Description:Stiles Park is the oldest park in Oklahoma Territory, first dedicated August 29, 1901. Named after early peacekeeper Captain Daniel Frazier Stiles, the unique 200’ diameter park remains a community focal point. Today, Founders Plaza at Stiles Park has new and renewed meaning. In 1964 Harvey P. Everest, E. K. Gaylord, Dean A. McGee, Don O’Donoghue and Stanton L. Young traveled to Houston to see the Texas Medical Center. Inspired and determined to create a world-class medical center, the Oklahoma Health Center was born. Today stands the physical result of that great vision. Founders Plaza at Stiles Park sets the stage for its landmark Beacon with 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 has proudly survived the ages and stands as a direct connection to the history of this site and our city. As a reminder of the Plains Indians who lived and hunted in Indian Territory, five native stone rings suggest a campfire, punctuated with benches at the compass points. The sacred colors; red, yellow, black and white, quietly reference the four seasons and the four cardinal directions. At the base of the Beacon is Goldflame Spiraea, which in the spring yields a bright yellow color akin to an ancient campfire. From within the circle rises the Beacon’s 100-foot vertical shaft, connecting our first 100 years to our next 100 years and beyond. The inspiration for the Beacon is “transformation,” demonstrating that in one simple movement, a circle can become an ellipse. That motion profoundly transforms the circle – just as healing transforms human suffering. At night, the Beacon’s mile-high light shines as a testament to the power of the human spirit in the pursuit of healing and the luminous empowerment of hope. In 2005, as we look back and look forward, the Founders Plaza at Stiles Park provides us with a lasting place to hold our hope for humanity.
Communities:City of Oklahoma City
