Daniel's Peace Memorial Park — Attraction in Miamisburg

A Reflection on Daniel’s Peace Memorial Park: A Sanctuary in Need of True Inclusivity.

I recently visited Daniel’s Peace Memorial Park, a space dedicated to honoring Daniel—a son, father, friend, and a beacon of inspiration. The park’s mission is profound: it aims to provide solace to those in mourning and those seeking a respite from life’s tumult. The carved wooden symbols at the entrance proclaim, “All creed, gender, colour, are welcome,” a sentiment that struck me deeply as I crossed the threshold on September 2, 2024.

My visit was highly anticipated, having been recommended by a police officer whose own faith (Christian), and belief in the park’s vision mirrored mine. The officer’s perspective (as a Caucasian), informed by their own experiences, contrasted sharply with my own (as a POC). My experience revealed a disheartening contradiction between the park’s ideal and its reality. While the park does stand as a universal refuge, free from prejudice and discrimination, it was clear that biases still pervade this sacred space, by few folks.

It’s important to remember that grief and pain transcend boundaries of race, ethnicity, and creed. They are universal experiences that bind us together in our most vulnerable states. The true essence of Daniel’s legacy is meant to be a reminder of this shared humanity, yet my visit was marred by an atmosphere where such inclusivity seemed selectively applied.

On a brighter note, I had the privilege of meeting Daniel’s stepmother. Her warmth and kindness were truly uplifting. She graciously shared stories of Daniel’s life, painting a vivid picture of his enduring impact and the values he embodied. Her patience and compassion provided a stark contrast to the less welcoming aspects of some folks visiting the park too.

In reflecting on my visit, I am compelled to call attention to the need for genuine inclusivity and empathy within spaces dedicated to healing and peace. The ethos of Daniel’s Peace Memorial Park should be a living testament to the principles of universal acceptance and understanding, free from the shadows of prejudice. It is crucial for all visitors to experience the sanctuary as it was intended—an oasis where every individual, regardless of their background, can find solace and connection.

As we honour Daniel’s memory and the park’s mission, let us also strive for a space where every person can feel truly welcome and valued. For in the end, the true legacy of Daniel is not just in the park’s physical beauty but in the authentic, unblemished inclusivity that his life and...

Between the pinecones spelling out : I love you,. God!,. And the sounds of the birds and quietness of the woods and the rustling of the leaves on the ground. From creatures moving all around, the rainbow we had witnessed and a deer that was hunting is down, I must say there was a very very strong presence with us that day! It was my first time visiting a friend of mine recommended she too has never been but I took her advice and figured I would come explore. Wow! What a experience I felt for the books . My daughter too I believe felt some presence as well. But for her it came to her as a sign of fear she is not quite use to that feeling but I luckily have had my moments knowing that God is without a doubt with me in my current presence and man was there ever a day he was than that day. We had not even made it fully through the path , it was just only her and I and she very much became too frightful she stopped like a dear in headlights the moment we tried going pass the cross, it was then that we first laid eyes on a deer who kept with us the entire time with a fair amount of distance she said but it was coyetes my daughter feared she heard them from a distance long before we ran into the deer. But we turned around I couldn't watch her continue as she was shaking and nearly close to tears she felt something inside her she definitely has never experienced but I know from that moment and a few many prior that this intense overwhelming sensation she was experiencing was one that was overly safe and welcoming and with our journey back to the car, God continues to stay present the entire time we stayed to enjoy the natural beauty that was there for us to entertain. What a beautiful beautiful place, one I can not even put into words the entire experience we endeavored! I was already expecting to be overloaded with the natural beauty that was without a doubt not lacking but no one would convince me prior, for the other part of the experience I had gotten,I had very graciously had the fortune to see God in the way he makes himself present with us and I forever will always be so grateful to have had this amazing place that was shared to us for such a moment as...

2/19/2022: a 5 person, 3 car engagement photo session from Hamilton this morning. the photographer said she did not know when i informed her they are not supposed to be doing photo sessions on this private property memorial to people that have fallen to addiction. how could she not know? how does she know about Daniel's Peace? people, please RESPECT the wishes of the family that opened their private property land and hearts to people. please read the sign at the parking lot and do not say you didn't see it. do not lie to me.

12/1/2021: Please read the sign pictured in this review, which is posted at the entrance to this private property. the sign is also posted on Instagram and pinned on the DPMP Facebook page. from the private property owner: "Unfortunately, I see photographers doing paid sessions 50% of the time I visit. They walk right past the sign as if this is public property."

a note from the private property owner: "We are having to address too many issues with the overwhelming amount of photographers for hire at the park. We will no longer open the park up to hired photo sessions. This is private property and the intent of Daniel’s Memorial Park is for visitors to have peaceful walks in nature. They have not been able to do this. If you enjoy photographing nature on your walks, we encourage you to do so."

be a deer,...