Currently at the Memorial & Museum

Crane Rises Above Memorial Gates

October 13, 2009

A large crane can be seen above the Memorial chairs and Gates of Time. The crane is bringing in soil and landscaping material as the General Services Administration (GSA) works to remodel the landscaping and fountain on the plaza, which used to be the south entrance and park-like area of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building that was bombed in 1995.

GSA’s objective is to replace some of the plantings with a variety of trees, grasses and shrubs that fit in the original planters. Oakley’s Landscaping is the contractor and has selected plants that will grow to the appropriate sizes in the specified areas without causing any damage. The project is expected to take until December to complete. Tom Hall, a survivor of the bombing and long time GSA employee, is the Construction Representative for the project.

The plaza area is where the annual Pasta Party is held each year on the eve of the Memorial Marathon.

GSA still owns and maintains the plaza, while the Oklahoma City National Memorial Foundation owns and operates the Memorial and Museum. The two organizations work closely together in the management and visitor services of the plaza and the Outdoor Symbolic Memorial to ensure a seamless operation.

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