BROKEN ARROW, Okla. — Four years since one of the most heinous crimes the city of Broken Arrow witnessed, residents differ on the new park built on the murder site.
The new Reflection Park located at 709 Magnolia Court was built to remember the victims of the Bever family and honor first responders who were called to the scene on July 22, 2015.
The park, which features a gazebo, several benches and pathway, has been open since March 2019.
Some neighbors in the Indian Springs community say they would have liked the lot to remain empty after the house was demolished or a new home built.
However, other residents find it practical and even welcoming.
"I think it's awesome. It's beautiful. You can come out at night, and you can look at it. It's quite the scene, and I get to look at it every day," says Bill who lives directly behind the park.
Former councilor Mike Lester says he's proud of the small part he played in painting a different picture through the new park. He says it was meant to "accentuate the positive only" in order to provide the community "a path of healing."
Whether the neighbors agree with the meaning behind Reflection Park, they are glad the old home where the stabbings happened is not longer in sight to remind them of the tragedy.
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