Mount Holly council approves 40-foot labyrinth and dog hydration station at Arts on the Greenway

The Mount Holly City Council on Sept. 22 approved a request from Arts on the Greenway to install a 40-foot, three-concentric-circle labyrinth and a hydration station near the Greenway underpass.

"The labyrinth would be an outside installation piece of art reflecting the values of the city of Mount Holly when it comes to nature and art," said Wanda Campbell, coordinator for the labyrinth team. Campbell said the design includes a maple tree at the center, benches, three boulders to represent the Catawba River and holly bushes to represent Mount Holly. She told the council the surface will use crushed gravel to reduce maintenance.

Campbell said the project has received Gaston County Community Tourism Action Plan Partnership funding and additional support from Visit Mount Holly to cover part of the budget. She also said the team will sell engraved bricks as a fundraiser; "Bricks are $50," she told the council. The team hopes to complete the installation before Christmas and asked the city to approve work to begin immediately.

After a short exchange about logistics and timing, a motion to approve the project was made by Councilmember Miss Harris, seconded by Councilmember Huff, and carried by voice vote. Campbell said she would coordinate with city maintenance (Jeremy Boss) on placement and proximity to the roadway.

The council packet listed Arts on the Greenway volunteers and project partners, including grant management support from Philip McGinnis; Campbell said Pastor Kara Stewart and other volunteers will participate in installation and community programming.