Garden
The Humane Society of Marion County dedicates refreshed space.
Yarelis Cruz pets Dante, an adoptable 9-year-old boxer mixed-breed, during the Picnic In The Garden dedication of the new Memorial Garden at the Humane Society of Marion County in Ocala, Fla. on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. The Yard Stop has completed and donated a full remodel of the Memorial Garden at the Humane Society of Marion County. The refreshed space features a beautiful new gazebo, updated hardscapes, and thoughtfully designed landscaping, creating a peaceful place for remembrance and reflection. In phase two, the Humane Society has planned to add a columbarium and memorial walls to honor the beloved pets of the community. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2026.
The Yard Stop recently completed a remodel of the Memorial Garden on the Humane Society of Marion County campus. The refreshed space features a new gazebo, updated hardscapes and thoughtfully designed landscaping, creating a peaceful place for remembrance and reflection.
On March 25, a number of well-wishers, staffers, board members and others gathered to celebrate the remodel with a ribbon cutting and Picnic in the Garden, which is located on the shelter campus at 701 NW 14th Road, Ocala. The organization also has a clinic that is open to the public at 1705 NW 8th Ave. and a thrift store at 110 NW 10th St.
“The ribbon cutting for The Yard Stop Memorial Garden was a wonderful success, with an incredible turnout from our valued business partners and supporters. Guests also enjoyed delicious food generously provided at no cost by La Casella Catering,” said Austin Burnett, shelter operations manager.
“We are deeply grateful to The Yard Stop for their kindness and generosity in creating this beautiful garden. This space is more than just a garden, it’s a place for the entire community to honor beloved pets and loved ones, reflect on beautiful memories and gather in a peaceful setting with fellow animal lovers,” Burnett added.
The Humane Society of Marion County will offer a variety of tribute opportunities in the memorial garden, including engraved bricks, garden benches and columbarium niches for the ashes of cherished pets. The organization also will offer guided memorial services within the garden.
For more information, visit thehsmc.org or email [email protected].
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