The Communities of Excellence department, partnering with AmeriCorps and Ta-Wa AmeriCorps programs, is working diligently to bring the concept of Wah-Zha-Zhi EcoPark to fruition.
A presentation given to the community on Dec. 16 by Blue Star Studios showed a park that would provide a recreational space and educational park that currently does not exist in Osage County. EcoPark will be located on the leftover property of the 70 acres of Bird Creek Farms, located just north of Lynn Avenue and directly east of the Clarence Tinker Veterans Park along the bank of Bird Creek.
“It’s quite beautiful, small rapids, rocks and trees down there as well,” said Scott Moore, principal architect and community builder for Blue Star Studios. “There are open areas, secluded areas, and there might be good fishing areas.”
What started out as a food sovereignty project for Bird Creek Farms has branched out and created EcoPark, thanks to a $1.2 million grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service given to the Communities of Excellence in August of last year.
Beau Barnette, project manager for EcoPark, said a six-part model is being used to develop the park.
1) Demonstration Gardens
2) Farmers Market
3) Food Prep Demonstrations
4) Open Recreation
5) Aesthetic/Functional, managing an influx of storm waters, planting wildflowers, etc.
6) Speakers Corner
AmeriCorps staff will be the primary facilitators of the park. They will develop the Farmers Market, a volunteer docent program, a demonstration garden, a butterfly habitat in partnership with the Euchee Butterfly Farm, and cultural programs.
The Hopi Tribe’s Hopi Tutska Permaculture Indigenous Community Building was used as a model for cultural demonstration gardens.
“Hopi elders teach Hopi children how to plant corn, songs about the process and the reason corn is a big deal in their culture,” Medina said. “Vann Bighorse will be doing something similar.”
Barnette said many of the Nation’s existing departments such as the Roads Department, the Environmental and Natural Resources department, the Historic Preservation Office, Emergency Management and the Osage Nation Museum will be assisting with the development of the park. The City of Pawhuska, Pawhuska Chamber of Commerce and other local and federal entities are also assisting in the planning of the park.
The vision statement for the park is, “An accessible gathering place dedicated to connecting community through recreation, environmental stewardship, cultural expression, healthy lifestyles, and promoting food sovereignty.”
Barnette said jogging and walking trails will provide areas for exercise. To jog around the park on the trail would be 1.4 miles. In order to appeal to the community and families they will also develop a natural playground, a rain garden and outdoor classrooms. He said there are orchards planned, pecans, fruit trees and vining.
Boe said they are also hoping to develop a canoe launch so community members can paddle Bird Creek.
According to the presentation, next steps include planning a Wah-Zha-Zhi EcoPark Planning and Advisory Coalition, launching winter and spring projects such as new crops for Bird Creek Farms and Eco-Restoration and land management north of Bird Creek.
For more information about the project contact the Communities of Excellence department at (918) 287-5267.
By
Shannon Shaw Duty
Original Publish Date: 2016-01-13 00:00:00
