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50 maconmagazine.com | DECEMBER 2023/JANUARY 2024 BY CLARENCE W. THOMAS, JR. F i v e M a c o n L o c a t i o n s f o r M e d i t a t i o n a n d C o n t e m p l a t i o n Places of Peace 1 Coleman Hill Park As one of Macon's highest elevations with a stunning downtown vista, Coleman Hill Park is a safe bet for good mental moments. You likely won't be alone here. The park is perfect for picnicking, watching the little ones wind down one of two concrete slides atop cardboard sleds, and people-watching tourists reading monument placards. Yet there's still a degree of relaxing serenity that lends itself to enjoying the view and what comes with it – the chance to reflect. Sunshine dominates most of the park, but the bordering trees provide ample shade. This is where the magic happens for me. It's a getaway in plain sight. The Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law and the historic Hay House adjoin the park, making Coleman Hill a space where the view, historic sites, and a diverse setting combine to create an inspiring greenspace where peace of mind can be found. 2 Washington Park Described by many as one of Macon's most beautiful greenspaces, Washington Park provides a peaceful setting to slow down. With stone walls and walkways, winding staircases, modern sculptures, benches, and, when the weather is right, a water feature that flows down the steep hillside in gentle waterfalls to a large reflecting pool with a fountain, surrounded by enormous magnolia, palm, and oak trees, it's a popular spot for local events, weddings, and photo shoots. As early as 1851, Macon Mayor J.H.R. Washington envisioned a park across the street from his home – the current site of the Washington Memorial Library. According to Muriel Jackson – head of Middle Georgia Regional Library's Genealogical and Historical Division – in a report filed by Mercer University Center for Collaborative Journalism reporter Jaclyn Ramkissoon, the park's bowl shape took place over time, as dirt was dug out for neighboring building and construction projects. When Wesleyan College was still on College Street (where the post office now stands), the site was called "The Wesleyan Slide," since it was such a sharp drop down the excavation site. In 1891, it was declared "Washington Park." By 1894, the signature terracing began, and side railing was installed in 1915. In 1930 the Works Project Administration took over and created most of what is now Washington Park, installing the pathways, water features, and greenery. You can feel the city's history here, see families enjoying the library, and enjoy a quiet moment downtown. As a space where peace seekers can meditate and contemplate, it is a wonder. This is especially true during the warm months when Washington Park comes alive with blooming flowers, animal life, and flowing water. The park is best experienced with eyes wide open, allowing a moment to appreciate it as an inner-city oasis of calm and beauty. When all this comes together, one is hard-pressed not to experience a bit of euphoria and awareness of what ultimately matters. 3 Rose Park Labyrinth Established in 2001 as a gift to the community from the city of Macon, the Medical Center of Central Georgia, and the MEDCEN Foundation, the Rose Park Labyrinth is a special space. Macon's first Black mayor, C. Jack Ellis, embraced the opportunity to collaborate and provide a place of healing, reflection, and mindfulness. Ellis said he saw the project as an opportunity to provide residents with an additional resource to With so many challenges to meet every day and everywhere, a time out is needed and advised by the wise. So, next time you feel out of sorts, seek these five Macon sites to get centered. The author of this story is no different than many readers. Life can sometimes be…hectic. To beat back stress and other challenges chomping at my heels, I o en retreat and get outside. Macon is blessed to have some great natural and manmade respite and inspiration resources that have consistently provided me the chance to get grounded again.isted are five Macon locations that I consider superior places to slow down, take a breather, meditate, and contemplate yourself back to the middle again. Happy healing! Coleman Hill Park. Photo by Christopher Ian Smith.