A Concept Paper : UUC Circumferential Meditation Path

A Concept Paper :  UUC Circumferential Meditation Path

                            ( FOR DISCUSSION ONLY! )

     Prepared by  5/08/2011 by G. Lally,   Amended 10/20/11

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Concept Statement
A  circumferential or perimeter 'Meditation Path' to be constructed around the perimeter of the UUC grounds, which will contain, at intervals, 7-10 benches where walkers may stop and meditate, 'pray' or contemplate a view or an ambiance. 
Background
The UUC has approximately six acres. In addition to the church building and parking area, the land contains lawn, field and some woodland. Much of it is un- utilized or under-utilized.           It is my understanding that that portion which is green must remain green, by agreement with the town. That is, it cannot be used for additional construction or parking area. 
Phases
The path would be done in phases, ie. path layout, path construction incl. I.D. of meditation points,  creation of meditation points, landscaping and signage of individual points, dedication of the meditation path, etc  
 
Path Layout
as near to circumferential as possible, taking into account views, ambiance, habitats, and spacing of meditation points at congenial locations. 
Design
7 meditation points/benches  corresponding to our seven UU Principles. Each meditation point would be seen as part of the whole but also to have its own personality and (restrained) mini-landscape. Also, we could  acknowledge some of our illustrious UU forebears/leaders (either by name plaques or pithy quotations) along the path.
The above is a bare bones description of the '"vision" that has been roiling around in my brain for  months. Among other ideas: 
-The initial dollar costs  for the project would be minimal. That is, determining the path layout or "footprint" would be essentially a matter of time spent by a sub-committee in walkabouts, consultations and deliberation. Once the initial layout/footprint is determined and agreed upon, the initial phase of "construction" would be heavily weighted to volunteer "sweat equity" beginning with clearing away brush. In fact. The latter could actually beginbefore the exact footprint of the path is decided on. 
-Done well, the meditation path could be a "Destination" for UU's who are in the area for SUUSI or a "detour" for UU's who are passing through the area.

Relationship to Other 'Visions', Proposals and Projects and Need For a Comprehensive Vision and Plan
Since the writer initially 'floated' the idea of a Circumferential Meditation Path, I have been surprised and thrilled at the ideas, enthusiasm, and energy  that have been unleashed and also at  other projects, and 'Visions' which I discovered that others had been pursuing beknownst to me. -eg. Ideas to restore a wildflower garden, create/maintain a wildlife habitat, create an outdoor ampitheatre and worship space, a place for the ashes of beloved pets, and maybe more to come!!
IMO, all of these, together with the meditation path, and existing landscape elements -- the memorial garden, multiple flower beds and plantings, the spirit sisters maze and (?) will need to be harmonized in an overall plan.
  I believe that in order to accomplish this, the committee structure we end up with, will need to communicate and coordinate fully with the board and with the membership in order to obtain their sanction and consensus, but also to obtain additional counsel, energy and resources.
It is also my opinion that, fortuitously, The Meditation Path can serve both concretely and conceptually, to BIND TOGETHER the other proposed elements . Not only would it literally -physically- 'Embrace' the other elements, but it will be the 'Road' that connects them and invites users to them, or to use the vocabulary that Ben has shared with us, it will constitute vital 'bones' of the project.
I am getting ahead of the process here, but it seems to me, that for these reasons, the path needs to be, either a  first, or at least a very early priority.
Finally, I want to say that I am excited that  those who have stepped forward so far bring so much expertise and knowledge to the table; not just about landscapes and related matters, but also  knowledge of,  and experience with, the organizational processes of our congregation. I believe that  in time, when we have finished, we will have a grounds to be very, very proud of.
Addendum:
                         Suggested Phases and Timelines
          for Comprehensive Plan of UUC Grounds 
                                 (for discussion purposes)




1. Formation of an Initial Committee or Task Force Structure
    begin: now (10/21,  complete:  by 11/30 (but review and revise as needed)
    keep door open to others who may wish to join & contribute as time goes along!






2. Information Gathering/ Brainstorming. 
    Obtaining input from all interested parties and stakeholders . include diverse  
     'visions'  
    begin: already begun,   complete 1/31








3. Adoption of a Formal Comprehensive Vision/Plan
     to include priorities and timelines for the various elements.
   
    begin: 2/28/12     complete:  5/31/12