Some memorials are designed to be seen; others are meant to be experienced.
Nestled along the sailboat side of East Lake Ponca, the new Peace Pavilion is more than a beautiful structure. It is a place where people can gather with family and friends, celebrate life’s special moments, find quiet reflection and enjoy the beauty of the lake. It is a gift to Ponca City born from profound loss, yet created with a purpose rooted in hope, love and community. It is dedicated to all innocent gun violence victims and to their families who seek peace in their grief.
The story behind this remarkable place is a story about people. It is the story of a family honoring a beloved daughter and sister, friends honoring a lifelong classmate and countless people working together to create a place that will enrich the community for years to come. Created in memory of Dr. Stephanie Husen, the Peace Pavilion is more than a memorial. It is a reminder that a life devoted to caring for others can continue to make a difference in the lives of others.
Stephanie was a proud member of Ponca City High School’s Class of 1992. Though her career took her beyond Ponca City, she never lost her connection to her hometown or the lifelong friendships she formed here. At the time of her death, she was helping organize her 30-year class reunion, continuing the friendships and connections that meant so much to her throughout her life.
A sports and internal medicine specialist, Stephanie devoted her life to helping others. She was known for her kindness, compassion and her ability to make people feel cared for, whether they were family, friends, colleagues or patients.
On June 1, 2022, Stephanie’s life was tragically cut short when a gunman entered the Natalie Medical Building in Tulsa, killing four people, including Stephanie. The act of violence devastated her family, friends, classmates, patients and colleagues.
In the midst of unimaginable grief, the Husen family made a remarkable decision. Rather than allowing tragedy to define Stephanie’s story, they chose to create something that reflected the way she lived. They envisioned a place centered on beauty, friendship, gathering and peace.
Lake Ponca was the natural choice. It was a place filled with treasured family memories and one that held special meaning throughout Stephanie’s life. As a young lady, she spent time there with friends and family, making memories that would last a lifetime.
Bringing the family’s vision to life was Carl Szafranski, Stephanie’s longtime friend and fellow Class of 1992 graduate. Working closely with her parents Greg and Joyce, Stephanie’s brothers Jeffrey and A.C. and her closest friends, Szafranski thoughtfully incorporated the authentic details that make the pavilion so special. From the artistic elements to the meaningful touches that tell Stephanie’s story, the design reflects the people who knew and loved her best.
The result is unlike anything else in Ponca City. Every detail was created with purpose. A welcoming fireplace invites conversation and connection. Sealed concrete furnishings were designed to endure for generations. Colorful mosaic murals serve as the artistic centerpiece of the pavilion, incorporating symbols and elements that represent Stephanie’s life, passions and personality. The intricate artwork encourages visitors to pause and discover meaningful details woven throughout the design.
Perhaps one of the most touching features lies beneath visitors’ feet. Embedded within the stamped concrete walkway are stamped paw prints of Stephanie’s rescue dogs, Boomer and Sooner. It is a simple detail, but one that speaks volumes about the authenticity of the project. These small imprints preserve a piece of the life Stephanie loved and the companions who brought her happiness.
What makes the Peace Pavilion so extraordinary is that nothing about it feels manufactured. Every material, every artistic element and every design choice tell a story. It reflects the love of parents for their daughter, the devotion of brothers for their sister, the loyalty of lifelong friends and the lasting impact of a woman who made people feel seen, valued and cared for.
The pavilion was formally dedicated on June 11, 2026, as family members, classmates, friends, community leaders and supporters gathered at East Lake Ponca to celebrate its completion and reflect on Stephanie’s life. While the ceremony marked the culmination of years of planning, collaboration and love, it also marked the beginning of the pavilion’s purpose as a place for the community to gather, reflect, celebrate and find peace.
Ponca City is blessed with many beautiful public spaces, but the Peace Pavilion is truly unique. Here, families will gather, friendships will grow and visitors will find comfort and serenity for years to come. In every moment shared beneath its roof, Stephanie’s spirit will continue to be felt.
What began as a family’s desire to honor a beloved daughter and sister has become a gift for the entire community. Through the love of the Husen family—Greg and Joyce, Jeffrey and A.C., the vision of Szafranski, the dedication and the generosity of so many others, the Peace Pavilion now belongs to Ponca City. It stands as a beautiful reminder that a caring heart leaves a legacy that endures.