Founders’ Plaza at Stiles Park

On May 12, 1965, a group of local visionaries traveled to Houston and were inspired to create a world-class health center in the very heart of Oklahoma City. To celebrate the upcoming 40th anniversary of their trip and the beginning of their dream, the Oklahoma Health Center Foundation is announcing the "Founders’ Plaza at Stiles Park."
"Founders’ Plaza" will be constructed near the Oklahoma Health Center campus by the Centennial Expressway. This monumental landmark will honor the five "founders" of the Oklahoma Health Center– Harvey P. Everest, E. K. Gaylord, Dean A. McGee and Dr. Don O’Donoghue, Stanton L. Young –and will celebrate all of the original visionaries for their courage to make a dream come true.

Renowned architect Rand Elliott designed this tribute as a monolithic sculpture to be encircled by a plaza honoring the five visionaries and the 22 committee members who traveled to Texas. This landmark project will signify the gateway to the Oklahoma Health Center, Bricktown and downtown Oklahoma City.

Located at 8th and Stiles, the park was named in honor of Captain Daniel Stiles, a lawman of the Oklahoma territory. It is the oldest park in Oklahoma and is unique due to its circular landscape – a 200 foot circle. The name "Founders’ Plaza at Stiles Park" will help retain the history of the park and to continue honoring Captain Stiles.

Proceeds from the Treasures For Tomorrow events 2002-2005 and fund raising efforts will be used to design and construct this unique symbol of hope and perseverance. The organizers' goal is to have the Founders’ Plaza completely paid for by its dedication on May 12, 2005.

Goals:
To have the park completely funded by the 40th anniversary celebration of the Oklahoma Health Center in 2005
To spotlight the founders’ vision of the Oklahoma Health Center
To honor Stiles Park as the oldest park in the territory–before statehood
To provide a landmark denoting the gateway of Oklahoma City
To also honor the Oklahoma Health Center’s Living Treasures
To raise $600,000 from the community

Elements of the Park:
Monolithic Sculpture–dimensions 100 feet tall by 8 feet wide
Green light illuminating from within the sculpture
Five crystal tubes signifying the five founders circle the perimeter of the park
Five concentric rings make up the design called "transformation"
Extensive landscaping including deciduous trees, shrubs and perennial flowers
Park amenities include pathways, benches, carved rocks, brick walls, lighting
Information will feature the five founders of the Oklahoma Health Center, the 22 committee members, Captain Stiles and project donors

Fund raising efforts will place $100,000 of the $600,000 into a perpetual maintenance fund to keep the park always looking at its best and to pay for electricity.

For more information, contact the Oklahoma Health Center Foundation at (405) 271-2200.