Heart in the Park Labyrinth celebrating 10 years

The Tonkawa Heart in the Park Labyrinth is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its completion, and HIP Chair Melinda Glasgow invites everyone to join in the festivities beginning at 6:30 p.m. June 9 in Centennial Park, Grand Avenue and Sixth Street. Admission is free.

Among the activities will be a reprise of the poem “And They Built There a Labyrinth,” composed and read by Dr. Don Stinson at the original dedication ceremonies; giveaways of 50 miniature wooden replicas of the labyrinth; a continuing video presentation of its construction; and souvenirs for purchase. The Tonkawa Arts and Humanities Council ice cream truck will be on hand, and ice water and popcorn will be available for a donation.

At 7 p.m., Wild Heart, a variety cover band from Luther, will take the stage for a free two-hour concert, followed by a walk on the labyrinth under the June Full Moon ending with the traditional wolf howl.

Patrons are invited to bring their lawn chairs or blankets and picnic suppers or other refreshments to enjoy the evening. Pets on leashes are welcome.

The heart-shaped labyrinth, constructed in 2007 as Tonkawa’s Oklahoma Centennial project, is the only one of its kind in the world and has been featured in the international publication Caerdroia: the Journal of Mazes and Labyrinths and in Oklahoma Labyrinths: A Path to Inner Peace by Gail Peck. It is listed in the World-Wide Labyrinth Locator on the Internet and is featured in an essay posted online by Pastor Lisa Nichols Hickman of New Wilmington, PA, after she visited the attraction.

The four colors of the labyrinth paving stones symbolize the nearby Salt Fork, River, oil industry, agriculture and the people of the area. A border of 100 pavers records Tonkawa’s history from 1879 to 2007 and spells out the phrases “They All Stay Together” and “Wheatheart of Oklahoma.” A Grand Heart Walk featuring colorful art panels depicting seven facets of area heritage lies at the entrance of the park.

In addition to monthly Full Moon Walks and summer concerts, the labyrinth is a popular venue for special events, including weddings, and as a stage for photographs. Tourists and local visitors enjoy walking the labyrinth for relaxation or exercise at any time.

The Heart in the Park labyrinth celebrates its 10th anniversary June 9 with ceremonies beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Tonkawa Centennial Park, Grand Avenue and Sixth Street. Wild Heart, a variety cover band, performs in concert at 7 p.m., followed by a walk on the labyrinth under the June Full Moon. Admission is free, and pets on leashes are welcome. (Photo by Ken Crowder)