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Commission weighs small plaque and longer-term labyrinth plan for Brigham Street Burial Ground
Summary
The commission reviewed leftover CPA funds for a Brigham Street Burial Ground plaque (projected $400) and discussed a longer-term idea for a 40-foot labyrinth with arborvitae plantings; members recommended a mock-up, a site survey and landscape-architect input before pursuing larger work.
The North Pearl Historic District Commission discussed Dec. 17 how to spend remaining CPA funds for the Brigham Street Burial Ground and considered a longer-term proposal for a meditative labyrinth.
Commission staff reported roughly $1,500 remained from the burial-ground CPA project and noted a plaque had been quoted at $400, which would leave about $1,100 in the project account. Members raised concerns that a very small plaque mounted on the post might be hard for visitors to read; commissioners asked staff to provide a mock-up and to check options such as an angled mount that would improve visibility.
Commissioner Tom Reardon presented conceptual drawings showing a 40-foot-diameter classical labyrinth (inspired by Chartres) with an outer 5-foot walkway and arborvitae plantings to create a quiet, meditative space. Reardon cautioned that the available Jarvis survey lacks contours and tree-line detail and recommended commissioning a proper base drawing and engaging a landscape architect before requesting construction pricing. He also noted maintenance and deer issues with arborvitae and recommended low-maintenance plant choices and tribal outreach for cultural considerations.
Members agreed to treat the labyrinth as a longer-term idea and favored installing the small plaque as originally budgeted while the commission’s subcommittee (Leslie Harrison and Tom Reardon) pursues additional design information, grants and tribal consultation. The commission did not authorize construction funds for a labyrinth at this meeting and tabled any final design or funding decisions until more information and cost estimates are available.
