News Photo by Kayla Wikaryasz On Tuesday, Nathan Wiles, the designer and builder of the Sanctuary Labyrinth, is seen installing the stone that will complete the project. Wiles is the founder and owner of InnateCreations.

ALPENA — Work is nearing completion on the Sanctuary Labyrinth, situated behind the Great Lakes Heritage Center building, replacing the concrete template with its finished stone form.

A project that was conceptualized and coordinated by Julie Wiesen and Esther Ableidinger in 2022 is becoming a reality. Now in 2025, it is almost completed.

Wiesen explained that donations from various community members and businesses have helped to make the Sanctuary Labyrinth a reality. Alpena Marc, LLC, Friends of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and Holcim are a few among others.

According to Wiesen, the project in total will cost $220,000. She explained that both she and Ableidinger have currently raised $200,000. Wiesen said that all that is left to raise is for signage, landscaping, and to install a sidewalk.

“We still have about $20,000 remaining to go,” Wiesen said. “We have a lot of community support. We are determined to get it done.”

Wiesen explained that the project was expected to be finished in 2023. However, grants that Wiesen and Ableidinger thought they would receive fell through.

“It’s been a lot of work … hundreds of hours of work in community presentations,” Ableidinger said. “We thought it was going to get done sooner … the project became more grassroots.”

Wiesen explained that fundraising for the project has been accomplished through community partners and community support.

“The (Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan) has been wonderful for us,” Wiesen said.

Wiesen and Ableidinger said that all funds raised go directly to the project. Any extra funds go toward ensuring the labyrinth lasts.

“The builder said ‘This is going to last for generations’,” Wiesen said. “We wanted to do this to give back to the community.”

WHAT IS IT

The 11-circuit round labyrinth is modeled after the 13th Century Chartres Labyrinth in France. The Sanctuary Labyrinth in Alpena is 46 feet across. Ableidinger said that it takes approximately 1,000 steps to complete the labyrinth.

Ableidinger explained that labyrinths are a worldwide phenomenon and transcend cultures.

“Labyrinths are found in every continent except Antarctica,” Ableidinger said. “They have been around forever … they’re everywhere … it is amazing!”

Nathan Wiles is the designer of the Sanctuary Labyrinth and is the founder and owner of InnateCreations — a labyrinth education, building, and design company. Wiles told The News that making labyrinths is his full-time job.

“Nathan said ‘This is the biggest labyrinth I’ve ever made’,” Wiesen said.

THE PURPOSE

A labyrinth is considered an ancient symbol of wholeness and is a circle made of spiraling paths that lead to the center. Walking through the paths represent a journey to the center of oneself and then back out to the world.

Labyrinths are used as methods for walking meditation. It is a single path and you cannot get lost within it. Walking through the narrow paths is meant to invoke feelings of safety.

Ableidinger explained that the labyrinth will be a valuable addition to the community.

“I think that the value can only be underestimated,” Ableidinger said. “It’s a beautiful installation … the labyrinth can help with anxiety, gets people outside … I think the impact is greater than I can imagine.”

Wiesen added that the labyrinth project aims to be something that each community member can be a part of.

“We want everyone to feel like it’s something they own … it’s something for everybody,” Wiesen said. “We don’t know what the future will bring with this project … we just know it’s going to be good.”

Wiesen and Ableidinger said that there has been a resurgence of labyrinths across the world, noting labyrinths that have been installed in Traverse City and Petoskey.

Ableidinger explained that hospitals, prisons, and schools across the world have installed labyrinths.

“It’s okay if people have different beliefs,” Wiesen said. “It’s between the labyrinth and the walker … there is no preconceived notion of what it is going to do for you … just take a walk if you want to.”

HOW TO USE

Walking the labyrinth involves three stages: releasing, receiving, and returning. The stages symbolize a journey of letting go, gaining insights, and integrating reflections.

Visitors should begin by circling the labyrinth once or twice, pausing at the entrance. Next, move toward the center while maintaining space between others. Pause at the center. Then walk out of the labyrinth, carrying any meaningful thoughts or insights with you.

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.