LOCALLooking for a soothing spot to rest in downtown Lansing? Find an oasis hereDeborah HigoLansing State JournalShigematzu Japanese Garden, located on the campus of Lansing Community College at 598 N. Capitol Avenue, includes a waterfall and Koi fish pond, and it's the perfect place to get a little Zen.Jayne HigoThe Darryl J. Parsell Memorial Garden is nestled in the middle of the block between Washtenaw and Kalamazoo streets just off Capitol Avenue. This small garden with a fountain and benches is a favorite spot to take a quiet break.Jayne HigoBetween state office buildings, north of the Capitol and south of the Hall of Justice, is the Brian Whiston Memorial Fountain. The fountain was named In honor of State Superintendent Brian Whiston and is a great place to relax and soak in some sun.Jayne HigoLooking for a place to lunch by the river? The riverfront plaza on the west side of the Lansing Center has picnic tables and a gazebo right along the Grand River, and is an easy walk from downtown offices.Jayne HigoIf quiet green space is more your speed, the 9-11-2001 Remembrance Memorial is on N. Grand Avenue just north of Michigan Avenue. You will find park benches in shade, with a view of the river. A humbling experience.Jayne HigoA parking lot with a view, Pruess Pets at 1127 N. Cedar St. in Old Town Lansing, features greenery, waterfalls and a mural outside the store.Jayne HigoQuiet and solitude next to the expressway? Yep, the Scott Sunken Garden and Cooley Gardens give you peaceful bliss in the midst of cars and traffic, located at 125 W. Malcolm X Street.Jayne Higo