The Labyrinth at LEAF

One of Erie’s loveliest natural settings is the Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park, also known by it’s acronym, LEAF. In a quiet meadow within LEAF is a beautiful labyrinth constructed of custom cast white concrete pavers and soft green grass. This outdoor labyrinth was a gift to the community from the Carrie T Watson Garden Club, oldest garden club in the Erie area, to commemorate its 80th anniversary in 2005. Long recognized as an organization dedicated to beautifying the Erie landscape, the club collaborated with the city of Erie and LEAF to accomplish the task.

The labyrinth was chosen for its beauty of form, its longevity, and its meditative and restorative benefits. Labyrinth walking has shown to be effective in relieving stress, lowering blood pressure, and reducing anxiety. Peace of mind found walking the path in the fresh air and sunshine, smelling the grass, hearing bird song, all contribute to an ability to react to life with greater calm, compassion, and creativity.

Since its creation, the labyrinth has been in constant use. Church groups, garden clubs, elementary and high school students, university students, fine arts majors, and individuals from all walks of life have discovered the joys of walking the labyrinth in the beautiful setting of LEAF.