The Volunteer Tribute is located in Cunningham Park, Joplin, Missouri, and is dedicated to the thousands of volunteers who helped the city recover after a devastating tornado in May 2011 that killed over 100 people. 

​

Low stone walls provide seating and spatial definition, guiding visitors towards a central plaza with a custom mosaic made from household debris picked up after the storm.  From a vantage point at the central plaza, visitors can look out over the changing landscape of Cunningham Park and the city of Joplin. 

​

After the tornado, the city began handing out blue rubber bracelets to citizens and volunteers that read “The Miracle of the Human Spirit.”  In addition to the mosaic, a large stainless steel band representing these bracelets is also featured at the tribute.

​

*This project was nominated for the Librarium 2012 Prize.