ABOVE: Several from Stilwell attended the Oklahoma Municipal League Annual Conference banquet Thursday, Sept. 12, where the city received the Innovations Award. 

From left: City Council member Debbie Johnson, City Council President Lane Kindle, Kiwanis member and Fletcher Park project manager Robert St. Pierre, Kiwanis member Liz Brown, Elaina Starr Spears, Mary Margaret (Fletcher) Starr, Mayor Jean Ann Wright, Alan Starr and Kiwanis member Tyler Davis.

Renee Fite photo

The City of Stilwell was chosen for the Municipal Innovations Award for communities with a population of under 5,000 for their Fletcher Park Project at the Oklahoma Municipal League Annual Conference.

A small corner lot on the main intersection of downtown Stilwell was vacant after a building burned down and the property was cleared. The lot was turned into a vibrant city park with a water fountain, playground and a brick memorial walk thanks to work from staff of the City of Stilwell

along with Kiwanis volunteers.

Executive Director of the Oklahoma Municipal League, Mike Fina, said, “A sense of pride in one’s community is important, and the City of Stilwell is working hard to clean up and beautify their downtown and surrounding areas. The creation of Fletcher Park was a labor of love for Stilwell, and we are proud to present them with the Innovations Award.”

Stilwell Mayor Jean Ann Wright was truly surprised when her city was called as recipient of the prestigious award.

“The Innovation Award highlighted how volunteers and donations took a dilapidated building and empty lot and turned it into what is one of our most beautiful, used, showpiece places in our city. It is a prime example of how we work together to find solutions we achieve, not just statewide recognition, but real results,” said Wright. “We have to keep developing our city in many ways to be able to compete for jobs and industries to come to our community.”