The Ecumenical Volunteer Service Network

Irvington Peace Park

The Irvington Peace Park, a special project of St. James Episcopal Church of Irvington, will turn a vacant lot into a green space designated for respite, restoration and recreation. The park will contain gardens that enable the community to engage the natural world. A labyrinth will be constructed as an area dedicated to the development of peace within individuals and within the neighborhood. Areas will be set aside for the cultivation of vegetables and herbs.

The Neighborhood Design Center and a landscape architect provide design assistance. The design process involves the community, particularly the community youth. Park features identified during this process include a labyrinth, an art project (totem “peace poles”), a stone garden to commemorate saints, gardens for healthy food cultivation, bird baths and feeders, and a section that highlights native plants. The initial development of the Peace Park will take two to three years.

The Irvington Peace Park promotes a vision of peace with oneself, the natural world, and with one another through interaction with a beautiful presence that neighbors pass on a daily basis.