Recovery efforts will be highlighted in various tents located throughout Cunningham Park as part of the second anniversary of May 22, 2011, the day that an EF-5 tornado hit Joplin and Duquesne. As the day approaches, a planning committee is finalizing details for the event.
Starting at 4 p.m., on Wednesday, May 22, eleven areas focusing on Resilience, Resolve, and Realization – the characteristics of our citizens that have helped shape the rebuilding of Joplin and Duquesne, will be emphasized under individual tents scattered in the park. Representatives of these areas will also be available to talk with citizens about the recovery work, the progress and plans for the future. The tent areas will be open from 4 to approximately 7 p.m. during the event.
A program highlighting announcements of Resilience, Resolve and Realization will begin at 5 p.m., and conclude with a moment of silence at 5:41 p.m., the time that the tornado touched down in western limits of Joplin.
“The program has been moved back to 5 p.m. to allow time for several announcements that recognize our community’s experience,” said City Manager Mark Rohr. “That day will forever be remembered in Joplin, and the spirit of the citizens throughout the recovery has defined us. This short program will acknowledge the work and the essence of Joplin citizens who have been through so much these past two years, but continue to move forward.”
This year is geared toward a family picnic type event, and people should bring lawn chairs and/or blankets for their seating. Areas represented during the event in large open tents throughout the park include the Long Term Recovery Committee (LTRC), housing, schools, healthcare, trees, trails, volunteers, Ministerial Alliance, arts, an educational and healing garden, and the commercial and business redevelopment with focus on the master plan with Wallace Bajjali. The tents will be scattered among the park grounds allowing people to visit them, as well as the Memorial Fountain and Plaque that commemorates the 161 lives lost due to the tornado, the Volunteer Tribute that recognizes the thousands of people who came to our area to help the community recover, and the playground areas. Designed as a come-and-go event in the park, some may choose to gather with family and friends in the Park for reflective time and/or to visit the different areas on the grounds.
The City will provide water to those attending. The public is encouraged to bring picnic type foods for their families to enjoy in the park.
Parking will be available in outlying neighborhoods, and the public should use caution when walking to the event. Street closures will be temporary, as many neighborhoods are rebuilt in the areas and it is not feasible to have long-term closures. Please watch for future announcements about parking as details are finalized.
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