Maryland Community Newspapers Online
Construction has started on the Peace Garden in the Mattie J. Stepanek Park in Rockville's King Farm neighborhood.
The park is named for Matthew J.T. "Mattie" Stepanek, a poet, internationally recognized author and Muscular Dystrophy Association goodwill ambassador who died in 2004. He authored five books of poetry that made the New York Times bestseller list, gaining international attention and the friendship of such notables as Oprah Winfrey, Jerry Lewis and former President Jimmy Carter, who spoke at his funeral.
Plans for the garden show concentric circles and winding paths that represent "concentric circles of support" and the "river of kindness," which were themes in Mattie's poetry.
The Peace Garden, which will be seen along Piccard Drive, will have sculptures of Mattie and his service dog Micah at the center of a seating area with concrete chess tables.
The dedication ceremony for the park is planned for Oct. 18 at 10 a.m., hosted by the Mattie J.T. Stepanek King Farm Foundation.
Before the sculptures are unveiled, a 100-voice choir will sing a song written specifically for the ceremony, based on Mattie's final peace speech.
Entertainment will includes musical performances, a continuous chess match, Bank Shot basketball demonstrations, games, poetry readings and food vendors.
According to a press release from the foundation, when completed next year, the 26-acre park will include two football fields, a softball field, a pavilion, concession stand and restrooms.
