The historic town of Fort Gibson marked another milestone May 2 with the dedication of its Centennial Park.

Part of the Oklahoma state centennial, the corner-lot park at Lee Street and Poplar Avenue features an ornate gazebo, fountain, and brick-lined walkway.

Those at the dedication expressed a lot of pride in the new landmark.

Ken Turner and Stacy Cole, who own Olde Towne Business Services across the street, say the park and gazebo works on many levels.

“It will be really nice when it gets done,” Turner said. “It gives everyone an opportunity to have a congregating place.”

Cole said she also sees the park as an important step in downtown revitalization.

“The decision to do this will have a ripple effect; just like when something is dropped in a pond and the ripples touch the shore,” she said. “This park will touch everyone in Fort Gibson.”

Fort Gibson received a grant from the Oklahoma Centennial Commission to fund the new park after the Board of Trustees submitted a park plan designed by local contractor Tim Espe. The town matched 20 percent of the grant, bringing the total funds for the park to $127,000. Out of the town’s match, they have purchased a Centennial clock that sets on the corner.

Cost for the elevated gazebo is estimated at $40,000. Much of the work was done by volunteers.

Espe’s design was one of three submitted to the town. It has taken more than a year to make his vision a reality. Amenities include the illuminated gazebo, water fountain and benches, all in early 1900s era style. The commemorative sidewalk will be made up of bricks engraved with residents’ names.

Merchants and council members hope the park, the fourth in town limits, will increase interest and activity downtown to attract shoppers and bring new business to the oldest town in the state. The park replaces about 20 parking spaces.

Several state dignitaries addressed the crowd; Sen. Earl Garrison, D-Muskogee; Rep. Mike Brown, D-Tahlequah; and Sen. Jim Wilson, D-Tahlequah.

Theda Rowan, a member of the Fort Gibson Board of Trustees widely considered the driving force behind the park, gave credit to the many donors and volunteers who have worked on the park.

“It’s wonderful,” she said. “We worked hard and will continue to until it is done. We still need to install the commemorative bricks, the trees, water fountains, and a big arch that says ‘Centennial Park.’ Everybody has worked so hard. I love Fort Gibson.”

Joel Cantrell, watching with his daughter Hannah as the dedication ceremony unfolded, described one vision of how the completed park might be used.