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the firm PORTFOLIO contact |
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campus | residential | commercial | parks | specialty | urban | historic | land planning | sustainable | FEATURED |
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| On Saturday, October 21, 2008, the Mayor of Rockville, City Council Members, Park and Recreation officials, Slater Associates representatives and an estimated 1,500 friends and supporters gathered for the dedication of the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park in Rockville, Maryland. The ribbon cutting ceremony and unveiling of Mattie's statue took place at the Slater Associates designed Mattie J.T. Stepanek Peace Garden. Oprah Winfrey -who featured Mattie on her show- attended the event as a special surprise for Mattie's mother, Jeni Stepanek, taking the stage with the words, "I'm here because I loved my guy Mattie." Mattie's unique gift for bringing people together showed strongly the day of the dedication. Special guests included Mattie's peers from the MDA (Muscular Distrophy Association), friend and musical collaborator Billy Gilman (Music Through Heartsongs), Nile Rogers, and Khaliah Ali. Gilman said of the park, "...it's great to see a place that celebrates his legacy and continues his legacy through his message." It is Slater Associates' wish that that this Peace Garden will continue to bring people of all ages and backgounds together, and will serve as a place of respite and rejuvenation for the many people who visit. More importantly, by experiencing this park it is hoped that visitors will embrace Mattie's messages of harmony and peace, carry these forward when leaving the park, and make choices that will create their own legacy for life and for our world. |
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