History of Ann’s Labyrinth at Shepherd Park

Have you taken a walk in Shepherd Park and wondered about the history of Ann’s Labyrinth? 

Ann’s Labyrinth was founded on April 30, 2011 by Shepherd Park Plaza (SPP) Garden Club members, Jeanette Blesner and Alice Bongers. The labyrinth was dedicated in honor of their friend, Ann Scardino, who was one of the founding members of the SPP Garden Club. Ann lived in the Shepherd Park Plaza neighborhood and passed away at the age of 91 on March 11, 2011. 

Ann’s Labyrinth is an outdoor, seven-circuit Medieval style with crushed granite with Limestone blocks. The labyrinth is 56 feet in diameter with 3-foot-wide pathways to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers or baby strollers. Limestone blocks define the paths of crushed granite, and flagstone is placed at the labyrinth’s entrance and center. A bench in the center and at the entrance invite visitors to sit and enjoy the peace of the park and meditate.

For those new to labyrinths, a labyrinth is designed to provide a single path in and out (so there can be no confusion as to where to go). It is a confined, guided walk with many turns toward a center. It is designed to let you walk in a compact area while you let your mind relax and meditate. A labyrinth is not a maze.

Initial funding for Ann’s Labyrinth was provided in part by a matching grant from the City of Houston. Ann’s Labyrinth was refreshed in June 2013 by Troop 604 Eagle Scout Andreas Zierau.  Work included: replacing gravel, planting trees and boxwoods. Subsequent later partnership with the Department of Neighborhoods (DON) in October 2013

Directions: 

  • Park entrance near Dunsmere Rd and Cheshire Ln, 77018; Ann’s Labyrinth is about 200 ft beyond the park sign

Awards: 

  • Ann’s Labyrinth won an Honorable Mention Award in the 2011 27th Annual Keep Houston Beautiful competition

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