Blytheville Prayer Garden taking shape

A new community feature which has been in the works for several years is beginning to take shape, as the first phase of construction on the Blytheville Prayer Garden has been completed.

The garden is located on Walnut Street between Sixth and Seventh streets, and is meant to be open to the public at all times. Phase one consists of an outdoor chapel, with a cross, altar area and concrete benches -- all of which have been completed.

Project founder Susan Zimmerman told the CN that the next phase will be security, electricity and water. Fundraising is ongoing, though $20,000 of the needed $30,000 for phase two has already been raised.

A public garden party is being held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 19 at the Prayer Garden, and the whole community is invited to come and see what the garden has to offer.

"We're in good shape to move on," said Zimmerman. "And after that is completed, we will begin to build out the individual seven gardens that will surround the outdoor chapel. We would love to have everyone in the community come and look at the outdoor chapel and hear about the plan for the next phases of the prayer garden."

Once completed, the gardens will be available for weddings, concerts or other events, as well as for individual and group prayer and meditation.

sspears@blythevillecourier.com