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Check out our You Tube video by Marion Stroh
The
Pond Retreat Center Video
What is The Pond Retreat Center?
Seven acres of landscaped gardens,
meadows and woodlands that are owned
by artist and author Lee James
Pantas. The retreat center does not
include the residence of Mr. Pantas
which is located on the property
but does include the spacious front
porch and the sitting area under the
house.
Where is
retreat center located?
In Fairview, North Carolina, 15
minutes from downtown Asheville.
What is the
purpose of the retreat center and is
it affiliated with any organization
or religious group?
The purpose is provide a
peaceful, beautiful and inspiring
place for small groups or
individuals to gather for
self-guided retreats, meetings or
nature observation.
The Pond Retreat Center
is made available by Mr. Pantas, is non-denominational and
welcomes individuals and groups of all faiths,
traditions and points of view, both religious
and secular.
What activities are prohibited?
The
Pond Retreat Center is not a "party"
venue. Alcohol is permitted but
drunken or excessively noisy
behavior will not be tolerated and
guests or groups exhibiting such
behavior will be asked to leave.
Fishing or hunting is strictly
prohibited and making of fires other
than in designated firepits are not
allowed.
When is the
Retreat Center available?
April 1 through November
30
How large
can our group be? Up to 30
persons (possibly larger but must be
discussed with Mr. Pantas) The
primary limiting factor is parking
space. Carpooling is encouraged.
Is there an
age limit?
Yes, only
children 14 or older are allowed at
the current time. I have a new dog
that is adjusting to younger
children. By 2022 hope to allow
younger children
Are pets
allowed?
Yes, dogs and
other pets are welcomed as long as
they are on a leash.
Will our
scheduled time slot be shared with
other groups? No
Can individual
persons use The Pond Retreat
Center? Yes, but they must
reserve a period of time like any
group would.
How large
is the retreat center?
Seven acres of level and gently
rolling grass, meadow and woodlands.
What are
the qualifications for my group to
reserve time at the retreat center?
To qualify for use of the retreat
center, the intent must be to hold a
spiritual, family or secular retreat,
writer or artist's workshop, or a
gathering or meeting for small
family groups,
environmental or compassionate
nature-centered organizations, or
educational or business
organizations.
Hunting and fishing groups do not
qualify.
Is there a
fee to use the retreat center?
There
are no set fees for use of the retreat
center but a donation from your
group is expected to help with grounds
maintenance, porta-potty fees,
insurance and other costs. Without
some financial contribution from
retreat guests, The Pond Retreat
Center could not be possible.
Is
spiritual guidance or retreat
direction available? No.
All groups are self-guided.
Is the
retreat center available for
overnight stays? No
Are meals
provided? No. Retreat
groups are encouraged to bring their
own food, drink and eating utensils
and supplies. Running water is
available.
There are two outdoor charcoal
grills available.
Are there
bathroom facilities?
Yes. A Porta-Potty is located
near the Swallow Garden.
What
happens if heavy rain is scheduled
for the day of our retreat?
Just cancel and reschedule.
What
happens if there is a rain shower
during our retreat time?
Shelter in the main Swallow Garden
and under or on the house front
porch, is provided, as well as umbrellas
for guest use.
What
happens if
a thunderstorm with lightning
occurs during our retreat?
Retreat
guests can seek shelter under
or on the front porch of the house
or in their cars until the danger of
lightning stops.
Are there
covered shelters for rain and sun
protection? Yes, a large
outdoor shelter, gazebo and pergola.
Where is
the main gathering area?
The Swallow Garden, a former
basketball court converted into a
raised flower bed garden, is the
centrally located main meeting spot on the retreat
center grounds.
Is smoking
allowed? No
Are alcohol
or illegal drugs allowed?
No
Is fishing
or hunting allowed?:
No
Are there mosquitoes or gnats?
Mosquitoes and gnats are not a
problem.
Are
bathrooms available?
A
handicapped accessible porta-a-potty and
adjacent outdoor sink are on located
next to the main Swallow Garden
Are cooking
facilities available?
Yes, a charcoal grill and outdoor sink
with running water are located in the
main Swallow Garden area. There is
also a charcoal grill, firepit and picnic
table in the Bamboo Grove.
If our
group wishes to use the charcoal
grills or firepit, is charcoal or
wood provided?
No. Groups must bring their
own charcoal or wood.
Is there
handicapped parking? Yes
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