A Sanctuary for Well-being
By Stephanie Dunlap · 11.2025
"Phoenix Agape Harmonia Gardens" is a pioneering healing garden designed to serve the Quad Cities Metro area. Integrating ancient wisdom with modern landscaping, this garden will offer a unique public space for health, tranquility, and community engagement.
Drawing upon sacred geometry for harmonious layouts, Feng Shui for optimal energy flow, and Ayurvedic principles for therapeutic plant selection and spatial arrangement, the Phoenix Gardens will provide profound physical, mental, and spiritual benefits to its visitors.
Presented to the Quad Cities Metro Parks Director.
To create a world-class urban healing sanctuary that fosters well-being, ecological harmony, and community connection through thoughtfully designed, accessible green spaces.
To design, build, and maintain "PAH Gardens" using principles of sacred geometry, Feng Shui, and Ayurveda, offering a restorative environment that promotes physical health, mental clarity, emotional balance, and spiritual growth for all residents of the Quad Cities Metro.
To cultivate a transformative healing garden, Phoenix Agape Harmonia, that gracefully integrates sacred geometry, Feng Shui, and Ayurvedic wisdom to foster holistic well-being, inspire personal renewal, and nurture harmonious community connection for all who enter its sanctuary.
Our design philosophy is rooted in ancient traditions proven to enhance human well-being, blended into a practical, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing landscape.
Universal patterns and proportions (Golden Ratio, fractals, platonic solids) in the layout, pathways, and seating create inherent order and balance. Paths might follow spiral patterns; planting beds could be arranged in radial symmetry.
Optimizing the flow of "Qi" (life energy) through strategic placement of water features, rock elements, vibrant flora, and open spaces, with a balanced interaction of the five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.
Plant selections and spatial arrangements based on their therapeutic effects on the body's doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), with calming, invigorating, and balancing zones for different energetic needs.
A healing garden of approximately 2–3 acres, with distinct zones interconnected by flowing pathways inspired by sacred geometry spirals and golden ratios.
A shallow, still reflection pool with lily pads and aquatic plants, surrounded by smooth, dark river stones, with a gentle, almost imperceptible waterfall and benches facing the water.
Why: Encourages contemplation, reduces stress through auditory and visual serenity, and supports emotional healing.
A gently raised earthen mound planted with fragrant herbs (lavender, rosemary, thyme) and textured ground covers, with natural stone benches and perhaps a small pavilion or gazebo.
Why: Provides a sense of security, grounding, and connection to the earth. The scents of herbs are therapeutic.
Diverse native trees, flowering shrubs, and tall grasses along winding, permeable pathways, with a small open-air wooden deck for yoga or meditation.
Why: Offers shade, fresh air, and a sense of renewal and growth. Encourages gentle movement and exploration.
An open, sun-drenched plaza with marigolds, zinnias, and sunflowers in geometric beds, brightly colored seating, and perhaps a subtle fire-element sculpture.
Why: A space for invigoration, social interaction, and warmth. The bright colors and sunlight uplift mood.
A quieter zone with bamboo and metal chimes, smooth rounded stones, and plants with silvery foliage or fine textures.
Why: Provides auditory stimulation for relaxation and mental clarity. Encourages creative thought and reflection.
Pathways of varied natural materials (smooth pebbles, soft grass, coarse gravel, wood chips) designed for barefoot walking, with subtle signage explaining the therapeutic benefits of each section.
Why: Enhances mindfulness, stimulates nerve endings in the feet, and provides a multi-sensory experience.
Estimated ranges for a 2–3 acre park project.
| Phase 1 · Planning & Design (6–12 months) | |
| Consultant Fees | $75,000 – $150,000 |
| Feasibility Studies, Site Surveys, Permits | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Community Engagement & Outreach | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Subtotal | $105,000 – $220,000 |
| Phase 2 · Construction & Installation (12–24 months) | |
| Site Preparation | $100,000 – $250,000 |
| Hardscaping | $300,000 – $700,000 |
| Softscaping | $150,000 – $400,000 |
| Structures | $80,000 – $200,000 |
| Lighting & Security Systems | $40,000 – $100,000 |
| Project Management & Contingency (15–20%) | $100,000 – $300,000 |
| Subtotal | $770,000 – $1,950,000 |
| Total Estimated Initial Project Cost (Phases 1 & 2) | $875,000 – $2,170,000 |
| Phase 3 · Ongoing Operations & Maintenance | |
| Subtotal (Annual) | $100,000 – $230,000 |
initial + $50,000 – $160,000 annual. Land allocation (in-kind), infrastructure, and a portion of ongoing maintenance.
initial. Design, specialized features, seed funding for programming, and an endowment fund.
Environmental, health & wellness, and arts & culture grants.
"Buy a Brick" programs, naming rights for benches and features, and corporate sponsorships.
Projected returns include program & event revenue (estimated $20,000 – $75,000 annually) and sponsorships & donations (estimated $15,000 – $40,000 annually), plus increased property values, tourism, and community well-being. Full breakdown in the PDF.
City endorsement, steering committee, site selection, and feasibility study.
Master plan for "The Five Elements Sanctuary," construction documents, and permits.
Fundraising campaign, critical funding secured, and contractor selection.
Groundbreaking, hardscaping and structures, then planting and irrigation.
Final inspections, Grand Opening, and the first wellness programs.
Annual impact report, endowment growth, and future expansion planning.
This project presents an unparalleled opportunity for the Quad Cities Metro to invest in the health, happiness, and future prosperity of its citizens. We invite the City Park Director and key stakeholders to collaborate in bringing this visionary project to fruition, ensuring a legacy of well-being for generations to come.
We propose a follow-up meeting to discuss this proposal in detail, explore potential site locations, and outline the next steps for a successful partnership.
Stephanie Dunlap · Moline, IL
stephanie.dunlap22@gmail.com