Alamogordo non-profit works to build largest permanent labyrinth in the United States

ALAMOGORDO, N.M . (KRQE) – It’s an unusual project two decades in the making. A local nonprofit is working to build the largest permanent labyrinth here in New Mexico. “Is a space for people to go and unwind and destress,” said Tresa VanWinkle founder of Capped, Inc.

Story continues below

• Sports: 99-year-old Albuquerque man throws first pitch at Isotopes game
• Business: Iconic building in downtown Albuquerque up for sale
• Crime: VIDEO: Santa Fe murder suspect arrested in Las Cruces
• Podcast: Local Impacts of SCOTUS Decision On Homeless Encampments

Trinity Turtle Healing Labyrinth Park in Alamogordo is working to expand it into the biggest permanent labyrinth in the United States. “When we see people that are out on it and enjoying it, my husband and I, it makes my heart ping it just brings us such joy,” she said.

Vanwinkle is the founder of the organization Capped promoting the prevention of cancer and other diseases. “Reducing stress would be the biggest impact on reaching our vision which is a world without preventable disease,” said VanWinkle.

As part of that vision, VanWinkle has created a space for anyone to visit, designed to help people destress and find inner balance.

What started as a slab of concrete, has already become a labyrinth in the shape of a turtle’s head. It will now be expanded to include the turtle’s body and tail, covering 26 acres.

VanWinkle said a simple walk along the geometric paths can help reduce stress. Parts of the turtle are meant to reflect the past, present, and future.

“You end in areas that you make a U-turn like here and every time you make a U-turn, it switches you from left brain to right brain,” she said.

She said the total cost will be more than $750,000. They have raised most of that through donations over the last 18 years.

Then just this year, the state’s Outdoor Recreation Division awarded $100,000 in grant money. “Dreams do come true it’s a wonderful feeling,” she said.

The park is open 24/7 and anyone is welcome to visit. “This is our little way of bringing peace and harmony and joy to the world,” said VanWinkle.

The plan is to finish the full labyrinth by December.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.