Therapist proposes public 'wind phone' in St. Helens to support grief processing

Bailey Feekin, a mental health therapist at Columbia Health Services, proposed installing a public "wind phone" in Columbia County to create a private, symbolic space for people to process grief. Feekin described wind phones as disconnected rotary telephones placed in a dedicated spot where people can speak aloud to a lost loved one. She said the idea originated in Japan and has spread to dozens of communities in the U.S. She asked the Parks and Trails Commission for permission to place a wind phone on public land in St. Helens and for help identifying potential sites and collaborators. Commissioners and staff reacted positively but raised practical concerns including vandalism, weather exposure and the need for maintenance. Commissioners suggested locations such as McCormick Park's Japanese garden and Heritage Park in Scappoose, and recommended a location that balances privacy with visibility to discourage vandalism. Several commissioners encouraged Feekin to return with specific design concepts, a maintenance plan, financing details (Feekin said Columbia Health Services can support some costs), and a proposed public location so the commission can review and formally recommend next steps. Feekin said she intends to register any completed wind phone with an online directory and is open to collaborating with civic groups and volunteers. Commissioners offered staff contacts and suggested including signage and a resource brochure linking visitors to local grief and crisis services.