Effective July 6, 2009 Department of Parks and Recreation is making cuts. They are no longer able to support daily maintenance at our parks. Most of the restrooms are being closed. As for maintenance of the park itself, that will happen every two to three days while mowing every 10-12 days. (source: City of Sacramento, Parks and Recreation http://www.cityofsacramento.org/parksandrecreation/pdf/budget_partmaint.pdf) What does this mean for those who are following an Earth-based spiritual path?
It means that we no longer have the safety of Park Services to oversee our general safety during worship. It also means that the parks will generally be dirty and without sanitary bathrooms. Unfortunately, it also means more drugs and vandalism to our beautiful parks. What can we do?
We can come together as a community and help California. Spend a day with friends and family picking up the park and caring for the vegetation there. Many of the local groups already clean up the area before a rite. For many of us cleaning is a part of preparing to commune with the Deities.
Some have chosen to worship in their own backyards or rent sites like the Universalist Unitarian Church or Community Centers. The advantage to your own back yard is that feasting and socializing afterward is comfortable while still being able to be outside and touch
the Earth. Unfortunately, space is limited and sometimes these groups are hard to find.
Renting a community center or other church for a rite is also often done, but it can get expensive. Many groups often ask for dues or donations of some sort to cover this. Strangers are always welcome and space is not an issue. Some facilities even allow open flame, incense, and food at your rite.
To those I have seen already picking up trash and tending to the trees in the parks: Thank you. You have set a fine example of our values for us to follow and to pass onto our children. (Photo: Capitol City Park; media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/03/12/25/capitol-park-across-the.jpg)
Comments
Nice to see the non-traditional religions being covered.
mainstream media covering our outside the mainstream culture. Keep up the good work. I am tired of being an outsider
What "Kati" said. Glad to see the media being more accepting of the less mainstream beliefs. Keep up the good work!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!