Richland's labyrinth

Work, classes, outside activities and constant studying are all competing aspects in the overwhelming schedule of a college student.

There are several techniques students use to ease stress in their lives. The labyrinth at Richland  is a perfect relaxation tool that is free and available for any student's schedule.

The labyrinth's design is based on the famous paved design at the Chartres Cathedral  near Paris, France.  It offers a circular-mazed path where students can walk and reflect. The path is a tool that is used for the individual to feel relaxed and preserve an open mind to reach a solution at the labyrinth's center.

"The labyrinth was dedicated in November of 2001 in support of the Mind, Body, and Soul Program directed by Sue Jones at Richland College.  During that time Karen Forbes from the Horticulture Department at Richland decided she would design it," said Lennijo Henderson, director of Library Services.

Henderson was a participant in the committee for the creation of the labyrinth.

The labyrinth is located next to Fannin Hall by parking lot V and the east side of the lake. Henderson explained that this location was chosen because it adds to the meditative atmosphere of the labyrinth.     

Located in front of the labyrinth is Richland's monument to staff members who have served 35 years or more.  Recent retiree Larry Polk is honored for his teaching services along with Mary Northcut and several other staff members. Polk also presented at the dedication ceremony in 2001.

Richland's well pump is also part of the reasoning for the labyrinth's location. It offers a deeper connection to the college's history and a remembrance of the land upon which Richland was built.

The labyrinth path is set by each individual because there is no right way to walk its path.

It serves each individual and their own reflection process.

Henderson's research about Richland's labyrinth, as well as the history of labyrinths is available on Richland's website at www.richlandcollege.edu/labyrinth.