(Above: An architectural rendering of the Peace Park labyrinth being built by Stittsville’s Rotary Club.)
Stittsville Rotary Club member Brad Spriggs confirmed Wednesday that the group’s Peace Park project has reached 70 per cent of its fundraising goal.
“We’ve committed,” Spriggs said. “We’re confident that we’re going to raise the funds that are required. It’s not going to be pushed back, it’s going to be done.”
The site is currently being built in Bell Park, which is enclosed by Fernbank Rd., Stittsville Main St. and Cherry Dr. Its main feature will be a walking labyrinth, measuring 53 feet in diameter, or roughly three-and-a-half car lengths.
“A labyrinth is a simple contemplative path used for walking meditation. It is inclusive and non-denominational and is an easy way for people to centre and calm themselves,” the club’s slide show presentation says.
The stone labyrinth is being built in the U.S. by a company called Paverart and will be shipped up and put together by local contractor Exel Contracting Inc.
“Once we had enough funding to go ahead and make sure we were committed to the whole thing, we ordered ours and they gave us a queue time of about July,” Spriggs said.
“We’re going to do the actual kick-off probably in September … We’re hoping we’ll have the installation done by the end of July.”
Rotary Clubs are found all over the globe and their goal is “to create positive, lasting change” in their communities. Spriggs said the Peace Park and its labyrinth fit this description.
“It’s just a signature item that we thought would really make a nice, relaxing area for people to go to in Stittsville.”
On June 6, the Stittsville Rotary Club is hosting an information and fundraising event at the Bell Park location. The session will be accompanied by music, a bouncy castle and face painting. There will be a bake sale put on with the help of local churches and Scrumptious Catering will be on hand for food and refreshments.
For a $200 donation, residents can have their names engraved on one of the bricks that will make up the pathway from the parking area to the labyrinth. Those interested will be able to make the donation at the event.
For more information on the Peace Park and how to donate, visit www.stittsvillerotary.com.