ARLINGTON — It’s not a maze.
The new labyrinth in downtown Arlington is a place for contemplation.
Designed by Arlington recreation manager Sarah Hegge, the labyrinth is just south of Legion Park along the Centennial Trail.
“The labyrinth is a walking path used for meditation. They’ve been around since ancient times,” Hegge said. “A maze is a puzzle.”
The 50-foot-diameter labyrinth also is a work of art and was funded in part by a $5,000 contribution from the Arlington Arts Council, said Jean Olson, an arts council member.
Each year, the arts council raises funds and takes proposals for public art in Arlington. Hegge’s idea for the labyrinth was the group’s favorite this year, Olson said.
“It’s in a location that’s secluded and surrounded by trees. There’s a real feeling of calmness there,” Olson said. “It’s just gorgeous.”
Olson was among the volunteers who helped lay the flagstone that forms the labyrinth. Service clubs such as Arlington Kiwanis, Rotary and Lions clubs, along with the Arlington Garden Club, participated in a work party in mid-August.
This week, volunteers also helped plant 11 donated Pacific Sunset maple trees that circle the labyrinth, and volunteer Tom Claxton plans to seed a lawn around the stonework.
Previously, the remains of old buildings created an eyesore where the labyrinth now sits, Hegge said. City crews removed the mess and prepared the site for the project, she said.
“So we killed two birds, and now the labyrinth is a beautiful place for people to enjoy,” Hegge said.
It’s not a puzzle to be solved. But as a plaque set to be placed at its entrance says, there is no right or wrong way to use a labyrinth.
Reporter Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427 or gfiege@heraldnet.com.
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