Bermuda Village recently unveiled the Gene Hooks Japanese Memorial Garden.
Featuring a red bridge, koi pond, lush landscaping, and plaques paying tribute to loved ones, this garden is designed to promote holistic well-being and provide a serene sanctuary for reflection and rejuvenation.
The garden’s namesake is Dr. Gene Hooks, former Wake Forest Athletics Director (1964–1992) and current resident of Bermuda Village, who developed a love for Japanese gardens during a trip to Japan with the Wake Forest baseball team. His leadership and generosity not only helped make the garden a reality, but demonstrates the importance of inspiration, community and leaving a purposeful legacy.
To celebrate the opening of the garden, Bermuda Village hosted a ribbon cutting event, during which Dr. Hooks shared a few words with guests. “This garden is not just a place,” he proclaimed, ”it’s a testament to the beauty we can create when we come together.”
Speakers were on hand at the ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebrated the importance of providing space for wellness.
Indeed, as witnessed by those gathered in the garden during the opening, Bermuda Village, Dr. Hooks and all those who helped bring this inspiration into fruition have truly transformed this space into welcoming and healing place where memories may be made, stories may be shared, and inspiration may be found for years to come.
Garden Path
Garden Statue