Meditation Garden

Design

Initial design work was conducted by Rosalee Mason with the Magic City Master Gardeners in conjunction with Moberly Parks and Recreation. The Department broke ground summer 2014 on this new amenity which serves as a place for reading, relaxation, or contemplation and remembrance of loved ones.

Features

The garden features a crushed rock pathway, flowering trees and shrubs, and benches. A natural stone retaining wall was added in the spring of 2016. Future plans call for additional shrubs, flowering trees, and a centerpiece feature as donations allow.

Phase Two

Thanks to the efforts of Timberlake Christian Church, the second phase of development - construction of an overlook - was finished in late 2016. Timberlake was seeking a legacy project in Rothwell Park for Moberly's Sesquicentennial and the Moberly Parks and Recreation Director had recommended an overlook at this location once donations allowed as a second phase to the Meditation Garden. This amenity draws park users off the beaten path to relaxing and shaded deck seating overlooking beautiful Rothwell Lake and a couple weddings have even been held here!

Donations

Members of the public may contact Moberly Parks and Recreation if they would like to donate a tree, shrub, or stone in memory of a loved one. Note, limitations on space, conditions, and species apply.

Future Growth

Future growth of this area will come in the form of planting ornamental trees along the Paul Walker Trail Loop leading to the Meditation Garden. This will be done gradually as the current oak trees die out. Some flowering dogwood trees already are located along the walk. The goal is, over time, to develop an arboretum walk with ornamental trees and landscaping along the inside of the trail loop.