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The Lenape Turtle Peace Labyrinth, Teaneck Creek Park, NJ.
The Lenape Turtle Peace Labyrinth is a unique project, the creation of an environmental artwork through an artist facilitated, community building process using materials found on site and recycled from the waste-stream with low-impact construction methods to make an place where humans can reconnect with nature and witness its cycles.
The stepping stone path of the Lenape Turtle Peace Labyrinth is made from broken rubble that was found in large piles all over Teaneck Creek Park. Rather than importing new material, in keeping with the ecological vision of the Park the creative re-use of available materials from the site was adopted. The is a long view consideration as humanity moves to the realization that our waste is piling up and future generations are going to have to deal with the pollution of their ancestors.
The path winds its way around land that was once a garbage dump. In the Fall of 2003 and Spring of 2004 the site was prepared by volunteer groups for the laying of the labyrinth, this was a hand tool process, no damaging, heavy machinery was used at any time. During this preparation garbage was removed from some areas of the site; broken bottles, rotting fabrics, plastics of all types including bags and a doll's leg, decrepit aluminum cans, car tires, to mention a few items.
The creation of the labyrinth is an on-going process that requires the development of a relationship between humans and the land through the maintenance of the pathway and the plants. Over time the areas between the stepping stone path will be planted with native plants while allowing space for rare native plants that show up. They are known as volunteer plants and in the spring this was seen through the appearance of Skunk Cabbage. Additionally it was observed that in some areas of the labyrinth plants flourish while in other areas the ground is barren, the areas where most of the garbage was found.
Many of us have been conditioned to enjoy highly manicured parks, where the grass, an unnaturally human landscaping choice is regularly mowed and controlled, however in these settings we lose the opportunity to witness nature's process. By allowing the plants to do their own thing in the labyrinth environment, as the path is walked we move through a variety of states of nature and perhaps learn more about the impact humans have on nature and its ability to recover.
The labyrinth has one path that leads from the perimeter to the center. Typically the full labyrinth experience is to walk the path winding inward, enjoy some moments in the center and then to retrace the path outward. A regular practice of walking the labyrinth, once a week, once a month or each season offers a wonderful way to witness how the surrounding environment transforms through the cycle of the year.
The Lenape Turtle Peace Labyrinth is made possible by a grant from The Puffin Foundation.
For directions to the Lenape Turtle Peace Labyrinth visit Teaneck Creek Park's partner organization The Puffin Forum. The park is next to the Puffin Forum's building.
October 10 2004
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