The Wind Phone: A Space for Connection and Healing
Crown Point Ecology Center is home to Ohio's seventh wind phone—a simple yet profound installation that offers visitors a place to grieve, reflect, and connect with loved ones.
What Is a Wind Phone?
Originating in Japan, wind phones are rotary or push-button phones housed in a box and placed in nature. They are not connected to anything—instead, they serve as a vessel for speaking into the wind, for sharing thoughts and feelings with those we've lost and the universe itself.
The Crown Point Wind Phone Story
The story of our wind phone begins with Lisa and Jim Maruk, a Brecksville couple who lost their 23-year-old son Ben in August 2021. After learning about wind phones through a news segment, they were inspired to build one in their own backyard—a way to keep talking to Ben.
As word spread, visitors to the Maruks' home wanted to use the phone themselves. Recognizing its healing potential, the couple built a larger version and searched for a community space where others could access it.
They approached Crown Point Executive Director Ian Roberts, who was immediately supportive. With help from a Bath Community Fund grant, the wind phone was installed in autumn 2024, located between the Orchard House and the healing gardens.
What You'll Find Here
At the base of the phone sits a basket of polished river stones. Visitors can write the names of loved ones on the stones and leave them as a tangible offering. A journal sits nearby, inviting people to write their thoughts and share their stories.
Who Uses It?
While the wind phone deeply serves those who are grieving, it can be used for quiet connection and mental health in many ways. People unburden themselves to the wind and to nature, which can be healing and restorative. As Executive Director Ian Roberts reflects, "Nature knows how to hold grief."
Roberts has noticed that visitors linger longer than expected, and often leave appearing calmer than when they arrived.
A Memorial to Ben
The wind phone is dedicated in memory of Ben Maruk, who was born with Angelman Syndrome. Ben was, in his mother's words, "pure joy; a beautiful soul and bright light all the time." The Maruks hope the wind phone will "grow something good out of all the things we lost and honor his memory."
Visit the Wind Phone
The wind phone is located between the Orchard House and healing gardens at Crown Point Ecology Center, partially nestled in the woods. It's open to all visitors—whether you're grieving, seeking connection, or simply wanting to unburden yourself to the natural world.
Crown Point's wind phone is one of many around the world and is listed at mywindphone.com.
What a day! Our Fun on the Farm: An Ability Inclusive Fall Harvest Festival, held in collaboration with our wonderful partners at Farming With Friends, was a huge success—drawing over 1,200 guests to Crown Point for a day filled with smiles, sunshine, and community spirit.
The weather couldn’t have been better, and every corner of the farm was alive with laughter and activity. Families enjoyed hayrides, meeting the animals, exploring the pumpkin patch, and dancing along to a live performance of “Thriller.” The Sensory Bus, corn pit, and lawn games were crowd favorites, along with our lineup of local vendors, fresh-pressed apple cider, and delicious food trucks that kept everyone happily fueled for a full day of fall fun.
Most importantly, the event reflected what Crown Point and Farming With Friends do best—bringing people of all abilities together to connect, celebrate, and experience the joy of the season.
