You and your family and friends are invited to the official dedication of the Parkrose Community Peace Labyrinth. It took a year to build and now it is time to celebrate our community project and open the gate to the neighborhood.

Snacks will be provided. Bring a blanket or chair and join in the celebration.

Direction A poem written by Ceasar Pina a novice Poet

We see or view the word direction as a place on a map or a naviigation device,

when in fact the word direction can mean much more.

A direction is the will to carry on, proceed, overcome the obstacles that exist

between one’s goal.

The path to one’s goal may seem tricky, curvy, swirly, yet determination is what drives us

to the center of our destination.

A direction may in fact be four points, whether the points are cardinal, symbolical, or

spiritual it doesn’t truly matter.

If there is something about the word direction that all of us can agree with is this,

no matter what path you take,

no matter how hard it may be,

no matter the challenges,

you will evidently find yourself reflecting upon the path taken in the very end.

The mural on the east side of the high school building shows “Horses Through History and World Culture”. The design of the gate, a turtle holding a labyrinth on it’s back, was chosen to continue the theme of “through history and culture”.

Turtles are often seen as easygoing, patient and wise creatures. Their long lifespan and slow steady movement suggest longevity, stability and tranquility and are used in many cultures, religions, mythologies and folklore around the world.

In several cultures the turtle carries the world on its back or supports the heavens. In Cheyenne tradition, the earth is created and only grandmother turtle can support it on her back. In Mohawk tradition, when the world turtle stretches from the weight of the earth, trembling and shaking occur.

In China the tortoise is one of the Four Fabulous Animals symbolizing endurance, strength and longevity.

In Japan it is known as “Minogame” and is a symbol of longevity and great happiness.

Paste cakes of flour shaped like turtles are made for festivals in Taiwanese villages to assure security, prosperity and harmony.

In Hindu mythology four elephants who stand on the shell of a turtle hold up the world.

Here on our gate the turtle holds our labyrinth.

We welcome you to write in and add other stories of turtles through history and world culture.

Kudos to all the many, many volunteers who labored to bring the vision of a community labyrinth to the Parkrose Community. More work is needed and you are welcome to participate in this on-going project.

The labyrinth will be one year old! Come paint a rock to place along the path and celebrate with birthday cake.

Our “recycling” project is painting the rocks that were dug out of the ground as we built the path and placing them around the labyrinth. The paint is recycled paint recovered and donated by Metro’s recycling project.

Make this one of your Earth Day projects! All ages welcome! Wear paint happy clothes!

Location: At the corner of Parkrose High School, NE Shaver and NE 115th.

You are invited to walk the labyrinth and join in the rock painting on Saturday April 19th from 10:00 AM-12:00 noon. Wear paint happy clothes and paint a rock to place around the labyrinth walk.