As a way to recognize its century of spiritual service in the community, Unity of Santa Barbara is transforming a once barren looking piece of its campus into a peaceful garden and walkway named the Hightower Peace Path.

Hightower Peace Path is enhanced with greenery, potted plants, vine-covered walls and a flagstone walkway. (Courtesy photo)
Hightower Peace Path is named after peace advocate Carl Hightower. (Courtesy photo)

Designed to encourage individuals to focus on inner peace, Unity of Santa Barbara named the new contemplative space after Carl Hightower, who urged everyone to contribute to peace in the world.

Carl Hightower
Carl Hightower

Community members are invited to attend a celebration of Hightower’s life and the peace path at 11 a.m. Sunday, June 2 at Unity of Santa Barbara.

Hightower made his transition in May 2020, and Unity of Santa Barbara received a generous gift from his estate in 2023.

“Carl was a man of peace and helped so many people through our outreach programs over the years,” said Pat Heller, UoSB Board treasurer, during the unveiling of the path. “He was love made visible, for sure.”

During the blessing of the project earlier in May, co-spiritual leader Rev. Cathy Norman said a church she visited in Carmel, California “had all these bricks with beautiful messages for people that have passed on, it felt like ‘love made visible,’ and that’s what we want to do here.”

“We see this expanding even beyond our community,” said co-spiritual leader Rev. Dr. Temple Hayes.

Individuals, local businesses, nonprofits and foundations are invited to help co-create the Hightower Peace Path by buying a brick to honor a loved one, celebrate a special life event, or share an inspirational affirmation. Learn more at unitysb.org/peace.