VAN BUREN, Ohio — The newest feature in the Ohio State Park system has come to northwest Ohio and it features a three-line, 5-7-5-syllable rhythm of writing rooted in Japanese culture.
The Haiku Trail at Van Buren State Park is only a half-mile long, but it’s not the kind of experience meant for rigorous workouts. It’s a place to take the time for a slow, peaceful walk to cleanse your mind of stress and absorb some of nature’s beauty.
Yes, this is your Zen moment because there’s haiku to read along the way, attached to trees every few feet.
Located along what had been known as Lakeshore Trail, the Haiku Trail at Van Buren State Park opened last week. It is Ohio’s second state park to get one, the first being Hueston Woods State Park in southwest Ohio.
To access the new haiku trail, don’t go through the state park’s main entrance.
The trail’s starting point is at the edge of Van Buren State Park, along Allen Township Road 229. It meanders along the north side of Van Buren Lake on a path that narrows tightly and teeters along the edge of the shoreline at times.
Having a hiking partner on one’s side is reasonable, except in a couple of areas that are more suited to single-file walking. And don’t think the visual enticement of three-line poetry is all that will slow you down. Beneath the carpet of leaves are plenty of tree roots that are navigable, yet enough of a tripping hazard that they shouldn’t be taken for granted.
The concept of haiku trails highlights “the connection of nature and poetry,” the state’s Department of Natural Resources said in a recent news release.
Featured along the trail are 20 poems, with a couple of benches for those who wish to take a break and spend more time in the woods peering out at the lake or pondering what they’ve just read.
The selected haikus came from more than 150 submitted by local residents, officials said.
“This is a perfect combination of community passion and appreciating natural all wrapped up in one trail,” Ohio DNR Director Mary Mertz said. “Writing and reading poetry is all about inspiration and that’s what I want people to feel and appreciate when they walk through this trail. It’s extra special that the community played an important role in writing these haikus.”
Money to build the Haiku Trail came from donations the Ohio State Parks Foundation received from the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation and Marathon Petroleum Corp., the Ohio DNR said.
“One of the things the Haiku Trail has the ability to do is get people to improve their physical as well as mental health,” Lisa Daris, Ohio State Parks Foundation executive director, told The Blade.
She said haiku is a great introduction to poetry for people of all ages.
“The beauty of it is simplicity, but it addresses an important need in our society,” Ms. Daris said.
Alaine Emens enjoyed the trail Thursday afternoon with her dog, Riley, her friend, Jackie Fields, and Jackie’s mother, Marty Schmidt.
All are from the Findlay area, are big fans of Van Buren State Park, and read about last week’s opening of the trail.
“We wanted to come see what it was like,” Ms. Emens said after they parked and headed toward the trail entrance.
Ms. Emens, a wellness coach, said she likes to read before and after hiking to relax, and likes the concept of reading a little haiku while walking on a scenic trail.
Ms. Fields said she grew up in the area and thinks the Haiku Trail is a good addition to the state park. “It’s a nice park and a nice area,” she said.
They all agreed it will be even better once leaves give off their vibrant fall colors.
Other dog walkers Thursday included Lori and Patrick McCormick, of Van Buren, who were walking their dog, Shadow.
Ms. McCormick said she’s read a few of the poems and always liked the lakeshore trail chosen for them to be displayed.
“I mean, it’s a nice trail,” she said.
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