Kenneth E. Smith Memorial Labyrinth
Labyrinth Rental Rates
- Monday-Thursday: $33.00
- Friday-Sundays & Holidays: $58.00
Labyrinth Rental Policies
- Freestanding decorations and decorations tied to the fence are permitted. No decorations may be placed in the meditation garden area surrounding the labyrinth.
- No food or drinks are permitted in the labyrinth area.
- No tents are permitted in the labyrinth area.
- No confetti of any kind may be tossed in the labyrinth area.
- The Parks and Recreation Department does not rent chairs, you must provide your own. Chairs are to be set up no more than one hour (1) prior to the ceremony and must be taken up immediately following the ceremony.
- Electricity is available . Please call 812-462-3225 to speak to the Hawthorn Park Caretaker or 812-462-3392 to contact the VCPRD Administrative Office.
- Lessee is responsible for leaving the Smith Memorial Labyrinth as it was found. A fee equal to the cost of cleaning, repair, or replacement will be charged in case of damage or loss.
What to do if you want to reserve the Labyrinth?
- Click on the dates on the above calendar for which you would like to reserve the Labyrinth.
- Fill in the above text boxes with the following information:
- First and Last Name
- Email Address
- Phone Number
- Event Details
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- Name for a sign to hang on location sign (i.e. – Jane’s Birthday)
- Approximate # of attendees
- Etc.
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- Click send to send a confirmation email to our server and to the email that you provided.
- A PayPal icon will appear. Click on the icon to be redirected to our PayPal page.
- Enter credit/debit card information.
- Once we receive your payment, we will confirm your reservation!
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call our Administrative Office at 812-462-3392, Monday-Friday during the hours 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Payment & Cancellation Policies
- Payments must be paid in full at the time of booking. No exceptions. If payment is not received at the time of booking, the reservation will not be submitted.
- Any reservation canceled within 2 weeks of the rental date will result in forfeiture of the entire rental fee. No rental credit will be given.
- No refunds will be awarded. Any reservation canceled prior to 2 weeks of the rental date will be eligible for rental credit. Credit is available for the same days paid during the same calendar year.
- NO RAIN DATES ARE PERMITTED.
- All payments must be made via credit or debit card. Thanks in advance.
Description
The Kenneth E. Smith Memorial Labyrinth is located in Hawthorn Park, adjacent to the Dogwood Shelter. The labyrinth is an 80-foot diameter circle constructed out of an aggregate mix of concrete. It is patterned after the labyrinth that was laid on the floor of the Chartres Cathedral in France around 1220 A.D. The singular path is a switchback, turning and twisting, forcing walkers to concentrate as they make their way forward to the middle of the labyrinth and back again. There are 34 turns on the path going to the center. The path is 30″ wide with 6″ in-between allowing accessibility for all to utilize. A comfortable swing, benches, a babbling water fountain, and native wildflowers, trees, and plantings surround the labyrinth to create a quiet space and blend into the park proper.
History
The Labyrinth and surrounding meditation garden were completed in 2003. Mrs. Lavern Smith donated a major part of the funding for this project in memory of her late husband, Kenneth E. Smith, who died in May 2000.
The labyrinth has been found in all traditions throughout history in various forms around the world. It is an ancient therapeutic tool that has been rediscovered and is growing in popularity. Unlike the maze, the labyrinth has only one path so there are no tricks to it and no dead ends. Labyrinths have served as spaces for meditation, ritual, community celebrations, gatherings, and children’s games to be used as places for guides and holistic problem-solving devices. Presently, labyrinths are being built at hospitals, schools, parks, spas, nursing homes, and even in residential yards.
The Kenneth E. Smith Memorial Labyrinth is designed for all ages individuals who are experiencing grief, emotional distress, or those simply wanting to free their minds in a stress-free environment. Children simply enjoy the challenge of staying within the boundaries and creating their own unique games within the paths.
Kenneth E. Smith Memorial Labyrinth Photos
