The Norma Stark Memory Garden and Labyrinth was created in the memory of Norma’s parents, Norman and Anna Belle Swaisgood, who passed away October 13, 2005 and April 23, 2006, respectively.
At its entrance, visitors are greeted by one of the Garden's many symbolic touches: a triquetra. Latin for "three-cornered," a triquetra is a symbol for holiness, purity, and innocence.
Its center holds a sculpture of a 13-chambered nautilus. This design follows mathematics' golden spiral and represents the sacred geometry found in all nature. The spiral manifests in nature as a form of proportional growth, as each chamber is larger than its predecessor, but is perfectly proportioned. This is a feat of biological engineering that uses the logarithmic spiral: a geometric shape that retains a constant angle with respect to its original center.
The labyrinth was designed by John Ridder of PAXworks in Indianapolis, Indiana. It is a nine-circuit adaptation of the Chartres Labyrinth that is found in the cathedral at Chartres, France, and dates back to the year 1202 A.D.
The labyrinth and its nautilus were sculpted by Marty Kermeen of Labyrinths in Stone, a division of Artistic Pavers, Inc., in Yorkville, Illinois. A nationally-known brick artist, Marty arrived on site April 22, 2007 and completed his work on May 5th.
Prior to Marty's arrival, Marc Adams of Maumee, Ohio, began work constructing the 15-inch deep base that contains 48 tons of gravel. Marc also designed and installed the grading and drainage system, paths, walkways, and fountains throughout The Garden.
Known as "The Ohio Nurseryman," Fred Hower of Worthington, Ohio, consulted and designed the landscape plan.
Plantings, irrigation, and lighting were completed by Corso’s Landscape Center of Sandusky, Ohio.
The labyrinth measures 32 feet in diameter, plus its 18-inch deep concrete retaining ring that adds 1 foot and 6 inches. The path is made of golden buff solid brown "twinkie" pavers, each 2.33 inches wide.
Chartres Cathedral Labyrinth.
Variations of the triquetra.
Golden spiral demonstrated in a nautilus shell.
Examples of the golden spiral in nature.