CPC staff provided survey services for Serenity Garden at Wekiva Springs State Park. State parks are known for as refugees for those seeking peace and relaxation. That’s why a group of volunteers known as the Wekiva Wilderness Trust have launched plans to build a serenity garden in a corner of the park as a quiet place for people to relax, contemplate and meditate while surrounded by the sounds of nature.

“The springs can get quite crowded and noisy,” said Don Philpott, the nonprofit group’s secretary and former president. “So the idea is to encourage people to come and find that peace and quiet. And hopefully they will find some serenity.” Trust members, along with other volunteers started clearing brush and breaking ground on Sept. 24 at a spot between the park’s nature center and parking lot.

Plans show the half-acre site filled with smaller gardens featuring Florida wildflowers plus other native flora and butterflies. It also will include sculptures, running water, benches and a winding trail. The garden will be surrounded by an 8-foot high hedge to help block noise from the nearby swimming area.