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Keeper of the Plains
The Keeper of the Plains proudly stands at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers with hands raised high. Since the sculpture's installation in 1974 to commemorate the United States Bicentennial, it has become a symbol for the city of Wichita and a tribute to the Native American tribes who continue to gather at this sacred heartland. The Keeper also serves as the focal point of an eight-year, $20 million restoration and river beautification project completed in May 2007.
The 44-foot Cor-Ten steel Keeper of the Plains sculpture now stands elevated on a 30-foot rock promontory surrounded by four quadrants representing the elements of water, fire, air and earth. Pedestrians can directly access the area from two new, bow-and-arrow-inspired cable-stay bridges that span both the Little and Big Arkansas rivers. Fire drums located on boulders at the foot of the Keeper dramatically light the night. A mist rises up from a pause point that leads down to the water's edge. Plantings of sage, bottlebrush, medicinal herbs, prairie grasses, yuccas and cactus further create a sense of place and time.
On May 18, 1974 renowned Native American artist Blackbear Bosin donated the Keeper of the Plains to the citizens of Wichita. It was erected at the peninsula point of the two rivers and dedicated May 18, 1974. Senator Bob Dole was on hand for the dedication. The Keeper of the Plains was rededicated on May 18, 2007. The area is free and open to the public year-round.
Like all public attractions, the Keeper of the Plains Plaza and surrounding area will be closed to the public during the hours of midnight until 5 AM.
The Keeper of the Plains “Ring of Fire” will burn the following schedule during the months of Daylight Savings Time:
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Friday & Saturday nights: 9 PM, 10 PM and 11 PM for 15 minutes for each burn.
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Sunday through Thursday nights: 9 PM and 10 PM for 15 minutes for each burn.
Once Daylight Savings Time goes away, typically in late October, the burn hours will be:
For added public safety, the Ring of Fire is manually turned on. All schedules are weather depending, including river levels. The Ring of Fire will not be turned on in high winds, rain or other inclement weather. If the river is too high, or if a person is too close, they will not be turned on.
Because of the public investment, surveillance cameras have been installed throughout the area, including at the Keeper Plaza and on the Pedestrian bridges. If anyone vandalizes any part of the facility, the City of Wichita could prosecute to recover its losses.
City ordinance 11.16.085 bans skateboarding from the core area. This ordinance has been modified to designate the core area to include the Keeper of the Plains Plaza and pedestrian bridges.
The entire area, including the Keeper of the Plains Plaza, is accessible to all citizens, even those that may be wheelchair-bound.
The cascading stream moves water from the Keeper of the Plains, over boulders to the River. It is not for public entry. The water feature cannot operate in inclement weather or if the Arkansas River is at unusually high levels due to the debris that comes with high waters.
The park features may not operate due to inclement weather, high water or wind.
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