Wednesday 19 October 2011

Louise McKinney Park Labyrinth

Louise McKinney Park stretches out alongside the North Saskatchewan River in Edmonton's beautiful river valley. I heard that the park has a rock labyrinth so one day this summer, My Rare One and I set out to find it.


We tramped up and down the whole length of the park -- no labyrinth to be seen. We asked passersby -- who were unanimously clueless about what a labyrinth even is. Finally, an older lady said she didn't know about any labyrinth but there was an "aboriginal stone circle or something" near the parking lot. Bingo!


The labyrinth is a small 5-circuit Chartres labyrinth. There's a magnificent view of the river valley as you walk it.

The problem with rock labyrinths on grass is that they're impossible to mow and keep groomed, unless you have a dedicated team of grounds people with whipper-snippers. Consequently, such labyrinths tend to get very overgrown and shaggy looking.


But clearly, many people do walk the Louise McKinney labyrinth on a regular basis because the grass in the circuit paths was quite trodden down.

But, after all is said and done, this labyrinth is still located in a downtown urban core setting. At its sacred centre, the only offerings present were . . .


. . . two crushed Kokanee beer cans.


30 comments:

CorvusCorax12 said...

looks wonderful, except for the litter

Jane said...

How interesting - someone went to a lot of work at one time - do you have any idea how old it is?

Lois said...

Sacrificial Beer in the centre, never done that before!

Bird said...

Good morning, Debra... or evening for you all, probably. I would love to build one of those in our new home when we find it and move this coming year. I think I'll have a beer can free labyrinth though. Do you know how old this one is?

Anonymous said...

wow, thats so cool, bad karma to the litter bugs! Wish we had that here,

DEZMOND said...

I've never visited a labyrinth, seems interesting and exciting!

Blueberry said...

Looks like it was designed to fall apart. Is that why they have some rock piles? Are they there for people to rebuild it or have people been taking it apart to make rock piles? ;-)

Judy said...

I saw my first labyrinths this summer during a flower tour...it was at a private residence...Hubby was with me and lots of people were walking it, so I didn't get to...however, it was nice to see...this one you have pictured looks ancient...

Rox said...

I was just thinking "I bet the teenagers go there to drink!"

I love E-town! I'm about four and a half hours north of you. Here via Jackie Sue!

DB Stewart said...

This reminds me of when I visited Jim Morrison's grave. There were two beer cans and a sock.

mxtodis123 said...

I've always wanted to walk a labyrinth. They just don't have them here.
Mary

Joyful Things said...

Once, while a bunch of us were on a weeks camping trip, we made a labyrinth out of beer cans. We used it as the croquet course. We picked them all up though as we wanted the deposit refund - much to the disappointment of hovering kids who also wanted the refund.

jaz@octoberfarm said...

nothing like getting wasted and walking a labyrinth!

Travis Erwin said...

Now there is a beer I've never tried.

Elena said...

I knew you'd find it! Crazy offering! And oh I just love Ceiling Cat!

The Dancing Crone said...

I don't know what to think about that. Could the cans have been left intentionally to show an offering was made?

It is a powerful statement however you look at it.

Workingdan said...

Hard to say if that is an offering or a disgrace?

I walked a labyrinth once and I remember craving a beer afterwards!

Skimbosh said...

Beer cans? BEER CANS? Beer cans, tra la la?

Aside from movie references, I was intrigued and then disgusted with your post. (Not because of you, but having my little mind-trip there ruined because of litter.)

Laeli said...

Oooh beer cans!? Nasty.
What would be an appropriate offering? I'm going to go check that out for myself! You introduce me to the coolest things!

JeannetteLS said...

The irony.

this entry resonated about so much of today's life. Well written and photographed, sad surprise.

Jim said...

I wonder how many Edmontonians know about this one?
Good 'find' Debra!

My Grama's Soul said...

I CANNOT STAND PEOPLE WHO LITTER!! There I've said it and am proud of it! LOL

Jo

laughingwolf said...

all my years in 'the chuk', i never heard of it, even from my first nations pals... the ones i visited were all in bc...

nothing wrong with beer offering, the cans... NOT!

laughingwolf said...

travis, beer's from bc, worth having several cases on hand! :)

-E- said...

i've also had kokanee beer...in canada. more north american friendship points?

35jupe said...

Another reason I want to own a house.

I'd love a labyrinth.

yellowdoggranny said...

I wish we had one of those in west..we already have the empties

Tricky Nag said...

I wonder if the drinkers/litter bugs actually walked the labyrinth or just walked over the stones to the middle?

Anonymous said...

My son and I made a small altar in the center a couple years back out of rocks for people's offerings. 8 years old and he carried a huge flat rock the entirety of the labyrinth. When I asked him if he needed assistance he insisted, I GOT this mum.
I love this sacred space and go often!!!

Debra She Who Seeks said...

I applaud you and your son! I'm glad people are still enjoying this beautiful labyrinth and using it for its intended, sacred purpose.