Four concentric circles lead one into the heart of the labyrinth.

The 55-by-90-foot spiral defined by pink-tinged concrete pavers was created in two days last month by island photographer Charmelle Poole.

Built with community and park district help, and funding from Bainbridge Island Arts and Humanities Council, the labyrinth tops the crest of a hill at Eagledale Park.

A short climb on the chained-off, paved road that also leads to “off-leash” dog area brings one to the labyrinth’s two entrances – marked with “pausing stones” that are placed like two welcome mats.

Left and right paths wind through a short series of switchbacks before entering the spiral proper.

Both grass paths wind in tightening circles to the same place – the labyrinth’s heart.

“You might say it’s a labyrinth of choice,” Poole said. “We can be walking in different directions at different times in our lives, and yet we are still walking a path to the center.”

The labyrinth is a metaphor in other ways, Poole believes.

The spiral has three circuits on one side that Poole says symbolize mind, body and spirit and four on the other side for the four directions.

“When we stand in the center, we stand between heaven and earth,” Poole said.

She points to the spiral as a primary shape in the natural world from the snail shell to the double helix and the circular movement of storms.

Poole was introduced to the concept of the labyrinth when, in 1997, she read a book on the subject, “The Sacred Path” by Lauren Atress.

As an artist, Poole became fascinated with the spiral form as sculptural shape, but also as a pervasive symbol in many cultures.

“The forms are so old,” Poole said. “You find them in Greece, Scandinavia. The Hopi used them. You find spirals in the design of Chartres Cathedral, built in 1200.

“Once you become attuned to the spiral, you see it everywhere.”

The Eagledale labyrinth was built following a design by Len Meserve of Santa Fe, N.M., who called it a “relationship labyrinth.”

Poole hopes to see Meserve’s intention realized in a variety of community uses of the spiral.

“I would really like to see the community use it for events like weddings,” Poole said. Couples might find walking it together helps smooth relationship difficulties, she says.

She made the paths four feet wide to be wheel-chair accessible.

Walking the labyrinth is similar to a meditative practice, she says, and has similar benefits.

“This is a gift for all of us – if we just slow down long enough to use it,” Poole said. “You will never be the same when you walk out, you will bring a certain amount of peace with you.”