What’s the idea?
PEACE PARK
Let’s build it here in Skagit County.
A public place dedicated to celebrating the things we have in common. Natural beauty, family, the right to express, the responsibility to learn.
A neutral zone, where diversity and mutual respect are honored. A confrontation-free zone, where we leave our slogans and prejudices outside.
A family picnic ground, enhanced with artwork and creative landscaping, all of which are designed to promote a sense of greater community. Meditative spaces and room to play, reflection pools and a forum for discussion. A park dedicated to getting along.
A space to share music, or poetry, or drama, in a nonviolent manner, that encourages us to coexist.
Creative landscape architecture and artwork will be encouraged, to enhance the communal experience, and the project ultimately will evolve according to the wishes and imaginations of all those who join in the effort.
One notion to consider is a firepit in a central hearth, surrounded by benches arranged in a circle, which you approach by way of gently spiraling paths, after depositing your weapons and slogans in burden bins at the entrances.
Other features could be a quiet pool, stream, or zen garden. There could be statues of the Buddha, King, Gandhi, Mandella, or other figures, or of dolphins, bison, butterflies, or doves.
Many ideas could be expressed, around the theme of nonviolent cohabitation, and mutual respect. Rather than denying one faith or another, why not honor all religious perspectives equally? Let each one install a shrine, and welcome the conversations they will inspire.
We are looking for public land to build on, and groups to sponsor the project. Money will be helpful, but a spirit of public service and reconciliation will be more important.
If you or your group are willing to conspire for such a place, please contact me. If enough people are interested, we will have a gathering to discuss it.
Peace and Love
Tracy Powell
30 Tulalip Way
LaConner, WA 98257
Phone: 360-466-0597
Cell phone: 360-840-3826
Email: powells@cnw.com