Good evening! And welcome to the River Corridor and Keeper of the Plains Plaza Dedication Ceremony!

Before we discuss where we are today with this remarkable project, I thought we should reflect on this historical point that we are celebrating.

Amazingly, Wichita was founded over 100 years ago at this very point, at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers. Before there were trails to follow, traders and Native Americans met here -- “where two sacred rivers meet.” As we stand on this spot and reflect in its beauty, many trees surround us. Just imagine… these trees may have been only saplings when this point in the plains became home to these settlers.

Today, the trees stand tall… just as the Keeper of the Plains does. And as this city’s founders began settling here, this point grew from a few people into what is now this great city of Wichita – 360,000 people that stand tall, united and proud… just as the Keeper of the Plains does today.

The importance of celebrating this point has been recognized for many years. In fact, the City of Wichita’s first Comprehensive Plan, created in 1923, detailed the importance of the confluence of the River and it’s potential to provide an entertainment area for citizens of Wichita that would include trails, parks and interesting spaces… all while embracing and celebrating our city’s history. There were additional plans… as we continually updated our City’s vision for this community.

It was in June of 1999, our Wichita City Council authorized the use of architectural services associated with creating a river bank project. Law Kingdon was hired as the architect.

This firm developed the Wichita River Corridor Improvement Plan and that was approved by the City Council. In 2001, HNTB Corporation was hired by the City Council to develop a unique pedestrian bridge concept. They developed these beautiful suspension pedestrian bridges for easier access across the east and west banks of the river.

It was in 2003, that we had these magnificent designs waiting to be implemented. This project was considered to be one of the most significant redevelopment projects for the City of Wichita that remained on the list of things to do.

On December 30, 2003, the Wichita City Council agreed to proceed with this project... I was proud to be one of the votes on that day.

And here we are today – 100 years after our forefathers settled this point … 33 years after the dedication Wichita’s Bicentennial project… 8 years after an architectural plan had been designed… 2 years after the Keeper was removed and renovated… and one year of construction along the River… and HERE WE ARE TODAY… ready to celebrate a new chapter in Wichita’s history.

You know, they say that for to make something truly great, it takes great minds to dream it and then time to build it. That is true in this case. I believe this project turned out more dynamic and inspirational than any of us ever imagined. I believe that our forefathers are looking down on us today… and they are celebrating with us at this moment!

This place is so important – it is our community’s symbol. It has been our symbol for at least 33 years. I know that this River Corridor Project & Keeper of the Plains Plaza will be a point that will continue to be celebrated. The Keeper of the Plains now stands 43 feet tall. He sees over the trees. And he will continue to look over our fair city. The sacred hoop and the 4 elements that make up life -- Earth, Air, Fire, and Water – create a unique experience that pays tribute to our Native American heritage that is Wichita. A city that is proud to be home to our Native American friends… and our citizens that call Wichita home… Thank you!

SPEECH for when RETURNING TO PODIUM

Tonight will be the first public lighting of the majestic pedestrian suspension bridges and the “Ring of Fire” that encircles the Keeper of the Plains. This project has dramatically changed the Wichita skyline. It is today, on this day – May 18, 2007 – that we officially dedicate The River Corridor Project and Keeper of the Plains Plaza to the citizens of Wichita. This community symbol embraces vision, spirit, innovation and creativity in celebration of the city’s origin… where the two rivers meet.

So now… let’s celebrate!

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