Block 34

Block 34, located in downtown Stillwater, has long been a desired location for a special community space. Steve Irby, a Stillwater resident and owner of Kicker, has partnered with the City of Stillwater, the Stillwater Economic Development Authority, and the Stillwater Community Center Foundation to fund the development, programming, and operations support for Block 34 over the next ten years.

The project is expected to begin in mid-2023, with the first year of operation starting in mid-2024. The developed block will retain the name "Block 34."

Stillwater Community Center Foundation and Block 34

The Stillwater Community Center Foundation has two main responsibilities related to Block 34.

  • The first is fundraising and donations, including oversight of the development and future modifications of the block. This involves forming a committee called the "Block 34 Architecture and Development Committee," which includes city staff, community members, Kicker, and the foundation working with professional architecture and branding firms to develop overall identity for the block.
  • The second responsibility is organizing music programming for Block 34, including 14 performances per year on the Kicker Performance Stage and live music during Saturday morning markets for 10 years. In the event of inclement weather, music programming may also be held at the theater of the Stillwater Community Center. Donations and alternative funding opportunities will be launched to support these music programs and ensure program funding for decades beyond the gift from Mr. Irby.

Block 34 - A Public, City of Stillwater Facility

The City of Stillwater owns and operates Block 34 as a public space. There will be opportunities for the public to reserve certain spaces on the block, including the Kicker Sound Stage and the pavilion. The city is working on establishing the rules and procedures for individuals, groups, and businesses to use and reserve these spaces.

Block 34 Project Timeline Graphic
Child Playing in A Natural Playground

Inclusive Natural Playground

The proposed playground for Block 34 will be inclusive and accessible for children of all ages and abilities, with features that are wheelchair accessible and a fall-safe play surface. It will be visible from the central green and gathering areas on the east side of the block, and donors will be recognized with a plaque. The project is seeking a single donation of $175,000 to fully fund it, with a deadline of March 1, 2023 to be included in the park.

Child Playing Outdoor Musical Instruments

Inclusive Music Play Area

The proposed mounted musical instruments feature for Block 34 will be accessible and enjoyable for children of all ages and abilities, with all instruments located at ground level. It will include percussion and chimes and will be highly visible from various locations on the block, including the southwest and southeast entrances and along 9th Avenue. The feature will also be visible from the central green and gathering spaces on the east side of the block, and donors will be recognized with a plaque. The project is seeking a single donation of $125,000 to fully fund it, with a deadline of March 1, 2023 to be included in the park.

Preview Photo of the Water Play Feature

Water Play Feature

The proposed water play area for Block 34 will be accessible for children of all ages and will be highly visible from various locations on the block, including the southwest and southeast entrances and along 9th Avenue. It will also have an unobstructed sightline from the central lawn, allowing parents to easily monitor their children. Donors will be recognized with a plaque in the area. The project is seeking a single donation of $350,000 to fully fund it, with a deadline of August 1, 2023 to be included in the grand opening.

Preview Photo of the Musicians Walk

Musicians Walk

The proposed wide sidewalk for Block 34 will provide visitors with access to view the musician recognition displays and will be highly visible from the central lawn, the Kicker Sound Stage, and the Pavilion. Donors will be recognized with a plaque in the area. The project is seeking a single donation of $100,000 to fully fund it, with a deadline of August 1, 2023 to be included in the grand opening.

Preview Photo of the Musician Recognition Features

Musician Recognition Features

The proposed interpretive displays for Block 34 will feature notable late musicians with connections to Stillwater or the surrounding area. Each display will include an image of the musician or group and a write-up of their story, as well as several paragraphs highlighting their influential careers. The displays will be lighted and situated along the Musicians Walk of Fame, and donors will be prominently recognized on the side of each display. The project is seeking 11 donations of $15,000 to fully fund these features, with a deadline of August 1, 2023 to be included in the grand opening.

Preview Photo of the Westside Gardens

Westside Gardens

The proposed Northwest Glade, West Clearing, and Southwest Garden features for Block 34 will bound the north, central, and south parts of the Musicians Walk, respectively. Donors will be recognized with a plaque near each feature. The project is seeking a total of three donations of $50,000, one for each feature, to fully fund them. The donation deadline is August 1, 2023 to be included in the grand opening.

Preview Photo of the Drinking Fountains and Bike Racks

Drinking Fountains and Bike Racks

The proposed Drinking Fountains / Water Bottle Fillers and Bike Racks features for Block 34 will include two drinking fountains designed to be used as bottle fillers and four bike racks, respectively. Donors will be recognized in a recognition block within the park. The project is seeking two donations of $10,000 for the Drinking Fountains / Water Bottle Fillers feature and four donations of $4,000 each for the Bike Racks feature. The donation deadline for both features is August 1, 2023 to be included in the grand opening.

Preview Photo of the Beer Garden and Picnic Tables

Beer Garden and Picnic Tables

The proposed Beer Garden Recognition and Picnic Tables Recognition features for Block 34 will recognize donors with plaques in the respective areas. The project is seeking six donations of $25,000 for the Beer Garden Recognition feature, and 12 donations of $4,000 each for the Picnic Tables Recognition feature. The donation deadline for both features is August 1, 2023 to be included in the grand opening.

Preview Photo of the Special Donor Recognition Levels

Special Donor Recognition Levels

The Special Donor Recognition Levels for Block 34 allow individuals or organizations to make a donation without it being tied to a specific feature. There are three recognition levels: Diamond ($25,000 and above), Platinum ($10,000 to $24,999), and Gold ($1,000 to $9,999). Donors will be recognized on a recognition block at the main entrance of the block. The project is seeking an unlimited number of donations ranging from $1,000 and up, with a deadline of August 1, 2023 to be included in the grand opening.

Project Timeline

Block 34 Timeline

  • July 25, 2023 - Steve Irby, Jim Beckstrom and City of Stillwater Administration announce that development of Block 34 is now fully funded and designs are complete, with bid process to begin in September. The bid for construction states a 12-month timeline for completion. Read More
  • December 2022 - Simmons Bank Donation - The city of Stillwater and Simmons Bank are in negotiations regarding a donation of $1.5 million, subject to a mutually acceptable agreement.
  • 2022 - Engineering, Design & Fund Raising - The Block 34 Architecture and Development Committee will oversee the development of the block and handle fundraising.
  • 2021 - Kicker Donation - Steve Irby, president of Kicker, announced a donation of $3.5 million to help fund the development and programming for Block 34.
  • March 26, 2019 - Stillwater Public Works crew members install the base for the wind turbine at Block 34.
  • March 12, 2018 - Resolution CC-2018-2, Block 34 Trust Authority
  • March 5, 2018 - City council is considering the establishment of a Block 34 Trust Authority.
  • February 5, 2018 - Appointment of Pat Zimmerman to fill the seat held by Kevin Fowler.
  • January 22, 2018 - Resolution CC-2018-1 continuation of Block 34 Citizen Advisory Task Force.
  • October 18, 2017 - The Block 34 Citizen Task Force appointed by the Stillwater City Council will hold a town hall meeting on November 8, 2017, to receive public input on the development of Block 34. The Task Force members will meet with residents from 5:30 to 7 pm at the Stillwater Community Center’s Dining Hall. 
  • August 21, 2017 - The Stillwater City Council appointed five members to the Block 34 Citizen Task Force.
  • July 17, 2017 - Block 34 Conceptual plan approved for use by an ad hoc committee to be created by City Council.

Early Design Ideas

Block 34 Early Design Ideas - Site Plan Diagram
An Aerial View Photo of Lot 34 (Photo 1)
An Aerial View Photo of Lot 34 (Photo 2)

Related Documents

General Information

  1. Appointment of Block 34 Citizen Task Force (PDF)
  2. Block 34 Chronology (PDF)
  3. Block 34 Goals (PDF)
  4. Block 34 Presentation 7.24.23 (PDF)
  5. Block 34 Quote - Project for Public Spaces (PDF)
  6. Block 34 Task Force (PDF)
  7. Resolution No. CC-2017-11 (PDF)

Town Hall - November 8, 2017

  1. 5-Elements for Block 34 (PDF)
  2. Block 34 - Sparks Reed Area Map (PDF)
  3. Block 34 - Sparks Reed Base Design (PDF)
  4. Block 34 - Sparks Reed Perspective View 1 (PDF)
  5. Block 34 - Sparks Reed Perspective View 2 (PDF)
  6. Block 34 - Sparks Reed Perspective View 3 (PDF)
  7. Block 34 - Sparks Reed Perspective View 4 (PDF)

Actions Authorized by Stillwater City Council

  1. Stillwater City Council Action August 21, 2017 (PDF)
  2. Stillwater City Council Action July 17, 2017 (PDF)
  3. Stillwater City Council Minutes January 18, 2018 (PDF)
  4. Stillwater City Council Minutes January 31, 2018 (PDF)