DANVILLE — A new community labyrinth across from St. James United Methodist Church is meant to be an outdoor space to assist with health and wellness. The public is invited to a dedication and inaugural walk of the 11-path labyrinth at 2 p.
m. Wednesday. It’s just west of the church at 504 N.
Vermilion St., adjacent to the parking lot on Walnut Street. Veterans Affairs Illiana Health Care System’s drumming group, along with music and recreation therapists, and a Native American flute player, will be on hand at the dedication.
Ann Wagle, an organist at St. James and chair of the project, said the 46-foot-diameter labyrinth is based on the style of the Chartres Cathedral near Paris. “It’s a gift to the community,” said Wagle, who added that a lot of community members might be unfamiliar with the concept of the maze of paths, so the dedication will be an opportunity to see one and walk it.
There are about 6,500 labyrinths in the world, Wagle said. She said the labyrinth is used by a variety of religions, including Christians, to symbolize spiritual journeys, such as pilgrimages to Jerusalem, and have more recently been used for reflection and meditation. Several studies have shown their health, physical and mental benefits, she said.
The community labyrinth in Danville was created using funds raised from individuals and entities through local and area grants, Wagle said. No church funds were used for the project. She said she believes this is the only permanent labyri.