The pattern is done. It is open for walking. There is ongoing landscaping around the labyrinth so it may be a noisy.

Formal dedication is scheduled for October 13th at 7 pm. There will be luminarios (bags with sand and a burning candle in them) around the edge of the pattern and brief speechs by several people including Nancy Mertzlufft. It promises to be a very beautiful moment at this labyrinth!

Nancy Mertzlufft organized this project. She raised the funds, went to the hospital and asked for the land, and made it happen. It was a real journey of the heart for her. She accepted donations for the labyrinth over a period of three years, one heart at a time. There is a secret time capsule hidden beneath the center of the labyrinth which contains the names of each of the donors. So you might say that the hearts and good wishes of a great many people around Columbia are invested at the heart of this labyrinth. The hospital was kind enough to donate the land, the concrete and landscaping for the labyrinth. Hurray, Nancy! Thank you for your focus and perseverence.

The setting is on a hill facing south. This is the view to the west of a man (Robert Ferre) outstanding in his field.

The labyrinth is located at the corner of Walnut and Willams. You can see Boone Medical Center in the background of the preceding image, that makes it just east of The Center. The location is excellent for a labyrinth. A little far from the actual hospital (5 minute's walk), but good because to get there from the hospital, you have to leave the environment you're in. That is, if you are stressed for some reason in the hospital, you have to take a walk to get away from that stress just to get to the labyrinth. Once at the labyrinth you may walk deeper and deeper into your situation to find clarity. It will be a great asset to physicians, staff, patients, and family who visit the hospital.

We're just south of Stephen's College. What a great tool for the students! They'll be able to come, walk and get centered for their exams and presentations. Maybe some of them will join the Labyrinth Society's 365 Club.

If you'd like a labyrinth like this, go to Robert Ferre's website Labyrinth Enterprises