According to a paper published by John B. McFarland in November of 2015, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission which regulates oil and gas in the state, although skeptical at first, are now beginning to take actions concerning injection wells and induced quakes since the seismic activities in the state surpassed California, making it the most in the country.
Are you surprised I used the word beauty? Well, you shouldn’t. A year after the event of the 5.0 magnitude earthquake that struck the city’s downtown November of 2016, the IQC team had our first visit to the city of Cushing on the 12th of October, 2017. Excited about the beginning of a new phase of my life, I was out of my bed early and set to hit the road with the team.
Prior to our visit, I worked on a series of analysis which the team needed so as to get familiar with the existing conditions of the downtown district. I can assure you that the beauty of the architecture, even after the damaging earthquake was captivating. Can you just fathom standing in the middle of tall brick structures at one end of the road and you have this vista to observe ahead of you, in a quiet environment where you can hear the humming birds sing and the trees talk to one another. The art graffiti was another you just could not help but appreciate. Truly, the creation of beauty starts with art.
In line of the revitalization of downtown Cushing, the IQC team worked with the city to create recommendations and design strategies towards creating a more interactive space, while preserving the culture. Several opportunities are available in the city, ranging from craft works to real estate opportunities. The team had the opportunity to meet a young man invested in the renovation and refurbishing of deteriorated structures such as the Dunken Theatre and a few other residential spaces. In addition, the new Centennial Park is a sign of the hard work put in by the people of Cushing. Trust me the team saw this as an opportunity to complement the existing beauty.
The historic and mid-century architectural heritage had been preserved over the years. The Santa Fe Depot still remains an icon in the area. Oh they even preserve their identity and culture, Cushing residents are truly invested in the growth and development of their city, which I see to be the true beauty of a community. A place where the people feel a deep sense of responsibility.
