Dedication Press Release

October 25, 2005

For Immediate Release
Contact: Terri Folks, PR Consultant, Oklahoma Health Center Foundation
(405) 340-6912
Cell (405) 760-8229
email trfolks@cox.net
Press release, photos and artwork available electronically

Oklahoma City’s newest and oldest park
Founders Plaza at Stiles Park to Light Beacon of Hope November 2

A four-year-long project has come to a close. On Wednesday, November 2, the Oklahoma Health Center will celebrate the Oklahoma’s City newest attraction – Founders Plaza at Stiles Park featuring the Beacon of Hope. Fund-raising efforts began in 2002 to build a landmark sculpture unique to Oklahoma City and welcoming visitors to the Oklahoma Health Center. Located at 8th Street and Stiles, the park was designed by renowned architect, Rand Elliott of Elliott and Associates Architects.

Founders Plaza is a tribute to the five founders of the Oklahoma Health Center--Harvey P. Everest, E.K. Gaylord, Dean A. McGee, Dr. Don O’Donoghue and Stanton L. Young and 20 committee members who traveled to Houston in 1965 to visit the Texas Medical Center. Inspired and determined to create a world-class medical center, the Oklahoma Health Center emerged and has led the nation in scientific medical innovations.

Stiles Park is the oldest park in the Oklahoma Territory, first dedicated Aug. 29, 1901. Named after an early peacemaker, Captain Daniel Frazier Stiles, this unique 200-foot circular park remains a community focal point.

A 100 foot by eight foot sculpture, the centerpiece attraction of the new park is the Beacon of Hope. During the daylight hours, the Beacon is a monolithic sculpture. At night, the Beacon comes to life shining a green healing light of hope into the night sky. Other elements of the park include five stone rings and five flowering trees recognizing the five original visionaries. Twenty perimeter trees acknowledge the committee that supported the effort. One large oak tree that has survived the ages still stands to help those who visit remember the original history of the park.

A brief ceremony will be held at approximately 6:45 p.m. for the official lighting of the Beacon and grand opening of the park. Local dignitaries will be speaking at the presentation and Stanton L. Young, the only remaining surviving Oklahoma Health Center founder, will “light” the Beacon for all to enjoy.

Founders Plaza is a project of the Oklahoma Centennial Commission along with many generous donors. For more information, call the Oklahoma Health Center Foundation at (405) 271-2200.

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