Block 34 Opens in Stillwater: A Community Living Room a Decade in the Making
Community, city officials and private donors celebrate the transformation of historic space into a vibrant community gathering place
Block 34
Stillwater officially dedicated Block 34 this week, marking the completion of a decade-long vision to transform the long vacant city block into a central community gathering space in the heart of downtown.
The project represents one of the city's most significant public-private partnerships, with Steve and Becky Irby contributing nearly $8 million to make the development possible. Simmons Bank added $1.5 million for naming rights to the Simmons Bank Pavilion within the space.
"This is, you might say, a dream come true of some things that we saw in Boulder, Colorado, and experienced it there," Steve Irby said during the dedication ceremony. "City park and the market that they had and how much fun we had there. And just thought, wouldn't it be great if we had something like that in Stillwater?"
Mayor Will Joyce emphasized the community-wide effort that brought the project to fruition, noting that discussions about developing the block began before he joined the city council in 2016. Multiple developers and council members contributed ideas over the years about the best use for the large open space.
"This is a community park. It is a community asset, it's a community investment, and it's something for everybody in Stillwater to be part of and to enjoy for decades to come," Joyce said.
The KICKER Soundstage located on the southwest corner of Block 34 is capable of hosting national level music acts but can also be rented for local events. – Photos by Chris Peters
The site holds particular significance for longtime Stillwater residents, as it previously housed middle school facilities. Kevin Fowler, market president at Simmons Bank, shared memories of attending middle school on the site and walking to classes at what was then South High School.
"There was about 20 minutes of terror for a sixth grader. When you got into trouble during the day, you settled it back behind Bradley Plumbing, which was right there, and then Hoke Lumber there," Fowler recalled, referencing businesses that once occupied the area.
Stillwater Mayor Will Joyce, City Manager Brady and Simmons Bank Market President addressed the crowd at the grand opening ceremony on July 26, 2025. – Photos by Chris Peters
For Simmons Bank, the investment represents a significant commitment to community development. Fowler explained that the bank's local team began discussing potential contributions about a decade ago when the Block 34 task force was forming.
"It's very, very unique. The naming rights piece, it's because Stillwater is a special market, a vibrant market," Fowler said. "We wanted something that was open to the public."
Steve Irby identified music, family and community as his primary motivations for supporting the project. He described watching children play in the fountain as embodying the space's purpose.
"Becky and I were sitting on the steps here yesterday afternoon in the shade and watching the kids play in the fountain. I thought, this is what it's all about, you know, this is what we're here for," Irby said.
The park features a play area on the southeast corner of the block. – Photos by Chris Peters
City Manager Brady Moore acknowledged the extensive team that contributed to the project's realization. The design team included architects Stanton Espinosa and Joel Slaughter, landscape architects Dan Allenback and Mike Peters, and engineering work by Gose and Associates. Jerry with Crossland Construction oversaw daily operations, handling the construction phase.
Moore also recognized the city's current and former engineering staff, including Bill Millis, Candy Staring and Alan Pyatt, along with the community resources team led by Stephanie Bard.
"It was their joy to work on this park," Moore said.
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The space features the Kicker Soundstage and the Simmons Bank Pavilion, which was already hosting live music events before the dedication ceremony. The proximity to the Oklahoma State University Museum of Art across the street positions Block 34 to serve both residents and students.
Fowler noted that the project builds on previous successful public-private partnerships in Stillwater, including splash pad developments with Stillwater Medical Center. He described Block 34 as "just the beginning" of such collaborative efforts.
"This is that next step forward," Fowler said, referencing the potential for additional economic development catalyzed by the new space.
The dedication ceremony concluded with confetti cannons rather than a traditional ribbon cutting, reflecting the celebratory nature of the long-awaited opening. The space is designed to serve as what organizers call a "community living room" for Stillwater residents and visitors.
Steve and a roommate founded Stillwater Designs in 1973. In 1980, the small business had unintentionally pioneered the mobile-stereo enclosure market with the KICKER. The first full frequency range speaker box designed specifically for cars and trucks. The company remains headquartered in Stillwater.
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