Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals has been a national leader in rehabilitative care since 1958, offering innovative and comprehensive rehabilitation services to adults and children with neurological conditions and complex medical diagnoses.

Serving patients across two Nebraska campuses, one in Lincoln and one in Omaha, Madonna takes an intentional approach to healing, emphasizing human connection and holistic well-being — a mission that aligns closely with Nature Sacred’s. Their facilities are thoughtfully designed to offer patients an encouraging setting for therapeutic learning and recovery.

The need

Nate Driml and his family experienced the idea for therapeutic green spaces during his daughter’s rehabilitation journey at the Omaha campus back in March of 2019. She was diagnosed with a rare condition called acute flaccid myelitis and spent an extended period in inpatient care, and later as an outpatient.

“Spring was in the air during our stay at Madonna. Temperatures were warming, and we wanted to get our daughter outside to soak in the warm sun and take in all things spring,” said Driml. However, he discovered, there was no real outdoor garden area for patients and families to utilize.

The approach

Madonna’s mission of holistic wellness and immersive support aligns closely with Nature Sacred’s core values, so this was an ideal opportunity for collaboration. Both organizations share a deep commitment to treating the whole person and recognizing the profound connection between environment and healing.

Driml relied on hospital-wide feedback to narrow down garden priorities and scope. Community members and medical professionals from every department came together to design the Sacred Place on the Omaha campus and share perspectives on both patient and staff needs. Physical therapists pointed out the benefits of practicing walking on a variety of surfaces. Occupational therapists noted how outdoor tasks — bird watching, gardening, navigating — could provide cognitive engagement.

What the design includes

The project renovates the existing courtyard, adds seating for quiet reflection, and incorporates ideas that came directly from staff:

• Entrance portals.Clear demarcations of the dedicated space along walkways remind patients, staff and visitors to embrace its therapeutic qualities with mindfulness.

• Therapeutic swings.Swings support pediatric patients’ sensory needs, including swings that pair with motorized wheelchairs to offer movement for all.

• Features to engage all five senses.Colorful, fragrant flowers, fruit trees and fountains with running water provide stimulating and relaxing sensory experiences.

• Walking loop.A quarter-mile path paralleling a forested area connects the garden with a scenic overlook.

• Educational opportunities.Signage shares facts about local flora and fauna to support mental engagement and continued learning.

Where it stands

Construction is tentatively set to begin in the spring of 2026 and is estimated to be completed later that fall. With a similar dedicated space planned for the Lincoln location, Madonna will provide a respite for patients across the Midwest region in need of cutting-edge rehabilitation, compassionate hospitality, and holistic healing.