Introducing our Initiative
The proposed Tai Chi Meditation Garden will be located within the tranquil McConnell Arboretum & Gardens at Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding, CA. The 55-foot-diameter hard surface will feature a Yin Yang symbol, or “Tai Chi Diagram,” as a central, inspirational element for practicing the graceful art of Tai Chi. This iconic symbol, representing harmony between opposing yet complementary forces—such as light and dark, hard and soft, hot and cold—embodies the essence of Tai Chi.
Designed by architect Hsien-Yuan Chen, a member of the Maryland Tai Chi Club, this design was first used for the David Chen Memorial Tai Chi Court in Cabin John Regional Park in Rockville, MD. With Mr. Chen’s consent, we are adopting this design as a model for our Tai Chi court.
Alongside the Tai Chi court at Arthur Story Park in Houston, Texas, the Redding Tai Chi Meditation Garden would be only the third of its kind in the United States and the only one on the West Coast with this design. Turtle Bay Exploration Park’s leadership has shown interest in a location within the McConnell Arboretum & Gardens, near Charlotte’s Bridge, contingent upon successful fundraising for construction and maintenance. This scenic location is just a 10-minute walk from the Sundial Bridge and the western entrance of the McConnell Arboretum & Gardens.
While the Tai Chi Meditation Garden will cater to Tai Chi practitioners, it will also be open to the public for other activities such as yoga, Qi Gong, dance, and general relaxation on a first-come, first-served basis.
Our initial construction estimate for the McConnell Arboretum was $175,000, already reflecting a $50,000 savings from the original cost by opting for stamped concrete over labor-intensive flagstone. We are now pleased to announce that we have found a contractor offering a substantially reduced bid, allowing us to secure the necessary funds to proceed with the Tai Chi court! Currently, we are finalizing the plans to ensure the project aligns with 100-year floodplain requirements, as the site lies within this area.
The Tai Chi Meditation Garden is designed to be a low-maintenance sanctuary with minimal operational budget impact. The hard surface requires no additional irrigation, and its gentle one-degree slope ensures effective drainage. The concrete surface will be treated with a clear sealant, creating a visually appealing mosaic with expansion joints for durability. Basic maintenance will include power-washing once or twice a year and resealing every other year. To support ongoing maintenance, we aim to establish an endowment, and current fundraising efforts are directed toward this purpose.
Construction will begin as soon as we receive final approvals from the City of Redding, Turtle Bay Exploration Park, and the McConnell Foundation. Construction is anticipated to start in 2025. Every contribution, regardless of size, helps bring us closer to creating and maintaining this serene haven for our community.
Redding Tai Chi Meditation Garden 