In Fall 2024, Calvary built a permanent labyrinth and garden on the north side of the church on Lincoln Street for the enjoyment and spiritual enrichment of the parish and the broader community. It opened to the public on January 3, 2025. We continue to raise funds to maintain the garden into the future. Your donation supports this transformative space in downtown Santa Cruz.
Community Grand Opening Celebration
Saturday, February 22, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Join us as we celebrate the completion of the beautiful Labyrinth Garden on the grounds of Calvary Episcopal Church.
- Walk the labyrinth!
- Explore labyrinth designs and draw or color your own – activities for all ages.
- Learn about the landscape design and permaculture gardening from Terra Nova Ecological Landscaping.
- Tour the church and view displays of its history.
Everyone is welcome!
For more information:
email: labyrinth@calvarysantacruz.org or
phone: 831-423-8787
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a labyrinth?
A labyrinth is a meandering path, often singular (unicursal), leading to a center. Labyrinths are an ancient archetype dating back 4,000 years or more, used symbolically as a walking meditation, path of prayer, or ceremonial site, among other things. Labyrinths are a tool for personal, psychological, and spiritual transformation, also enhancing right and left-brain cohesion. Labyrinths evoke metaphor, sacred geometry, spiritual pilgrimage, religious practice, mindfulness, well-being, and community building. – Adapted fromThe Sacred Path Companion by Lauren Artress, Riverhead Books, 2006.
Why a labyrinth in Downtown Santa Cruz?
Our vision of this project is to provide a place of respite and renewal in the heart of Santa Cruz for downtown residents, workers, and visitors. A 7-circuit classical labyrinth at the center of a vibrant and colorful garden on the grounds of Calvary Episcopal Church invites visitors to follow its winding path, relax, and reflect. The ancient symbol of the classical labyrinth surrounded by a garden of native California plants is a fitting testament to the deep roots of this land. At one time, the indigenous people of the Uypi tribe lived and walked here. Calvary Episcopal Church was built here in 1864. Walking the labyrinth is an opportunity to remember the paths others have walked before us.
Who can use the Labyrinth Garden?
Anyone and everyone! Any time of day! The Labyrinth Garden is a place for the entire community. You can start, refresh, or end your day with a walk on the labyrinth. Book your group for a bonding exercise, or attend periodic guided walks held for the community.
Who designed the labyrinth and the garden?
Calvary partnered with:
Lars Howlett, master labyrinth designer who developed a custom elliptical design for a 7-circuit classical labyrinth. He also directed the building of the labyrinth including community involvement.
Terra Nova Ecological Landscaping who developed the landscaping design, built and installed both the labyrinth and the landscaping.
What type of garden surrounds the labyrinth?
Terra Nova Ecological Landscaping are specialists in the practice of organic gardening and the ethics of permaculture. They converted the previous gopher-ridden “lawn” into a beautiful, healthy, and sustainable garden of mostly native plants. The garden achieved the status of Monterey Bay Friendly Landscaping (green-gardener.org).
What is the labyrinth made of and how was it be built?
Lars Howlett designed a custom elliptical labyrinth in the 7-circuit classical style to fit the space on the north side of Calvary Church. It is composed of decomposed granite for the pathways and McNear sandmold bricks for the lines (mcnear.com/paving-brick/sandmolds/). The labyrinth was installed upon standard roadbase materials and gopher netting. The labyrinth was built with over 80 community volunteers under the direction of Lars Howlett on October 26, 2024. The excavation and roadbase was installed by Terra Nova Landscaping.
How is the Labyrinth Garden supported?
The garden is supported through church funds and individual gifts from parishioners and the wider community. A Friends of the Labyrinth Garden group is being established for those who would like to volunteer to help maintain the garden and/or organize programs and events. For more information, contact labyrinth@calvarysantacruz.org.
How can I make a donation? Is it tax-deductible?
Donations are gratefully accepted online at calvarysantacruz.org/labyrinth, or by mail to Calvary Episcopal Church (check designee), 532 Center St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (memo line – Labyrinth Garden Fund). All donations are tax-deductible.
Can I make a memorial or dedication gift?
We encourage memorial gifts, honorary gifts, and gifts of thanksgiving. If you would like to make such a dedication, simply include your information in the memo line in the online giving form, or on your check.
For more information:
Email: labyrinth@calvarysantacruz.org
Website: calvarysantacruz.org/labyrinth
Phone: 831-423-8787 10/2024