Colorado Springs – In a heartfelt addition to Nancy Lewis Park, the City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department is partnering with Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care to install a “Wind Phone.” The device, a disconnected telephone line housed in a small private booth, will be unveiled on Thursday, Sept. 10, as part of the park’s 30‑year anniversary celebrations.
What the Wind Phone offers
The Wind Phone provides a simple, quiet space where anyone experiencing loss can step inside, pick up the handset and speak aloud to a departed loved one. The booth is completely disconnected from any telephone network, ensuring that the conversation remains a personal, symbolic act rather than a functional call.
Community and hospice collaboration
“We hope this Wind Phone becomes a place where anyone experiencing loss can pause, remember someone they love and miss and find a moment of comfort in a beautiful outdoor setting,” said Susan Edmondson, Executive Director of the Pikes Peak Hospice Foundation, in the press release announcing the project.
Officials note that more than 600 Wind Phones are already in service worldwide, ranging from rural villages in Japan to public parks across the United States. The Colorado Springs installation joins this growing network of grief‑support installations, reflecting a broader movement to provide compassionate resources for families dealing with bereavement.
Location and accessibility
The new booth will be situated at 2615 North Logan Avenue, within the well‑used Nancy Lewis Park. The park, a favorite gathering spot for families, joggers, and dog walkers, will now also serve as a place of quiet reflection. The city plans to maintain the booth as a permanent feature, with regular cleaning and upkeep handled by the Parks Department.
Why this matters for the community
Grief can be an isolating experience, especially for those who lack nearby family or faith‑based support. By providing a publicly accessible, non‑religious space for mourning, the city affirms its commitment to the emotional well‑being of all residents. The initiative aligns with the city’s broader efforts to enhance mental‑health resources and foster a sense of belonging in public spaces.
Local residents have expressed enthusiasm for the project. One longtime park user, who asked to remain anonymous, said, “Having a place where I can talk to my dad, even if it’s just me and the phone, would mean a lot. It’s a gentle reminder that the city cares about our personal struggles.”
Future outlook
The Wind Phone’s debut coincides with the park’s 30th‑anniversary celebration, a milestone that underscores the lasting value of public green spaces in Colorado Springs. City officials hope the positive response will encourage other municipalities to consider similar installations, expanding the network of supportive environments for grieving individuals across the state.
For more information about the Wind Phone or to arrange a dedication ceremony, contact the City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department at (719) 555‑1234.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
