The newly transformed Keeper of the Plains site was open to casual strollers this week, and the new setting for Wichita’s iconic symbol is awe-inspiring.
Judging by the sneak peek, the Keeper plaza is going to be the must-see experience for any visitor to Wichita.
The graceful bridge offers soaring views of the Keeper statue and of Exploration Place downriver.
An attractive interpretive exhibit at the statue’s base gives a concise, meaningful overview of Plains Indian life and culture.
The views at night, when the bridge and statue will be lighted, promise to be dazzling.
The city will formally rededicate the Keeper at 9:45 p.m. May 18 in a fireworks-and-music extravaganza that will show off all the site’s new features, from lights to cascading water. It’s going to be the place to be that night.
This new Keeper will be a focus of civic pride for Wichitans for many years to come.
Posted by Randy Scholfield
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45 Comments
I think of it as a $28,000,000 waste of hard earned taxes, another game by politicians coming up with a way to spend humongous amounts of taxes without input by taxpayers who are picking up the tab. I attended the meeting by a Alabama consultant, one Mr. Nocifera who proposed this project in spite of the calls to forget it by those in attendance.
Raising the Keeper of the Plains statue ruined the carefully selected sightline chosen by artist, Black Bear Bosin.
Framing the Native American Keeper of the Plains statue within the pylons of a replica of California’s Golden Gate Bridge is an embarassment to Kansans.
And the so-called “ring of fire” at the base of the statue will be a long-time slap at the history of Native Americans in this country. They recall the the old story of the burning of Col. Crawford in retaliation for a senseless killing of a small peaceful family of Indians in Ohio in about 1790 as I recall the story.
Many of those Shawnee Indians and their white inter-married friends later moved to Kansas as our first civilized residents, founders of our Methodist, Baptist and Quaker churches in northeast Kansas. Their descendents still live in northeast Oklahoma in the vicinity of Miami and Vinita.
Geeeeeeeeez JWink, do you EVER stop whining about how tax dollars are spent on civic projects? If it’s not the Downtown Arena (YES, it is going to be built!), it’s something else.
I have never liked the monument. I think it’s tacky and a poor representative of Native Americans, in general.
It lends a ‘cultish’ air to and already-burdened stigma of Native Americans.
But I’m not really surprised. Often City leaders (anywhere) come up with ‘feel good’ ideas and they are basically crap.
A perfect example is the new border on East Kellog. Not the walls, themselves, but the carved phrases. If a motorist tries to read them – in their entirety – they’re going to crash into the vehicle traveling beside them.
Idiotic.
Keeper of the Plains.
Same genre.
Geeeezz Apophis: First of all, I have to thank you for being an excellent dedicated science teacher. You stand up well to the arguments presented by Heartlander … very instructive. And I tended to agree more with your position than with Heartlander although you both make good points. How about a public debate … Heartlander vs Apophis — in a public boxing ring, with the verbal gloves off, to draw interest!!
Unfortunately, I am short of time now. A lot of people do ask me why I criticize these tax-financed projects when I live and own property in the Delano district of Wichita.
There are a number of reasons. Most are spawned by mis-guided local politicians under spell of several out-of-towners who will leave Wichita eventually with one last yell, “Gotcha.”
Most are the result of spin, weave, dance, duck and slap — with NO meaningful input by the taxpayers who are footing the bill.
The $300,000.000.25 white elephant albatross ice hockey downtown arena is a gigantic mistake poorly conceived with NO VIABLE USER OR TENANT TO SUPPORT THE EVENTUAL OPERATIONS COSTS.
It was promoted with lies and financial support with YOUR taxes in case you missed that.
Wichita had a favorite son, Earl Browder, born in west Wichita in 1891, twice a candidate for President of the United States.Earl Browder served for many years as President of the American Communist Party.
I am thinking of creating some plastic replicas of Mr. Browder to award to Wichita people who best exemplify the principals of Mr. Browder.
“Little plastic Browder statues for the dashboard of your car!”
The view of the statue reminds us that eagles still soar above and fish swim below in the same river that others called home.
The imposing statue leaves a different impression on Native Americans than it does for the rest of us.
The hope is that the ground we now occupy be remembered as hallow and natural treasure that is to be respected.
As the statue reaches for the sky it reminds us of the commonality of the expanse we share.
The immenseness occupied by statue shows us that memories can be faulty, but this enormous reminder evokes a humble understanding of where it all started.
The base of the statue reminds us that the city we call Wichita is named after a people who dwelled here first.
Although memories fade, the statue’s provides us a view with its outstretched arms, that after we depart this area or even life eagles will still soar above and fish will still swim below in the river home of the Wichita Native Americans.
The nay sayers condemned the World Trade towers when they were built. The “highbrows” complained about the Eiffel Tower. The cave people ridiculed the purchase of Alaska. The negative ninnies whined about the Golden Gate bridge. the ‘elite’ initially ridiculed the Space Needle in Seattle.
I am NOT saying that the Keeper ranks with any of those landmarks, just making a point that it seems any type of project attracts its naysayers. Those people who are going to complain about anything and everything. Part of the job of city leaders is to provide amenities to a city..things that help identify it and provide unique focal points. And, in doing that job, they attract criticism from people that just plain don’t like anything.
While I feel we were lied to with the Arena, the Keeper is something that ranks as a unique part of our city. Yes, it cost taxpayer funds to construct..and it will be standing there years after the growling has ceased.
While I favored building walking bridges across the rivers there I think what was done is simply too much. The huge towers detract from the Keeper. I think a more subdued pair of bridges would have been better.
I also question the raising of the Keeper etc; however I want to let that sink in a bit more before passing judgement.
I wish the Indian was taller than the Epic Center.Goofy me.
At first my opinion of the two towering arrow abstracts made the Keeper seem dwarfed. Once you enter the bridge the Indian takes over and all is well. It is a great addition to Wichita.Goofy me.
Raptor, you are right on every point except for one. It is not the job of city leaders to “to provide amenities to a city.” Heaven knows, that is the tradition of most governments in history, including that of Wichita’s City Hall, which only serves to drive home your other points.
It would be an interesting to see if once, just once, government leaders at any level succeeded at resisting the temptation to consolidate their power through the providing of bread and circuses treats for our amusement. I suspect, if they could just leave it to us ordinary Joes to handle that responsibility, we would be a stronger community in the long run, and the general tax burden would be low enough to attract a lot more growth. JWink, what do you think?
I agree, Ben I think from a distance the bridge really distracts from the statue…but I’m withholding judgment until I have a chance to walk across it. It seems to me that the money could have been more wisely spent…like on better food for the inmates at the jail or substidizing another food bank or homeless shelter downtown.
“I suspect, if they could just leave it to us ordinary Joes to handle that responsibility, we would be a stronger community in the long run, and the general tax burden would be low enough to attract a lot more growth.”
Ya know Larry, generally I agree with that.
But just a thought…
What the hell is STOPPING ordinary Joes from taking over government and making it perform according to the will of the people?
It’s called voting. Democracy. Activism.
If a city or county or state is governed badly, isnt it really the fault of the dumbass voters who put the officials there and keep them there?
Isnt it really our fault for voting for bread and circus?
There are SO MANY ways to be involved and influence government. Why do most people just sit on their asses and whine about the mean ol’ gummit?
Get the hell out there and DO SOMETHING!
So true,”Get involved…The world is run by those who show up”My favorite bumper sticker!
ksfarmgirl-
you and I are often at the opposite ends of the political spectrum, but with the above post, we are dead on in agreement. I would also take it one step further. Run for office. Mobilize like minded people and start a campaign. Start locally, build nationally. Take back the government from the …..
So are they still doing the whole ring of fire thing? First burning Natural gas in the the river doesn’t seem to be conserving resources very well, second look at the price of gas where is the money coming from? Is the city providing maintenance funds for it or is the ring of fire gonna end up like the fountains at riverside park?
Get the hell out there and DO SOMETHING!Posted by: ksfarmgrrl | May 02, 2007 at 09:29 AM
Farmgrrlie, you have my number. :)
Tom Paine – GOOD POINTS!
Next project for Wichita will be the Peerless Tower. Of course, not government funded. We will erect the Peerless Tower using contributions from donors only. The only thing will we accept from the government is donation of land. But it will be a public monument for all to enjoy.
The capital campaign for the Peerless Tower will be soon. We just received 501(c)(3) tax exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service. So all contributions to the Peerless Tower is a charitable donation and can be deducted from your tax liability.
Not a single person is benefiting and not one single person is going to receive any salary or stipend of any kind. This is managed by volunteers only. 100% of the money will go towards building the Peerless Tower.
We are also looking to expand the Board, for those who are interested and would like to be involved in the Peerless Tower project.
More coming soon….
Thanks!
Joe,
I found the http://www.peerlesstower.com/ website. Interesting concept, but not much info.
Is this nothing more than an observation platform? No restaurant at the top, no hidden cellular antennae, no other source of revenue?
Heheheheh Tom!
I’m just a member of the 101st fighting keyboarders now…
Maybe I could have the title of “coach emeritus”?
Or maybe like Mother Jones, I’m just raising less corn and more hell…
Farmgrrl,
Yeah, but you know I’m relentless, which is why you love me. :)
We are a non-profit organization. No restaurant on top. Just an observation deck. Having a restaurant on top is prohibitively expensive and would cease to be a non-profit tax exempt organization.
The Peerless Tower is a monument, not a building that would house a bar or restaurant. Although we will have leasing rights to communication towers to help with operation cost.
First and foremost, the Peerless Tower is a public monument.
Figured as much, Joe W., as you had indicated the granting of 501(c)(3) status. Remember the leasing for communication towers is “unrelated trade or business income” and needs to be reported annually. :-)
“contributions to the Peerless Tower is a charitable donation and can be deducted from your tax liability.”
Not exactly. They can be deducted from INCOME (assuming itemizing); not from tax liability. Thus your tax savings depends upon your tax bracket.
That is why tax CREDITS are so valuable.
“Yeah, but you know I’m relentless, which is why you love me. :)”
That is ever so true Tom :)
Seriously, you are an inspiration for me too. Your integrity and your unstoppable way of being in the world are what I hope to have and be when I grow up.
Now when that growing up will take place, no one is sure…
heheheheheh!
Vaughn Tolle! They are sponsors just given the privilege to use it! ;)
Na! We will be legit! There are some fine lines in the tax exempt status. Selling merchandise is an example.
We will do as much as possible to retain everything within the 501(c)(3) status. Possibly we might have to keep two sets of books. Depending on what is needed to make it viable and off the tax payers burden.
Even if you had to file a 990-T for unrelated business income it shouldn’t be a major problem. Some tax liability might be incurred but can be legitimately minimized.
Joe, easy there; as Ben points out, even if a 990-T must be filed, there are many ways to legitimately reduce the tax liability. BTW, the fact that UTBI exists in and of itself DOES NOT affect adversely the status of the project.
You’re right Ben on both counts. I meant to say that earlier, but for some reason I posted it by mistake on the Open Thread thread.
Ben,Just so you know, I did pass on the information about the cleanup Saturday. Now you can’t always rely on homeless folks to remember, there are a few that said they would come down and help out. There are also a few people in the Zao Christian Fellowship leadership that said they would try and get down there too! I’ll be there in spirit, but have a follow-up to my eye surgery so I can’t make it. God Bless and Good Luck with the cleanup!!
You’re right Tolle! It goes to directly benefiting the Peerless Tower.
Just so long as leasing communication use doesn’t make the Peerless Tower operated for commercial purposes and that it becomes over reasonable part of providing funds for the Peerless Tower.
The indian should be holding his nose.
Thanks Sam. And, for everyone else: There will be a River cleanup this Saturday. A number of groups are involved:
Ark River Coalition meet on east side of bridge in Sim Park parking lot.
Sierra Club in Central Church of Christ parking lot.
Bank of America Employees at Gander Mountain.
South Central Improvement Alliance and others meet at Harry and Greenway.
10AM to Noon this Saturday. Gloves and trash bags provided. Wear tough shoes, hat, sunscreen.
I invite everyone to pick an area and join in.
Everytime I see the Peerless Tower, it reminds me I need to clean my dildo.
For someone new to Wichita, I am sure that it will be somewhat impressive but for someone that has lived here most of their life, it is an improvement to what it was before, I have been down there and I like it, it is better.Now if we could just clean up the trash build up in the river…
Peerless tower? Looks like the hood ornament on a ‘57 Olds! 50 years ago,it might have been cutting-edge; now it’s just trite beyond belief. This is the 21st century; how about building a 21st century design?
Jed, in reading the site, I think the design is up in the air. They are asking for input. I’m sure Joe will let us know.
Jane, all the more reason for you to support the project. Hygiene.
More proof of my earlier comments. No matter what the purpose, or who funds a project, there are going to be cave people objecting to it. (cave = citizens against virtually everything). Must be sad to live life in such a manner.
raptor – for the record; although I am unalterably opposed to the Arena as currently being done I have NOT objected to the Tower. In fact, I would say that my comments above were constructive.
I hope to see all the boosters out there this saturday for the River clean-up.
Instead of spending millions on eyecandy, such as the “Ring of Fire” and the Keeper’s new pedastal, or the neon sculptures at Central and McLean, I’d love to see the city put more money into maintaining the public facilities we already have.
Such as:
-Fixing the fencing along the bikepaths, and repairing the pathways surfaces
-Fixing the fountains in Riverside
-Fixing Cowtown
-Fixing the west bank through downtown. The old fountains across from Century 2, the West Bank Stage, the old bike path, etc.
-Upgrading the facilities in the neighborhood parks. Open shelters, bathrooms, better lighting – these are things that make older neighborhoods attractive.
-Replacing destroyed and damaged park benches all over the city
Those aren’t “sexy” projects, but they’re important to quality of life. They don’t make the big developers any money either. That probably explains quite a bit.
Absolutely not. Patriot Guard, as an organization, has a mission statement of:
“Our mission is to honor our soldiers and show our deepest respects for the families of our fallen.”
Individual members support legislation or have their own opinions on issues, but the organization does not.
Oooops…wrong thread. Sorry.
Outie,If the design is still up for grabs, and they want an honest-to-god 21st century tower, the only architect to go to would be Frank Gehry. It would be wonderful (in all senses of the word) to have one of his buildings here! Expensive, but wonderful.
The more I think, the more I like the idea of removing Mclean from Kellogg all the way to Seneca. Create a “river district” that contains LD Stadium, the Ice Rink, a New West Bank Stage, a New Library (which should be placed next door to the Ice Rink or next to Exploration place), some nice open Green area for use by the River Fest and general park land, a new Casino or Convention Center facility and develop some into restaurants or business that abuts the river. Create a river walk like San Antonio or other river places. This will give citizens better access to walk the river, especially at night. I enjoy walking the river at night.
I used to live in Wichita and I really liked the city and most of the people there.. I think the tower is a good idea, but for god sakes PLEASE change the look of it.. That thing looks like something you may find in an exam room at the doctors office. The name Peerless is boring at the most the same with it’s looks plain and boring.. I think it is an embarrassment to Wichita..