Members of Keys to Peace hope eventually to create a string of 22 outdoor sites throughout the Keys where people can relax, gather their thoughts, and re-energize their souls.

This morning, the group is dedicating its first such site at Mile Marker 99 in Key Largo.

"They will be spaces for people to go who are in distress, or just so they can get away from computers, televisions and cell phones," said Denise Downing, a member of the Keys to Peace leadership team. "The sites will be a place to go and focus on gathering more inner peace."

The idea is to build peace parks from Key Largo to Key West, and Downing said the group has had initial talks with the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Gardens. In fact, Downing said she envisions a "peace trail" that links one peace park to another along the Keys. The group is considering a map of the sites so drivers and other travelers could find them as they drove U.S. 1.

"It would be a path to peace, a string of little parks throughout the Keys as tourist attractions," she said. "People who come to the Keys to find peace usually find it on the water or under the water, but this will be on land."  The botanical garden is interested in putting a peace park in a section of the grounds, said Misha Rae, the garden's general manager.

"The peace park idea is in the lap of our board and we want to be part of it, but we don't know the level of commitment yet," Rae said. "When we reviewed the plans, the whole garden fit the idea. Depending on which section is designated, it will have flags of various colors and design and be noted as Keys to Peace," he said.  Plans call for each peace park in the Keys to feature a stylized arch with a peace bell made from a recycled dive tank, an identification plaque and seating. The group says additional enhancements, including sculptures, wind chimes, peace poles, flags, labyrinths, waterfalls and other aquatic features will vary by location.

Members have collected dozens of donated scuba tanks, some of which will serve as bells at the sites, Downing said.  "A plaque with the prayer of St. Francis and arches will be unifying architectural features," Downing said. "We cut the bottom off the scuba tanks, artists paint them, and you install a clapper and they ring beautifully. When you ring the bell, it clears the air and has an effect on the heart."  The group already has created peace parks at several churches in the Upper Keys.

The Coral Shores High School Student Peace Alliance worked with County Mayor Sylvia Murphy to obtain endorsement of the community peace park idea last spring.  "Over the past three years, Keys to Peace also taught classes to help people and families learn to live more peaceful lives, and to build connections as a community," Downing said. Today also marks the third anniversary of the creation of Keys to Peace, so the dedication will include a small celebration with ice cream and cake.

To learn more about the group, visit http://www.keystopeace.com.

jguerra@keysnews.com