Proposal for Labyrinth

Summary

The Mission Committee proposes that St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church install a medium-sized labyrinth on the church’s front lawn. The estimated cost will be $21,478 to $27,728, depending on the model selected. Most of the funding will come from the sale of gift bricks. If this proposal is approved, the project will begin in November 2021 and be completed by June 2022.

Benefits

This labyrinth will:

• Make our property a more inviting location for people in the community.
• Provide an outside space for people in the community to quietly pray and meditate.
• Enhance the attractiveness of Liberty Street.
• Draw more visitors to Bath.

Size

The front lawn is approximately 102 feet by 92 feet (or 9348 square feet). We propose a round labyrinth that is between 22-26 feet in diameter (or 1521-2124 square feet), depending on the model selected. Thus, the labyrinth would cover approximately 16-23 percent of the lawn, leaving plenty of room on the lawn for other uses.^[1]

Design

We propose building a labyrinth from a purpose-made kit of paving bricks sold by The Labyrinth Company. The final design and colors have not yet been selected. Below are several options for the design.

Two contrasting colors will be chosen from the following options.

Layout

Below is a diagram of the labyrinth in the front yard of the church. The dimensions are approximate.

Installation

We will contract with a professional local team that specializes in pavers to install the kit.

Click here to watch an installation video.

Name

We propose naming it the Willie Bilancio Community Labyrinth, in honor of the first donor to the Labyrinth Fund.

Estimated Costs^[2]

Potential Funding

Fundraising & Marketing

We will raise most of the funds for the labyrinth by selling engraved bricks.^[3] The vendor of the bricks will be Gift Bricks. This company will set up a website to collect orders.

An example of mixed, engraved, clay bricks

We will offer four sizes of bricks.

The vendor offers clay bricks in a variety of colors. The final selection of brick color will depend on the colors selected for the labyrinth.

The bricks will be used to construct a short walkway (approximately 8 ft x 4 ft) from the Liberty Street sidewalk to the entrance to the labyrinth.

We will market the opportunity to members and friends of our parish, members and friends of other churches in Bath, local businesses, and the general public. A complete marketing plan will be developed upon approval of this proposal.

Signage

We will post a 3’ x 4’ printed wooden sign at the entrance to the labyrinth. It will be purchased from Signs.com.

Sample wooden sign

Seating

We will purchase three benches from The Bench Factory and install them around the perimeter of the labyrinth. They will be constructed of recycled plastic. The cost varies depending on the model purchased. The model shown is $868.85 per bench. We can add memorial plaques for approximately $100 per plaque.

Sunshine Garden Bench

Landscaping

We will plant wildflowers along the perimeter of the labyrinth to support bees and butterflies.

Literature

We will write and print a brochure or booklet with background information and instructions. We will offer the brochure/booklet in a freestanding outdoor flyer holder (shown on the right).  

Education and Programming

In addition to the labyrinth being available “on demand” to individuals, we envision offering group labyrinth walks on a periodic basis. A complete program plan will be developed upon approval of this proposal.

Permits

The parish will need to obtain a building permit from the Village of Bath. An additional permit may be needed from the Liberty Street Historic District (if it is still operational).

Timeline

Project Manager

John Clinton Bradley has volunteered to serve as the project manager. John has a master’s certificate in project management from the George Washington School of Business and has successfully managed many large projects.

Financial Oversight

The Finance Committee will provide oversight for all project income and expenditures.

Appendix A: Labyrinth Specifications

Appendix B: Gift Bricks Profit/Loss Estimate