Oklahoma Capitol arch groundbreaking planned

OKLAHOMA CITY – Officials on Dec. 19 are expected to break ground on an arch and amphitheater on the south side of the Oklahoma Capitol complex.

Last session, lawmakers passed and Gov. Kevin Stitt signed House Bill 4012 to create the arch to honor the 45th Division of the Oklahoma National Guard, which has a lengthy history of state and federal service.

Lawmakers set aside $4.3 million for the project, but private funds are also expected to be used.

The arch will be 30 feet tall and 60 feet wide.

It will match the exterior of the Oklahoma Capitol, said Duane Mass, Capitol architect.

It will be made of limestone with a granite base, he said.

Carvings and emblems on it will celebrate the 45th Division, Mass said.

“I just think it is an awesome way to honor those who have served and protected our freedoms since before statehood,” said former Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore, the author of the bill.

The amphitheater will seat 100 people.

The project will also include a veteran’s park.

Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, said the veteran’s park will have statues honoring people who served, such as the Native Americans, women and African Americans.

“We want to give homage and honor to all of our soldiers,” Stanley said.

Officials are working with the Arts Council to produce the very best product, Stanley said.

The project is expected to be finished within two years once construction begins, according to the Office of Management and Enterprise Services.

Groundbreaking speakers include Stitt, McBride, Stanley, Rep. Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, and Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino.