City Approves Construction of Labyrinth in Bowring Park

City Council has approved a request from the Bowring Park Foundation to support the construction of a labyrinth in the proposed location known as the ‘Squires Property’ in the west end of the park. Located close to the South Brook Trail, this new amenity will be part of the Grand Concourse Trail network.

“Constructing a labyrinth in Bowring Park will add to not only the aesthetics of the area but will also provide an important health benefit to users,” said Councillor Sandy Hickman, council representative for the Bowring Park Foundation. “With the recent approval of the Healthy City Strategy, and as we consider ways to incorporate health policy in our planning, investing in this feature supports all the research on the benefits of outdoor activity in natural, supportive environments.”

For some years now, the Bowring Park Foundation has been aware of the growing trend of establishing labyrinths in park settings and has been actively working to identify the best available site in the park for a labyrinth installation.

"As a society, we have collectively acknowledged that mental health is as important as physical health to an individual’s overall well-being,” said Sheri Wicks, Chair of the Bowring Park Foundation. “Although the park has always provided solace to those in need of quiet time and contemplation, the labyrinth is the Foundation’s first project geared specifically towards the rejuvenation of the mental health of park patrons and is a particularly timely project in light of the significant challenges to mental health that have been caused by the impacts of Covid-19.”

The estimated budget for the project is $227,000. The Bowring Park Foundation were successful in acquiring a $125,000 donation from the Cahill Family Foundation to go towards the project, with the City and the Foundation sharing the remaining costs. The City will fund its portion of the project from the Parks and Open Space Reserve Fund.

“The Cahill Family Foundation seeks to promote healthy communities and enhance the lives of families and youth across Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Fred Cahill. “We are excited to partner with the Bowring Park Foundation and the City of St. Johns on this wonderful project and delighted to be a part of this enhancement to the park that will assist people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities deal with stress and achieve an overall healthier lifestyle.”

Construction of the labyrinth will begin immediately and is expected to be completed before end of the summer season.