Every once in a while, something comes along that inspires me to pursue a path to make an idea happen.
Our city library system has been having a wonderful yearly program called One City One Story. It provides a way to bring those who love reading together with various entertaining ways to discuss, to participate in fun activities and maybe best of all to meet the author.
One such book in 2022, “The Nature Fix” by Florence Williams, was very meaningful to me as the theme of the book portrays, “Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier and More Creative,” and I wanted to be able to share some of the benefits described in the book with our residents by way of a Zen or meditation garden.
On page 242 of “The Nature Fix,” Florence Williams says, “In cities, these are some of the essential things we all need: We benefit cognitively and psychologically from having trees, bodies of water, and green spaces, just to look at. We should be smarter about landscaping, our schools, hospitals, workplace, and neighborhoods, so everyone gains. We need quick incursions to natural areas that engage our senses. Everyone needs access to clean, quiet and safe natural refuges. Short exposures to nature can make us less aggressive, more creative, more civic minded and healthier overall.”
City Manager Ken Striplin asks us to present to him each year certain goals we would like to see implemented. One of my goals has been to create a Zen garden as a tourist attraction and to explore ways to make that happen. While we did not have the funds for a full-on authentic Zen garden, on Feb. 3, we cut the ribbon on our meditation garden, in Duane R. Harte Park.
City staff was amazing in choosing this location as the meditation garden is able to be set away from the usual sounds of parks with hiking paths, playgrounds and playing fields.
The author writes, “Noise may well be the most pervasive pollutant in America.”
Water features can be expensive and at first it was thought we might not be able to have one, but when I mentioned some kind of water sounds were essential, our staff was able to come up with the idea of a solar fountain, which produces the soothing sounds of flowing water.
Trees are one of the most needed aspects in a city to cleanse the air of pollutants. The secluded area at the back of the park has oak trees and vegetation that not only add to the serenity but also fulfill the goal of providing cleaner air.
The author also mentions that quiet areas of nature are known to help with post-traumatic stress disorder if suffered by our military and first responders.
Duane Harte was one of my favorite people. He was kind, generous and had a peace about him. He proudly served in the military. He deserved to have a park named for him. When city staff chose “his” park to make my dream come true for a quiet, serene area for a Zen/meditation garden in Santa Clarita, I couldn’t be more proud or happier that all who wish to find peace can now visit “his” park.
I plan to visit often and I hope to see you there to enjoy this peaceful place with me.
Marsha McLean is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council.
