A quiet space for healing at Darden Towe Park
Hospice of the Piedmont (HOP) is proud to announce the installation of the Telephone of the Wind. This unique space for community members to process grief and connect with lost loved ones is now open to the public in Darden Towe Park in Charlottesville.
Inspired by a concept originating in Japan, the Telephone of the Wind is a disconnected telephone where individuals can speak freely, imagining their words carried away by the wind. Located along the Free Bridge Lane Promenade, the phone allows individuals to express their thoughts, memories, and emotions to loved ones they’ve lost.
“This project aligns with our commitment to meet people wherever they are in their journey of grief,” said Nancy Littlefield, president and CEO of Hospice of the Piedmont. “The Telephone of the Wind offers a quiet, personal sanctuary for anyone navigating loss or seeking a moment for reflection.”
“The beauty of the Telephone of the Wind is its openness,” said Jordan Phillips, HOP’s grief & healing manager. “There is no right or wrong way to use the phone—some will find comfort in sharing specific messages, while others may simply wish to hold the receiver in silence.”
The original Wind Phone was created in 2010 by Itaru Sasaki in Otsuchi, Japan, as a way to cope with the loss of his cousin. After the 2011 tsunami, it became a place of contemplation for thousands mourning loved ones. Since then, similar installations have appeared worldwide, including Hospice of the Piedmont’s new offering in Charlottesville.
Hospice of the Piedmont is grateful for the support of the Albemarle County Parks and Recreation Department, which made this project possible. Their collaboration ensures that the Telephone of the Wind is accessible to everyone in the community at no cost.
For more information, visit hopva.org/wind.
