Park City community invited to Silent Walks for Peace at McPolin Barn

Participants walk in silence beneath blue skies and late-winter hills during a Silent Walk for Peace gathering near McPolin Barn in Park City. Organizers will continue the community walks on Saturdays, March 14, 21, and 28. Photo: Robb Lentz

Three March gatherings will offer space for reflection, walking meditation, and connection in the present moment

PARK CITY, Utah — Park City residents will have three more chances this month to gather for a silent walk centered on peace, reflection, and mindful presence at McPolin Farm.

The Silent Walk for Peace is scheduled for Saturdays, March 14, 21, and 28, beginning at 11 a.m. near the silos at McPolin Barn, 3000 Hwy. 224.

The weekly walks are being organized by Elisabeth Lentz, who said she decided to continue the practice through March after a strong community response to an earlier gathering. In a public invitation, Lentz said the experience of walking together in silence had been “very inspirational” and encouraged her to expand the offering throughout the month.

According to Lentz’s event description, the walks are intended as a space for participants to explore what it means to find peace within themselves and carry that into daily life. The gathering draws inspiration from contemplative traditions, including walking meditation, as well as from monks currently undertaking a peace walk to Washington, D.C., an effort Lentz said gave her hope.

The event will begin with a brief introduction to the practice, followed by participants walking together in silence along the trail toward St. Mary’s, pausing for a short check-in, and then returning. Lentz said participants should expect the walk itself to last about an hour, while allowing extra time for arrival and gathering.

In her invitation, Lentz framed the walks not as a protest or performance, but as a practice of attention, compassion, and shared presence. She referenced the teachings of Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh, who was known internationally for teaching walking meditation and mindfulness as ways to return to the present moment.

Participants are asked to meet at the silos at 11 a.m. and allow enough time to park and walk in. Parking is available across Highway 224, with access to the barn area through the tunnel. The 101 bus also stops at the barn, and additional access is available from the farm trailheads on Meadows Drive, according to the event description. The gathering is open to community members and friends.