The Tulsa Forum by TulsaNow

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The company will pay for a new plaza and playground in River Parks at 41st Street.


When QuikTrip Corp. President Chet Cadieux began brainstorming a few years ago on how the company would commemorate its 50th anniversary this fall, the logical answer was to give something back to the community.

What that gift would be and where to put it was fairly easy to figure out -- adopt an area in River Parks and create a place where families will want to relax and have fun.

After about two years of planning, Cadieux is unveiling a signature plaza and playground designed to be an innovative outdoor environment with unique, flexible space for children's play, special events and all kinds of gatherings for all kinds of people.

The project, which will replace the park's playground and shelter at 41st Street, "is meant to become a destination point for the park," Cadieux said.

Plans are to have
the project completed for a dedication in late September.

Helping parks and kids: Enhancing River Parks is a Cadieux family passion, which started with Cadieux's father, Chester Cadieux, a former longtime member of the River Parks Authority who has been instrumental in the park's growth since 1983.

Helping children, specifically those at risk, also is a core mission behind QuikTrip's philanthropic efforts, the younger Cadieux said.

"Our theory is that if we can make some kind of difference in the life of a child, much less lots of children, then that solves a lot of our society's problems in the next generation," he said.

The plaza and playground, which is estimated to cost $2.5 million to $3 million, is the perfect gift -- meeting both of those objectives and showing QuikTrip's appreciation to Tulsa for its support during the past 50 years, Cadieux said.

QuikTrip is paying for more than half of the project. The remaining funds are coming from other donors, including the George Kaiser Family Foundation.

The public first heard about the project during last fall's river tax initiative, which included the creation of several "gathering spots" in River Parks.

Jim Denny, QuikTrip's vice president of marketing, said Cadieux agreed to merge his idea with the river initiative, which would have resulted in a larger-scale project if voters approved the improvements proposal.

But, when the initiative failed, Cadieux wasn't willing to abandon the idea, Denny said.

Keith Franklin, the president of LandPlan Consultants, which designed the project, said it was scaled back to its original intent, but through the help of additional donors, it added some design elements developed during the river initiative process.

An important element of the gift includes funding for maintenance of the project's many facets.

"We made a commitment that anything we do that causes additional maintenance for River Parks, we would pick up that cost," Denny said.

Park plans: Matt Meyer, the executive director of the River Parks Authority, said it had approved the design for the plaza and playground.

"River Parks is extremely fortunate to have such a generous corporate partner as QuikTrip that is concerned about the quality of life in Tulsa," he said.

Meyer said QuikTrip had worked with the authority throughout the planning.

Authority Chairman Darton Zink said: "The authority couldn't be more pleased with the investment that QuikTrip is making in our park for the community. They have always been a tremendous contributor and great corporate citizen."

Denny said putting together the plan and watching it evolve "has been a blast."

The project will be an interactive park unlike any in Tulsa, incorporating the latest ideas in playground equipment, a variety of interactive water features for toddlers to school-age children, a waterfall, a new shelter, seating areas, restrooms and trail route.

Franklin said the company would join with the city to construct a drainage system that will allow park land to be reclaimed from a drainage ditch that cuts through the area.

The ditch will be filled in and sodded to be made usable, he said.

Plaza: The new plaza will have an arbored entry to a paved open space that will include craftsman architectural-styled shelters and restrooms. The area also will include a fountain accented with special lighting that can be turned off so the area can be used for additional seating for intimate concerts.

A deck will be built near the river's edge to hide a pipe from which stormwater will flow into the river, creating a waterfall. The deck also will serve as a stage.

Playground: The playground will be a focal point, providing an area for toddlers and another for older children.

It will have a rubber safety surface and innovative play equipment by Kompan, a company founded by a sculptural artist and a child development specialist. The playground will accommodate 118 children.

Pyramidal berms will be installed around the playground. The berms not only will block the view of the parking lot, but provide a play area for children or casual seating for adults.

Interactive water features: A children's fountain will be made up of 19 independent, computer-controlled, dancing water jets.

Also planned are five small, raised canal areas, each providing a different interactive element for a variety of ages.

The fountains will include a set of cascading steps, a lazy river for toy boats, a bubbler table for toddlers, dancing arched jets and a geyser fountain for older children.

The fountains' water will be recycled through a chlorination pumping system that will be buried at the site but be accessible for maintenance.

Franklin said the water would be equivalent to pool water and address any health concerns.

New trail route: The improvements to the stormwater drainage area and trail improvements under way at the park will reroute the trail to the front of the plaza. The current pathway stretches behind the shelter near the river's edge.

Signage, pavement markers and tree planters will help mark the trail areas.

"What QuikTrip hopes this project will do is to spur other corporations or foundations to adopt other areas of the park and create something that will entice more people to River Parks," Denny said.

In addition to the George Kaiser Family Foundation, donors to the project include SemGroup, William K. Warren Foundation, Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation, Mary K. Chapman Foundation, Taylor Lobeck Foundation, John Zink Foundation, Bank of Oklahoma, Williams Cos., Nadel & Gussman, Steven and Shelley Jackson Family Foundation, Pete and Nancy Meinig, and Joe and Kathy Craft.



The project includes:


    * An arbored entry, shelter and restroom structures


    * A playground with innovative equipment for toddlers and older children as well as pyramid-shaped berms around it


    * A children’s fountain made up of 19 independent, computer-controlled, dancing water jets


    * A series of five canal areas each providing a different interactive element for a variety of ages


    * A rerouted trail to the front of the plaza, instead of its current location behind the shelter near the river’s edge

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http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?articleID=20080413_1_A1_hrpah72301

For some reason I locked this topic... it's unlocked now...

The playground area is where the frisbee course starts. That area tends to flood even with light rain. So I wonder if the Frisbee course will survive and if they intend to raise the area for drainage.

Thanks QT, looks like a great gift to the community.  I know you will be attacked by some people for "buying the naming rights to the empire for which slaves give blood" or some ridiculous nonsense, but I appreciate that companies don't HAVE to give back.  This looks to be a well thought out way to say thank you.

A nod to the Kaiser Foundation also.

Looks cool, just not sure how 118 kids will fit in the playground unless you stack them.

This looks great.  I live in that area and will enjoy being able to walk to it.  

I also hope that the 41st and Peoria apartment project goes.  These two projects together would be a big shot in the arm for the Brookside area.

The renderings show them using the Kim "Bounce" fixtures for lighting, so that's encouraging.

You can reduce wattage (and electrical costs) when you use Full-cutoff lighting (the "Bounce" lights can be ordered that way) because they are more efficient (not having to waste their output lighting clouds).  

Hopefully they wont make the mistake of over-lamping them, which will only create pools of brightness surrounded by pools of darkness as the eye tries to adapt to inappropriate brightness.

This has the potential to be something really nice if they pull it off.  Loads better than the "pocket parks" with the cold Metal Halide Acorns that look like prison yard smokeholes at night.

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Originally posted by patric

The renderings show them using the Kim "Bounce" fixtures for lighting, so that's encouraging.

You can reduce wattage (and electrical costs) when you use Full-cutoff lighting (the "Bounce" lights can be ordered that way) because they are more efficient (not having to waste their output lighting clouds).  

Hopefully they wont make the mistake of over-lamping them, which will only create pools of brightness surrounded by pools of darkness as the eye tries to adapt to inappropriate brightness.

This has the potential to be something really nice if they pull it off.  Loads better than the "pocket parks" with the cold Metal Halide Acorns that look like prison yard smokeholes at night.

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Those are the same fixtures elsewhere on the revised riverparks, correct?

Someone at Riverparks likes you. Or doesn't completely hate you.

Yes I noticed that they are the same lights and appears to even be the same type of stonework that Kaiser is using at places on the renewed trails. Yaaay for consistancy, especially when its well done lol. Will help the parks actually look thought out and classier" versus lots of rinky dink areas all different and haphazardly placed. Will begin to look like the kind of park a real "grown up" city would have. Very well done, Thanks QT and the other donors.

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Originally posted by sgrizzle

Someone at Riverparks likes you. Or doesn't completely hate you.

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More likely, someone at Riverparks just got sick and tired of doing the same old c$@p for every new project.
Lighting without glare... hey, that might just catch on!

Looks like this will effectively kill any chance of a 41st Street bridge for vehicular traffic.

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Originally posted by Double A

Looks like this will effectively kill any chance of a 41st Street bridge for vehicular traffic.

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Yeah, I wish they could do it off to the side of the 41st street potential path.  I don't guess there are very many of us who are concerned about seeing West Tulsa thrive.

If the 41st Street bridge is built with abutments similar to the 21st St bridge, then the alignment of 41st could veer to the north of the proposed park.  

aerial view looking east (http://"http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCC&cp=q0hfr07015xh&style=b&lvl=1&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=16726696&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1")

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Originally posted by Double A

Looks like this will effectively kill any chance of a 41st Street bridge for vehicular traffic.

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Looks that way. Of course, it may not have been feasible in that location due to the land and the drainage in that area. Of course, it blocks the pedestrian bridge too. If they were going to build it, much of this park would be towards the north.

Another thanks to QT.  Nice to see local corporate giving back/enhancing the community.  

Would be nice to see a smaller structure added that could house a food/drink vendor, but I suppose that could be added later?  

I do agree the project is a setback for any hope of a 41st St. bridge, but not a deal breaker.

I've always thought that area is a good location for water taxis.  The absence of a vehicular bridge doesn't mean there can't be a connection between both sides of the river.  I would like to see water taxis or small ferries run between the Riverview area, the Riverwest Festival Park, and the 41st St. park.  Maybe it could be a private enterprise- partially financed by potential developers of Riverside projects (i.e. Branson Landing group).

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Originally posted by perspicuity85

I've always thought that area is a good location for water taxis.  The absence of a vehicular bridge doesn't mean there can't be a connection between both sides of the river.  I would like to see water taxis or small ferries run between the Riverview area, the Riverwest Festival Park, and the 41st St. park.  Maybe it could be a private enterprise- partially financed by potential developers of Riverside projects (i.e. Branson Landing group).

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Unless you build a lock, your water taxis would have to be able to fly.

If it prevents the bridge, that has long been on the long range planning for the city, I would prefer they keep their generous contribution. We need that bridge much more.

Good catch on the bridge thing. I had forgotten about that. It really makes one suspicious that he got some kind of assurances, wink wink nod nod, that there wasnt going to be a bridge there (at least certainly not aaany time soon) from someone or the park would likely have been shifted off to one side. I guess we now know where the idea of a bridge going there stands. Aint gonna happen for at least 20-30 years or so.

It looks like the river is a little narrower to the north and the west bank at 36th-38th is city-owned land. The east bank around that area is much wider as well and more readily allow for a bridge to be built.

Also, the original 41st street plans put the park largely on the north side of 41st and this puts all the new construction on the south side of 41st.

Just conjecture.

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Originally posted by sgrizzle

It looks like the river is a little narrower to the north and the west bank at 36th-38th is city-owned land. The east bank around that area is much wider as well and more readily allow for a bridge to be built.

Also, the original 41st street plans put the park largely on the north side of 41st and this puts all the new construction on the south side of 41st.

Just conjecture.

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But zeeesh that would make it a mess traffic wise. Versus just a stop light as you went across riverside, you would have to stop, turn right, then stop, then turn left. Same for people going east. So basically you would have a stop at 41st then one at the bridge and cars piled up in between. Or you would end up with added turn lanes and people trying to shift over several lanes before the bridge or 41st, then likely stopping in the middle of riverside waiting on oncoming traffic. Or they would have to do some sort of looptey-loops over riverside like 21st lol. No scenario looks pretty if the park remains where it is at. My best guess is still the "Someone has decided, No 41st bridge." scenario.

Maybe it was Sinclair putting another $1 billion into their refinery that made them think that area will fail to redevelop for another 30+ years.  I still think they could have good success in that area with a small buffer-zone between the refinery and 41st street.  41st from the River to US-75 and south is such prime land in my eyes.

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Originally posted by YoungTulsan

Maybe it was Sinclair putting another $1 billion into their refinery that made them think that area will fail to redevelop for another 30+ years.  I still think they could have good success in that area with a small buffer-zone between the refinery and 41st street.  41st from the River to US-75 and south is such prime land in my eyes.

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Good point, I had thought of that when they announced their expansion as well.

I still say the best spot for river development on the west side is right across from downtown. But look how difficult that has been. My feeling is that when downtown and areas around it actually take off, show that Tulsa can grow that kind of urban development, that there is a good market for it... Then the area across the river will be looked at by developers more seriously. THEN after that area is solidly developed would there begin to be an added interest in bulding a bridge and making the area around 41st available for development.

quote:

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Originally posted by YoungTulsan

Maybe it was Sinclair putting another $1 billion into their refinery that made them think that area will fail to redevelop for another 30+ years.  I still think they could have good success in that area with a small buffer-zone between the refinery and 41st street.  41st from the River to US-75 and south is such prime land in my eyes.

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There's almost a half mile between sinclair and 41st St. That's a decent buffer.

Why is a bridge needed at 41st? Do westsiders even want a bridge there? Why is a bridge at 41st a good idea at all?

There’s a bridge at 21st/23rd two mile north that is far from capacity. There’s a six lane expressway bridge a mile south. The area right at 41st on the west bank is an ugly industrial area. There is a nice residential area on the other side of the industrial stuff but do the residents there want a lot more traffic coming through their area?  I don’t have the impression that they feel cut off from the rest of the city or that they want 41st to become some sort of major arterial street with a lot of east-west traffic from the east side of the river. I think the quaint “out of the way” feeling of the area is part of its appeal and a bridge and a lot more traffic would ruin that feeling.

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Originally posted by swake

Why is a bridge needed at 41st? Do westsiders even want a bridge there? Why is a bridge at 41st a good idea at all?

There’s a bridge at 21st/23rd two mile north that is far from capacity. There’s a six lane expressway bridge a mile south. The area right at 41st on the west bank is an ugly industrial area. There is a nice residential area on the other side of the industrial stuff but do the residents there want a lot more traffic coming through their area?  I don’t have the impression that they feel cut off from the rest of the city or that they want 41st to become some sort of major arterial street with a lot of east-west traffic from the east side of the river. I think the quaint “out of the way” feeling of the area is part of its appeal and a bridge and a lot more traffic would ruin that feeling.

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Studies were done and yes many westsiders do want a bridge. A lot of people are taking the I-44 overpass now who might opt for the 41st bridge instead. A link between brookside and crystal city would be awesome. There are bridges at 21st and 11th which both carry over to almost the same spot. Both are north of any major non-industrial development. 41st, meanwhile, takes you to Ollie's, Crystal City/Red Fork, Berryhill, Prattville, TCC West Campus, etc.

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Originally posted by sgrizzle

quote:

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Originally posted by perspicuity85

I've always thought that area is a good location for water taxis.  The absence of a vehicular bridge doesn't mean there can't be a connection between both sides of the river.  I would like to see water taxis or small ferries run between the Riverview area, the Riverwest Festival Park, and the 41st St. park.  Maybe it could be a private enterprise- partially financed by potential developers of Riverside projects (i.e. Branson Landing group).

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Unless you build a lock, your water taxis would have to be able to fly.

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Is there any type of boat at all that is well suited to carry passengers across the river in that area?

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Originally posted by perspicuity85

quote:

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Originally posted by sgrizzle

quote:

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Originally posted by perspicuity85

I've always thought that area is a good location for water taxis.  The absence of a vehicular bridge doesn't mean there can't be a connection between both sides of the river.  I would like to see water taxis or small ferries run between the Riverview area, the Riverwest Festival Park, and the 41st St. park.  Maybe it could be a private enterprise- partially financed by potential developers of Riverside projects (i.e. Branson Landing group).

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Unless you build a lock, your water taxis would have to be able to fly.

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Is there any type of boat at all that is well suited to carry passengers across the river in that area?

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There are boats who can navigate the river, but they can't get over the low-water dam at 31st. It's a several foot drop.

(exhale...). I operated a pontoon ferry boat/party boat on that stretch of the river in 2003. The first boat was an ugly duckling but the second season we prettied it up. We catered some dinner parties, did some kids birthday parties and tied it in with canoe and airboat rides upstream. Even with the shallow depth we found it feasible. Just ran out of support from local authorities and of course money. Ferried people across to the Oktoberfest (nearly 500 one night) 40 at a time. It was gruesome work as most were drunk and surprising cheap. They stiffed us on $5 rides! With some more time we would have made the alterations necessary to navigate the lake regularly. I had most every rock, and sand bar memorized in that area. I still harbor that dream. Just need the money.

There was some discussion about reworking the Zink low water dam to include a shallow wet ramp that a boat could cross over. That was part of the failed vote. A sluice I think they called it. But unless you want to rev up an airboat and fly across it at 50mph it is a barrier. Let me know....I'm game.

What did they do with Bell's Skyride?  That would be a fun way to cross the river...like jumping on a ski lift.  Or you could cross via zipline...

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Originally posted by waterboy

But unless you want to rev up an airboat and fly across it at 50mph it is a barrier. Let me know....I'm game.

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I call shotgun

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Originally posted by sgrizzle

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Originally posted by perspicuity85

quote:

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Originally posted by sgrizzle

quote:

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Originally posted by perspicuity85

I've always thought that area is a good location for water taxis.  The absence of a vehicular bridge doesn't mean there can't be a connection between both sides of the river.  I would like to see water taxis or small ferries run between the Riverview area, the Riverwest Festival Park, and the 41st St. park.  Maybe it could be a private enterprise- partially financed by potential developers of Riverside projects (i.e. Branson Landing group).

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Unless you build a lock, your water taxis would have to be able to fly.

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Is there any type of boat at all that is well suited to carry passengers across the river in that area?

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There are boats who can navigate the river, but they can't get over the low-water dam at 31st. It's a several foot drop.

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Wow, I feel like an idiot.  I completely forgot about the low water dam.  Okay, what about a boat that simply crosses the river?  One boat would transport passengers between the edge of Downtown, the new Route 66 River Roadhouse, and the RiverWest Festival Park.  Another boat would take people from the QT Park to the west side.  Of course, increased development on the west side is necessary for the transport to be viable.  However, it is possible that a passenger boat service could itself spur development on the west side.  It's kind of a chicken-or-egg situation.

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Originally posted by perspicuity85

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Originally posted by sgrizzle

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Originally posted by perspicuity85

quote:

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Originally posted by sgrizzle

quote:

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Originally posted by perspicuity85

I've always thought that area is a good location for water taxis.  The absence of a vehicular bridge doesn't mean there can't be a connection between both sides of the river.  I would like to see water taxis or small ferries run between the Riverview area, the Riverwest Festival Park, and the 41st St. park.  Maybe it could be a private enterprise- partially financed by potential developers of Riverside projects (i.e. Branson Landing group).

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Unless you build a lock, your water taxis would have to be able to fly.

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Is there any type of boat at all that is well suited to carry passengers across the river in that area?

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There are boats who can navigate the river, but they can't get over the low-water dam at 31st. It's a several foot drop.

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Wow, I feel like an idiot.  I completely forgot about the low water dam.  Okay, what about a boat that simply crosses the river?  One boat would transport passengers between the edge of Downtown, the new Route 66 River Roadhouse, and the RiverWest Festival Park.  Another boat would take people from the QT Park to the west side.  Of course, increased development on the west side is necessary for the transport to be viable.  However, it is possible that a passenger boat service could itself spur development on the west side.  It's kind of a chicken-or-egg situation.

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Do you have my posts blocked?

It is possible but you answered your own question. There is virtually nothing to transport people to visit in those areas unless there is a festival or other west bank activity. The ferry itself becomes the activity. And where are the ports? The infrastructure necessary to operate between those ports is absent and difficult to secure as it requires lengthy approval by Corps., RPA, and Levee district bureaucracy. Then who pays for docks, ramps, boathouses, staircases etc? Currently the only port that is the least bit feasible is the 19th street Rivers Edge fishing pier. Who provides security and rescue and to what degree? In OKC they had the opportunity to build their river from scratch and had Chesapeake to pay for a lot of it so these issues were addressed. The foundation money here is being used to do deferred maintenance and cosmetic improvements probably because that will get the most visible return and is less complicated than port development.

I do believe that development and usage go hand in hand but the impediments to development on this river continue to be ignored. Don't perceive my remarks as cynical or negative. I love the river and believe such concepts will happen. It takes a common vision, some teamwork that overlooks political/social differences, and a committment. If you are serious about how it could be done and why its not, pm me and I'll be glad to give you some insights and detail how it could happen.

I'd be a HUGE fan of a river ferry to the West bank for special occasions.  Oktoberfest most notably.  Ignoring the fact that it is probably not feasible, it would be cool.
- - -

More to the point, while an actual transport system on the river is probably not feasible, one would think SOME recreation use would be.  ie. paddle boat rentals on Zink lake (current conditions pending of course), little remote control boats in attached ponds, junk like that.

Just thinking of things I have seen on other waterways with nice parks along them that incorporate the water.

Has the possibility of a large catapult been looked into?

I think you guys are jacking with me. Not nice to prank your friends and supporters. Not my fault I got middle aged and feeble minded. Oh, well, at least I left the sidelines and got some playing time. Have a nice weekend and look for my kayak on the river!

I'm not jacking with you.  My post was actually sincere.  I was thinking of a park in Des Moines that has paddle boats and RC boats as well as a low pedestrian bridge over a river lake in the middle of the city.

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Originally posted by cannon_fodder

I'm not jacking with you.  My post was actually sincere.  I was thinking of a park in Des Moines that has paddle boats and RC boats as well as a low pedestrian bridge over a river lake in the middle of the city.

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No big deal. I posted earlier in this thread about my experience in running a ferry for the Oktoberfest and other festivals. I also used it for patio boat parties for two summers on this river. It was great fun but there is little profit to be made and lots of infrastructure needs. Not to mention lots of turf defending. Currently any potential dollar made on the water is viewed as being at the expense of those utilizing space on the banks. Isn't true but that was the feeling by them.

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Originally posted by sgrizzle

quote:

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Originally posted by waterboy

But unless you want to rev up an airboat and fly across it at 50mph it is a barrier. Let me know....I'm game.

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I call shotgun

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I did take the airboat ride up the river to the dam, that was excellent.  If you can, I highly recommend going for it.  You get views of the dam and views of downtown that you otherwise will never see.

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Originally posted by joiei

quote:

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Originally posted by sgrizzle

quote:

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Originally posted by waterboy

But unless you want to rev up an airboat and fly across it at 50mph it is a barrier. Let me know....I'm game.

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I call shotgun

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I did take the airboat ride up the river to the dam, that was excellent.  If you can, I highly recommend going for it.  You get views of the dam and views of downtown that you otherwise will never see.

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That is very gratifying to hear Joie. Was I your guide? And did I do a 360 degree power slide for you?[:D] Unfortunately I no longer am able to provide those rides. You are one of a select few (about a 1000) who where able to enjoy those views.

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Originally posted by YoungTulsan

Has the possibility of a large catapult been looked into?

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+2

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Originally posted by Kenosha

quote:

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Originally posted by YoungTulsan

Has the possibility of a large catapult been looked into?

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+2

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Nah, this is what you need.....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67fFDiPRsrk&feature=related (http://"http://")

Was there ever any mention of a possible start time for this project?

It's supposed to finish in late september.

They better get to work.

Aint noooo way. Impossible.   Sept 2009 perhaps?

Looks great, but I don't like streets or driveways crossing the jogging trail, it increases the risk of a jogger getting hit by a car. The Casino near 81st has it's driveway cross over the RiverSide jogging trail and it's a pain in the butt for runners by having cars going in & out. I'd like the trail to be totally free of any car cross traffic or street crossings. I'd also like a ban on dogs. They should build the trail closer to the river to the west of the park area to avoid driveways.

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Originally posted by PonderInc

What did they do with Bell's Skyride?  That would be a fun way to cross the river...like jumping on a ski lift.  Or you could cross via zipline...

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The towers for the skyride are still in place at the fairgrounds.  Did that ride belong to Bells or to the fair?

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Originally posted by joiei

quote:

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Originally posted by PonderInc

What did they do with Bell's Skyride?  That would be a fun way to cross the river...like jumping on a ski lift.  Or you could cross via zipline...

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The towers for the skyride are still in place at the fairgrounds.  Did that ride belong to Bells or to the fair?

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Bells sold it to the fairgrounds, since the county is made of money.

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Originally posted by sauerkraut

 . . . I'd also like a ban on dogs . . .

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I want a ban on people who want a ban on dogs.  But seriously, why a ban on dogs?  We already have laws against letting them run free and indiscriminate pooping.  

Is it that you want those laws enforced with greater vigilance, or do you simply hate the sight of happy dogs and their happy owners utilizing a public green space for exercise or fetch?

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Originally posted by CoffeeBean

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 We already have laws against ... indiscriminate pooping.  

[/quote]

If this forum had a rule like that, we'd lose quite a few posters but have much cleaner threads.

Only thing that bothers me about dogs on the Riverside trails is that I am always afraid I will end up tangled up in their leashes while I am trying to rollerblade. One wrong move by either me or the dog and we will both be eating dirt or in the river.

quote:

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Originally posted by TheArtist

Only thing that bothers me about dogs on the Riverside trails is that I am always afraid I will end up tangled up in their leashes while I am trying to rollerblade. One wrong move by either me or the dog and we will both be eating dirt or in the river.

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Exactly. Many people don't watch their dogs. Runners like to jog on the trails to get away from dogs, and then people bring their dogs to the trails. I'd favor a dog ban on the jogging trails and let the dogs go to a dog park. (A few bad dog owners can ruin it for the good dog owners if they have to ban all dogs) Runners who run on the streets have plenty of dog trouble, and we don't need that dog trouble on the jogging trails. (Not to mention people who don't clean up the dog doo).[xx(]

Omaha has a big system of jogging trails and some kids pulled a prank where they put shrink wrap across the trail at a street underpass and a bike rider ran into it causing him to crash and getting hurt badly. http://www.wowt.com/news/headlines/19197889.html

I run riverside both with and w/o my dog and I rarely have problems with dog walkers.  The biggest problem on the trail - BY FAR - is the runner / biker traffic, esp. at the crow creek bridge (soon to be fixed, thankfully).  

Dog walkers pose no greater threat than mommies with double-strollers, or the disc golfers.  This is esp. true since the runner is the one overtaking the dog walker.  Just run around them.  Don't tell me there's not room.

quote:

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Originally posted by CoffeeBean

I run riverside both with and w/o my dog and I rarely have problems with dog walkers.  The biggest problem on the trail - BY FAR - is the runner / biker traffic, esp. at the crow creek bridge (soon to be fixed, thankfully).  

Dog walkers pose no greater threat than mommies with double-strollers, or the disc golfers.  This is esp. true since the runner is the one overtaking the dog walker.  Just run around them.  Don't tell me there's not room.

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I agree ol bean. I run along the river paths and never have any trouble with dogs or kids either for that matter. This remodel of the river path seems tailored mostly to accomodate bikers. There is plenty of room on it.

Mr. Omaha, I think you need to get some perspective. Its about a healthy lifestyle, not the running per se. People out walking with their dogs and kids are not the problem. People who obsess with their biking, their running, their kids, and pets, now thats a problem.

I do notice people who don't watch their dogs when I'm out running on the trails. I see dog doo in the grass.[xx(]

Now that the westbank trail is open from 11th to 71st most of the cyclists will take that rather than the eastbank. It's a welcome addition.

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Originally posted by cks511

Now that the westbank trail is open from 11th to 71st most of the cyclists will take that rather than the eastbank. It's a welcome addition.

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Hey that's great- Tulsa has a full open trail on the west bank, it's about time. As for me, Dogs are the biggest problem on the trails IMO, I keep to the right when I run on the trails and let the bike riders pass (some call out  "passing on your left" but many don't). I never had any trouble with cyclists or rollerbladers, most rollerbladers seem to be zoned out in their own little world. I find runners to be the most friendly bunch using the trails, I found for the most part cyclists and runners just do their own thing and try to stay clear of one another.

Received this the other day and thought that I would share:

River Parks Trails' Construction Begins Phase III

TULSA Oklahoma – River Parks Authority will begin Phase III of its river trails improvements project starting Monday, June 16th. Phase III consists of total renovation of the east bank trail from 31st and Riverside to 48th Street and a completely new plaza at the 41st and Riverside gathering area. The construction site is now being fenced and will be closed to public access when demolition begins next week.

The trails renovation project includes replacing the park's existing trails with wider, dual trails to provide greater safety and enjoyment for the thousands of trail users who run and cycle in River Parks year round. With the park's heavy usage every effort is being made to keep the 3-year construction project moving at a rapid pace. Along with replacing the trails, all new lighting fixtures are being installed, as well as new park furniture and trash receptacles. Multiple rest stops with views of the river are also a feature of the new trails.

The trails renovation project is funded by a $12.4 million grant from the George Kaiser Family Foundation to replace the park system's narrow, aging trails from 11th Street to 71st Street on both sides of the Arkansas River. An additional $2.9 million in City 3rd Penny Sales Tax funds will supplement the project. Phase I of the trails renovations from the Pedestrian Bridge to 21st Street began in September of 2007 and opened for use March 4th, 2008. The Phase II trails renovation from Southwest Boulevard to 21st Street started in April, 2008 and was opened in time for the Tulsa Tough ride and race, which came to River Parks on June 1, 2008.

Areas to be closed during the current phase include the parking lot and recreation areas at 41st and Riverside Drive and the asphalt trails from 31st Street to 48th Street. An access corridor on the grass between Riverside Drive and the construction fence will remain open for pedestrian use. The Crow Creek Bridge, south of 31st Street, will be available as a part of this access corridor. The Crow Creek Bridge will be replaced with a new bridge that will be installed prior to reopening this section of trails.

Tim Carrigg, president of the Tulsa Wheelmen bicycle club says, "The work definitely takes a chunk out of our normal route, but it's not a big deal to start rides either north or south of the closed section. We can still get to the M.K. & T. "Katy" Trail up north, or the Creek Nation trail at 101st Street and ride 50 miles or more mostly on the trails."

Trail users are encouraged to plan alternate routes for recreation during construction. The area from 31st Street to the Pedestrian Bridge will remain open so that people who park at 31st and Riverside can access the northbound river trails. Also, the west bank trail extension from I-44 to Turkey Mountain is now open. This new asphalt trail enables continuous trail access from 71st Street to Southwest Boulevard on the west side of the Arkansas River.

The Tulsa Rugby Club's rugby field located at 37th and Riverside Drive will remain accessible for training, though trails behind the Rugby clubhouse are closed. The Rugby Club has moved its home games to an alternate location until construction is complete.

As a part of the Phase III park renovations, the disc golf course will be completely replaced with all new equipment donated by River Parks Friends. The 18-hole course was redesigned with input from the Tulsa Disc Golf Association to provide a challenging game and minimize conflicts with users of the new, dual trails.

Renovation of the River Parks gathering area located at 41st & Riverside Drive was announced in April, 2008, when QuikTrip Corporation unveiled plans for the project, which is estimated to cost from $2.5 to 3 million. All-new park elements will include a playground, water play areas, interactive fountains, a shelter and new restroom facilities. This gift to Tulsa comes as QuikTrip Corporation celebrates its 50th anniversary. QuikTrip plans to dedicate the plaza on Thursday, September 25, 2008 as a part of the corporation's anniversary festivities.

Designed by LandPlan Consultants, Inc. and Cyntergy AEC, the plaza and playground will be an exciting and innovative family destination. QuikTrip's goal is to provide fun, safe and comfortable outdoor entertainment at Tulsa's River Parks. The plaza will also provide a unique, flexible space for small special events and outdoor gathering of all kinds.


River Parks: Spread along miles of the Arkansas River, as it flows through Tulsa, River Parks provides some of the metropolitan area's finest outdoor recreation. More than 23 miles of asphalt-surfaced recreation trails weave past picnic areas, playgrounds, fountains and sculptures. The park's landscape ranges from manicured lawns to the rugged terrain of the Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area. Recreation in River Parks includes fishing, rowing, rollerblading, kayaking, disc golf, hiking, and bicycling.

"Renovation of the River Parks gathering area located at 41st & Riverside Drive was announced in April, 2008, when QuikTrip Corporation unveiled plans for the project, which is estimated to cost from $2.5 to 3 million. All-new park elements will include a playground, water play areas, interactive fountains, a shelter and new restroom facilities. This gift to Tulsa comes as QuikTrip Corporation celebrates its 50th anniversary. QuikTrip plans to dedicate the plaza on Thursday, September 25, 2008 as a part of the corporation's anniversary festivities."


I can't believe they are going to be able to do all that work in 3 months. The land prep and the stonework around the waterfall, the electrical and pipe work for the water features... They will really have to book it.

and I doubt all of this rain is helping things along

quote:

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Originally posted by TheArtist
[br
I can't believe they are going to be able to do all that work in 3 months. The land prep and the stonework around the waterfall, the electrical and pipe work for the water features... They will really have to book it.

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Quicktrip's construction personnel has better kung fu than city construction personnel maybe?  That's a guess on who will be doing the work.

Take a last look at the treed banks. RPA is busy eliminating alot of them so that the river is more visible from the street. The result will not be an improvement as the river is just not that attractive along that area. Worse than that, removing the trees greatly increases erosion along the bank. Ironic that improvements will actually de-stabilize the banks! Some parts of the path past 61st are actually now right next to the bank.

I agree, boy who likes water.

The riparian ecosystem uses that vegetation as a filter to help clean out impurities before they get to the river.

But people want to see the river and people like to get as close to the river as possible, even when they bike or jog.

I just hope they understand the need for balance in the river improvements.

quote:

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Originally posted by RecycleMichael

I agree, boy who likes water.

The riparian ecosystem uses that vegetation as a filter to help clean out impurities before they get to the river.

But people want to see the river and people like to get as close to the river as possible, even when they bike or jog.

I just hope they understand the need for balance in the river improvements.

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Looks to me like the only runoff that would be filtered would be that between the road and the river, at best. Most of the other water just goes into the river via drainage pipes and such without a chance to be filtered by anything.

However, I always say there should be a variety of different and designated areas along the river from; nature preserve, to park (where you could tidy up right down to the bank) to low density and high density development. Each area would look different, have different concerns and use different means for shoreline stabilization.

   I wonder if it would be possible in those park areas that are cleared out down to the river, for them to do some terracing like they did at the Centennial Park and use those really large stones.

quote:

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Originally posted by RecycleMichael

I agree, boy who likes water.

The riparian ecosystem uses that vegetation as a filter to help clean out impurities before they get to the river.

But people want to see the river and people like to get as close to the river as possible, even when they bike or jog.

I just hope they understand the need for balance in the river improvements.

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+1

That's great news that Tulsa is building and expanding the jogging trail system. I'd like to see the dog owners use the new dog parks that Tulsa now has and let the runners have the trails and be free of the dogs and the dog poop. Does Tulsa have alot of races for runners? We have alot in Ohio and they leave race info and sign up sheets about upcoming races at our trail heads. I never noticed info about races at the RiverSide jogging trails parking areas. In Columbus, Ohio next month is the famous Half-Marathon race, they run it on the Heritage jogging trail in Hilliard, Ohio at 8am sharp. I'm thinking about signing up this year, if I can improve my pace. I ran a 5K 2 weeks ago and got second place in my age group with a time of 25:30, I need to work on speed to get a good time in a 13 mile race. They did a 10 mile run too and the top dog runners got a time of 1:05- 1:10 in the 10 mile run. Very impressive running, That is a super job.[:)]

quote:

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Originally posted by sauerkraut

That's great news that Tulsa is building and expanding the jogging trail system. I'd like to see the dog owners use the new dog parks that Tulsa now has and let the runners have the trails and be free of the dogs and the dog poop. Does Tulsa have alot of races for runners? We have alot in Ohio and they leave race info and sign up sheets about upcoming races at our trail heads. I never noticed info about races at the RiverSide jogging trails parking areas. In Columbus, Ohio next month is the famous Half-Marathon race, they run it on the Heritage jogging trail in Hilliard, Ohio at 8am sharp. I'm thinking about signing up this year, if I can improve my pace. I ran a 5K 2 weeks ago and got second place in my age group with a time of 25:30, I need to work on speed to get a good time in a 13 mile race. They did a 10 mile run too and the top dog runners got a time of 1:05- 1:10 in the 10 mile run. Very impressive running, That is a super job.[:)]

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Check out www.okrunner.com

The 15K Tulsa Run is probably the best known run in town...and I love the distance (a little unusual to have a 15K race...not too many around). And the Route 66 Marathon/Half Marathon will have it's 3rd annual this fall.

Tulsa is a great racing town. You can usually find a 5K just about every weekend.

Have a young friend that just moved here from Fayetteville Ar. Moved up to the "big city". He is a runner nut who runs religeously. But needless to say there wasnt much of that in Fayetteville, and people teased him about it there lol. He moved to some apartments right there on 41st and Riverside, the day of the Tulsa Run. So there he was with his U-haul and friends and Riverside full of thousands of runners. He thought he had come to runner heaven lol. He is kind of a sci-fi nerd too and his friends were joking and saying "OMG! Look, the mothership has landed and come to take you home!" [:P]  He loves living here now with so many "others of his kind" lol.

quote:

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Originally posted by TheArtist

Have a young friend that just moved here from Fayetteville Ar. Moved up to the "big city". He is a runner nut who runs religeously. But needless to say there wasnt much of that in Fayetteville, and people teased him about it there lol. He moved to some apartments right there on 41st and Riverside, the day of the Tulsa Run. So there he was with his U-haul and friends and Riverside full of thousands of runners. He thought he had come to runner heaven lol. He is kind of a sci-fi nerd too and his friends were joking and saying "OMG! Look, the mothership has landed and come to take you home!" [:P]  He loves living here now with so many "others of his kind" lol.

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Sci-fi nerds or runners?

The two generally don't mix.

quote:

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Originally posted by charky

quote:

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Originally posted by sauerkraut

That's great news that Tulsa is building and expanding the jogging trail system. I'd like to see the dog owners use the new dog parks that Tulsa now has and let the runners have the trails and be free of the dogs and the dog poop. Does Tulsa have alot of races for runners? We have alot in Ohio and they leave race info and sign up sheets about upcoming races at our trail heads. I never noticed info about races at the RiverSide jogging trails parking areas. In Columbus, Ohio next month is the famous Half-Marathon race, they run it on the Heritage jogging trail in Hilliard, Ohio at 8am sharp. I'm thinking about signing up this year, if I can improve my pace. I ran a 5K 2 weeks ago and got second place in my age group with a time of 25:30, I need to work on speed to get a good time in a 13 mile race. They did a 10 mile run too and the top dog runners got a time of 1:05- 1:10 in the 10 mile run. Very impressive running, That is a super job.[:)]

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Check out www.okrunner.com

The 15K Tulsa Run is probably the best known run in town...and I love the distance (a little unusual to have a 15K race...not too many around). And the Route 66 Marathon/Half Marathon will have it's 3rd annual this fall.

Tulsa is a great racing town. You can usually find a 5K just about every weekend.

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WoW that's great. The link says a race is coming up this Friday July 18 and another on Saturday July 19th. Both are short 5K runs, that's still not bad. A bigger event is on July 27th..[:)]

quote:

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Originally posted by sauerkraut
WoW that's great. The link says a race is coming up this Friday July 18 and another on Saturday July 19th. Both are short 5K runs, that's still not bad. A bigger event is on July 27th..[:)]

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Yeah...the Mohawk 5000 on the 19th is a good run. You can probably count on 400-500 runners for that one.

There's a couple of 5K's each year that will get over a 1000 runners.

quote:

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Originally posted by sgrizzle

quote:

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Originally posted by TheArtist

Have a young friend that just moved here from Fayetteville Ar. Moved up to the "big city". He is a runner nut who runs religeously. But needless to say there wasnt much of that in Fayetteville, and people teased him about it there lol. He moved to some apartments right there on 41st and Riverside, the day of the Tulsa Run. So there he was with his U-haul and friends and Riverside full of thousands of runners. He thought he had come to runner heaven lol. He is kind of a sci-fi nerd too and his friends were joking and saying "OMG! Look, the mothership has landed and come to take you home!" [:P]  He loves living here now with so many "others of his kind" lol.

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Sci-fi nerds or runners?

The two generally don't mix.

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They were talking about runners. But there are probably more of both in this town.

quote:

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Originally posted by TheArtist

Have a young friend that just moved here from Fayetteville Ar. Moved up to the "big city". He is a runner nut who runs religeously. But needless to say there wasnt much of that in Fayetteville, and people teased him about it there lol. He moved to some apartments right there on 41st and Riverside, the day of the Tulsa Run. So there he was with his U-haul and friends and Riverside full of thousands of runners. He thought he had come to runner heaven lol. He is kind of a sci-fi nerd too and his friends were joking and saying "OMG! Look, the mothership has landed and come to take you home!" [:P]  He loves living here now with so many "others of his kind" lol.

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Indeed, not all cities have jogging trails. Nashville, TN. is just starting to build some. I googled it and many of the trails there are short. Indianapolis is building a system of jogging trails, the Monon Trail opened in the early 1990's and is about 10 miles long and is always real busy. We here in Columbus, Ohio have many jogging trails for runners and  Omaha, NE has tons of jogging trails with no street crossings, the whole city built a network of trails as does Denver, Colorado. I know how your jogging friend must feel, I would never live in a city without jogging trails, I do not run on the streets & roads it's dangerous, you get hit with beer cans and there is no scenry and no other runners around. I hear OKC is building alot of trails.[:)]

quote:

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Originally posted by TheArtist

"Renovation of the River Parks gathering area located at 41st & Riverside Drive was announced in April, 2008, when QuikTrip Corporation unveiled plans for the project, which is estimated to cost from $2.5 to 3 million. All-new park elements will include a playground, water play areas, interactive fountains, a shelter and new restroom facilities. This gift to Tulsa comes as QuikTrip Corporation celebrates its 50th anniversary. QuikTrip plans to dedicate the plaza on Thursday, September 25, 2008 as a part of the corporation's anniversary festivities."


I can't believe they are going to be able to do all that work in 3 months. The land prep and the stonework around the waterfall, the electrical and pipe work for the water features... They will really have to book it.

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January is the new September.

And April is the new January.

The trail from the Pedestrian bridge to 41st is open now. The QT park and the trail to 58th St should be open in April. 61st to 71st is up next.

September, April . . . whatever.  We had a really harsh fall and winter (actually, wasn't it mild and dry?).  I haven't heard any discussion of what the actual holdup was.  Also, there was no mention of the 6 month delay int he story . . .

From the amount of work going into it, I think previous timelines were a bit foolish. At least it will be open for the summer.

Yea, we all knew about how long it would take... Dont know why they fed us that line that they did. Go figure. But anywhoo lol.  Its a great addition to the River Parks. Glad to see its almost done..

And Thank you QT!

I thought I remembered on the news a while back that they had delays from passing inspection and dealing with unforeseen river bank erosion (what did they expect from tree removal). Regardless, they've been working on that covered picnic area since last year and I've seen people work on it daily on my drive home....it seriously can not be that hard. Hopefully, they can at least commemorate their 51st anniversary.

What does everyone think about the park now that it is complete?

I thought the water features were going to be a little more extensive but overall I think it turned out nice.  It's an inviting and usable space.

One thing struck me as odd though.  It looks as though the tree wells lining the bike / jogging may have been incorrectly placed.  As they are now one row of trees blocks a lane of traffic on the path.  This could have been intentional to slow traffic through this area but the offset of the East row of trees makes me think it was a mistake.  Thoughts?

I think it's a great addition, and the new separate walking/jogging and bike trails are fantastic.  Once all of these new trails are complete on the east bank it will be one of the nicest continous trails anywhere.  Tulsa is very lucky to have such a nice trail network that keeps getting better and more extensive every year.

About the park, I know some have commented about how this basically nixes the plan to build a 41st St. bridge.  Maybe a road bridge, yes, but a pedestrian bridge could still be built across the river at this location.  It would be nice to have another link between the east and west banks as right now you either cross at the ped. bridge or at the 71st bridge over 4 miles to the south.  Definitely not a top priority by any means but could make a nice addition to River Parks in the future...

Yes, you could walk to the other side and see whats going on at the Arrow Trucking warehouse :)

Yes, the separate bike & jogging trail are great but  they do merge into one trail and then back out to a separate trails and then they merge back into a single trail, my biggest problem is careless dog owners, maybe build a doggie zone... The new area looks  nice but it was expensive, IMO I'd rather have more money spent on building a  cross over bridge for the river and also build a full trail on the west bank, I'd also like to see the trail go farther south from 101st street... I'd rather have the money spent on more trails and wider trails than just fancy frills, after all the trails are the biggest draw to the river parks. But that's just me. :-X

Yep, that's just you....and you STILL don't live here, so quit posting without disclaimers like you do.

I ran an extra two miles in the rain on Saturday to get a look at the new park...its very nice. I particularly like the overlook deck.

I don't think that they have completed all of the water features..the "lazy river" is still to come (or I could be wrong).

A pedestrian bridge at 41st would be great, but I'm not holding my breath.

Money is tight in "T" Towne. The budget needs to be cut. Any pedestrian bridge will have to be put on the back burner for now. :o

Why don't you make the trip here and tell the city council that...oh, wait a minute...since you're not a resident of the city, your opinion won't matter.  Until you are, please stifle it.

I am in Tulsa, and I should of came by boat instead of plane. Lucky they are saying the rain is over and it should warm up to 81 degrees today. I spend alot of time in Tulsa. :D

Doesn't matter, you're still not a voting resident.

And have you looked outside if you're in Tulsa?  It better hurry if it's going to get to 81 today.  It's usually pretty easy to type in 'Tulsa Weather' in the Google....

Might as well have your idiot sign on.

You can prove you're in Tulsa.  Go to HH at Joe Momma's this evening.

Agreed!

We dared Inteller to come and he was so afraid to he quit posting altogether.

What is HH?  Sorry, I'm new to the board.

Sorry, it's Happy Hour.  Please attend if you're available.

The company isn't all that super but the pizza is good.

Happy Hour

http://www.tulsanow.org/forum/index.php?topic=12577.0 (http://www.tulsanow.org/forum/index.php?topic=12577.0)

Went by the park last night and then brought the little one back out this morning.

Thoughts: 
Overall, impressed.  A very very good addition of a jewel to our River Trail crown.  Our trail system, particularly on the river, is one of the best I've ever been on and it is getting a significant up-grade and this is definitely one of the highlights. 

Interesting playground for the kids...very unique play equipment (I am still trying to figure out how to use some of it -- the kids all around on the other hand were just using it) and the artificial turfed triangulated berms provide an interesting context and as we discovered mini slope for body sledding or rolling or sitting.  LOVE that they constructed the playground and pavillion under and around a massive shade tree and have planted a nice bank of trees (eventual shade) on the west side close to the usable area...the playground will get used in the summer.  The water features are suttle (have to look out for some) and interesting...some for splashing in and getting your body soaked...and some for sitting up next to and getting your finger tips or toes wet while enjoying the sound. 
I really like the sheltered seating area.  I love the tables and chairs set-up!!  I like that some are under the shelter while others are out under the sun.  I like the large observation deck facing the river.  I wonder though why there isn't some sort of cafe attached to the bathroom structure?  It seems that this set-up was designed with some sort of concession stand(at least) in mind - somewhere to buy cold drinks in the summer or coffee on a summer morning.  I don't even remember seeing a vending machine.  QT could create a small commercial out-post offering an abbreviation of their food and drinks.  Despite that, I did see several couples bring their own food and gather around the tables.  That pavillion, at night, is really spectacular.  The lighting seems really soft.  I can see this as a night gathering destination as well.

My only concern (a small one that I'm sure was thought out): too many kids running to and from the parking lot to the playground right over the bike trail.  The kids don't know to stop and look for cyclists.  I know the answer is...bikes should not be traveling at a high rate of speed through here and most were going slow.  Unfortunately I saw a few whip through...and so of course my concern goes out for the kids.  I didn't go up or down the trail to look for signage informing cyclists to slow down.


On a broader topic, why are there still so many single houses lining Riverside Dr.?  I can so totally see taller apartment buildings lining Riverside from I-44 north to downtown, on the other side of this park's intersection particularly.  I was there last night thinking if I lived nearby I would walk over often just to enjoy a really nice public space at night.  It made me think about how our City does really well at creating great destinations here and there but we are lagging when it comes to creating synergy between uses, or connections without a car and a 15/20 minute drive.  I am having trouble thinking of a chain of destinations that I can access in one trip easily on foot.  The only combo I try with frequency is Utica Sq. and Woodwark Park and it's not a very pleasant walking environment in between these great destinations.  I think we are changing that - downtown.   

I also took the midgets to QT Park yesterday and was very impressed. Overall the kid's playgrounds along riverside are nicer than in most other parts of the city but this one is overall an amazing park. Plenty of places to sit, climb, lay down, eat and play. There were a few jets on the water features that were having issues and some other things but 99% of the parking is up and working perfectly. You could take the features of this park and spread it out and make 3-4 good parks. The seating area and stage/deck are great with great views. The kids play area has really unique, but fun equipment with a great rubber surface. The concrete is textured to help grip and the 7 water features are all unique and entertaining. The pyramid berms are a neat feature and also line up in a way that if your kid is running off, they can be seen easily. There is ample shade and ample parking. When I was there (about 2 in the afternoon) there were probably close to 150 people and you never felt cramped. We counted 50 seats at tables and then all of the other seating areas including pits, berms, benches, etc.

The new park and playground is great!  Be sure to have a change of clothes and/or a towel for the kids who will undoubtedly get wet playing in the fountains and water features. 

The artificial turf pyramid shap hills are really nice to stretch out on too and I'm thinking would be perfect for some cardboard box or plastic disc sledding.  We will be making regular trips here with our kids. 

I agree with the notion for a small concessions stand or even vending machine.  However, an ice cream truck has already been smartly hanging around quite a bit.  So there is an option for a treat if he's around.

Agree with all the above. Took our 5 and 6 year old twice this week...both times soaked to the bone! The place was packed yesterday. Be prepared to wait for a parking space or make other arrangements.

They say this rain won't be letting up for awhile. ::)

Uh....they were getting wet because of the FOUNTAINS!!!!

Comment on stuff local to you, not here.  Jeez.

Me and my girlfriend took her little sister to this park over the weekend. Although I've been here several times already, using it as a starting point for running, I noticed something...missing...

...swings and slides (minus the tiny one that barely has a slope). They are lacking at this playground. Sure, you could use the turf pyramids to slide down, but apparently, angled-spinning things are all the rage at wherever the equipment came from in Norway. Another thing that I noticed was that it was extremely crowded. Kids waited in lines to get on those spinning things, climb on stuff, etc. I suggest that they put another playground area south of the existing one on the other side of the trail (followed, of course, by a sign for bikes saying "Slow Down"). Another thing is that the big tree that they left in place was a great idea...but the big deep pit that it sits in seems like a waste of space...they really should have filled it in with sand for the kids to play in.

Just my observations...

Having been a few times myself, I see nothing wrong with having no slides or swing sets. The point of this park was to be radically different, something they've achieved with great success.

However, there is something missing that should be there: bicycle racks; a parking lot for bicyclists. Especially given our newfound "bike-friendly" title, and our two bike-sharing programs, there should be a way to park one's bike and lock it safely out of reach of would-be bike thieves. Imagine riding your bike there with your family, having to leave them unattended, and then having them stolen.

Bike racks could increase the number of parking spots tremendously and could encourage people to use alternative modes of transportation (physical) to reach what is basically a physically recreational area. QT, GKFF, RPA, you should correct this!  ;)

Swing sets and other playground gear is no more, the reason is lawsuits. It's not worth the hassle. They took down all the swing sets from city parks on Columbus, Ohio a few years ago as did Omaha, NE and Atlanta, GA. That is also why McDonalds and Burger King took down that kiddy playroom thing they had. My concern of the parking area is that if it's real busy the likely hood for a car break-in increases. Someone can sit and watch people leave their cars and then go break in. Tulsa need better parking security for trail users.

Couldn't agree more! I saw the park for the first time this weekend and the lack of bike racks (along the most bicycle accessible stretch of Tulsa) is a glaring problem. Couldn't have been an oversight -- the racks must have been ordered and not delivered yet. I can't imagine they'd miss that badly. It even seems they have a spot planned out for bicycle parking east of the restroom building. Just need the racks.

What would you propose? 

He/she/it wouldn't know because he/she/it lives out of state. Michigan or Ohio or Nebraska or somewhere in the upper Midwest. Please don't feed the trolls.

I'd like to have the swing sets there along with the other regular playground gear  for the kids - but thanks to lawyers and law suits it won't happen. I think it would be better if the trail was moved away from playground activity so kids would not be dashing over it... However all in all the area does look great.  The water jets will be great for warm Summer days. They did alot of work there. The parking area is tight. I'd like more parking.

Thank you for the thoughtful response even though you do not live here, that means you have no children playing at this park.  Right? 

Don't be too harsh on the guy--he claims to visit regularly on business and run the river trails in his spare time.  Quite possible he's been back since the park opened and ran by, forming an opinion as he jogged.

Also possible he's full of it.

I'll take door 2.

Nope, all my kidz are grown up & live in Texas. I was just in Tulsa for two weeks from late April to the first week of May during all that rain. I work in Marketing I'm a customer service rep. We have many customers in Tulsa.

Awww Door 2 is a Zonk. you lose. :)

If the trail was moved even further away it would be in the parking lot. As it is, it is on the opposite side of numerous physical barriers from the playground.

Parking is ample.

wow, that's ironic.  You've lost ever since you've been posting here as a Tulsan when it's clear to most now that you're not.

Quit pretending you are until you actually have lived here.  And I'm talking in the present, not the past.

Yes, there were lawsuits. Much of the playground equipment was poorly designed, seldom maintained and created some awful injuries. We held Bell's to a higher standard than the swings at Woodward Park. I fell off a "jungle gym" as a kindergarten student and pushed my front teeth up under my nose. No, my parents didn't know enough to sue for medical care, but they would have been deserving. Some kids slipped off of poorly maintained merry-go-rounds and got tangled up underneath causing severe injuries. You think the parks, schools and McDonalds' should skate because it might cost them money to keep children safe? I don't. Sue the bas%*&ds if they deserve it.

The 'QT Park' was packed all weekend.  We rode by numerous times and there were easily 100-150+ people there (picnicking, enjoying the water features, kids on playground, exercising, etc).  It seemed like lots of people that didn't park right there rode bikes or walked from other locations.  The faux grass is a great idea.

No fistfights over parking spots, no bike wrecks.  No bickering.  Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Took my boy to the park.  It was packed (not over crowded).  Tons of fun.

I was, personally, damn glad to see that the equipment installed would allow a kid to get hurt.  Really.  You can climb up it, wizz around in circles, splash in water on concrete.  All sorts of stuff to do.

It is well designed and it is doubtful anyone could get really injured.  But you have to give a kid something to play on that isn't "sterile."  How many times did you fall off your bike or out of a tree and get hurt?  Most of us aren't worse the wear for it either.

All hazards at the QT park are open and obvious to any parent.  If your kid gets hurt, so be it.  I hope no one gets injured, but if kids don't get hurt every now and then they aren't playing hard enough!

It looked a little precarious to me.  There are some sharp edges with wet surfaces near them.  It would be fun as hell to play on.

When I went by a couple of weeks back, people were swimming in the river near the area where the drainage enters the river, I guess because they are protected from the current.  It appears stupidity is a major contributing factor to Oklahoma's health care issues.  I love the river, but I'll never swim in the thing if I can avoid it.

Do you swim in Lake Keystone?  What about Grand Lake?  The latter is more polluted than the Arkansas River, and the former is about equal (of course).   Farm runoff is far worse than any other pollutant now-a-days.

Why am I commenting on this?  Waterboy! 

Did you hear there was a Triathlon in Oklahoma City on the “Oklahoma” river and a bunch of the athletes got ill from the water in the “river”. The problem being of course that it’s a shallow stagnant pond and not a real river. The Arkansas with it’s massive flow is much cleaner so long as the EPA keeps it’s eyes on Sunoco

I wouldn't swim in those, either.  I'm not a lake person.

Also, note the sewer/drainage runoff.  Yummy.

If it's so safe, I expect to see you wearing floaties next time I head down there.  And I'll buy you a beer, assuming you get your shots and sanitize yourself.

Yes the Oklahoma River is a tiny creek, as far as CFM flow, compared to the Arkansas.  Any pollutants in the river are flushed out pretty quickly, however you also are draining a good portion of the city directly into the river and there are also the refineries and wastewater treatment plants.  The current is the biggest deterrent to swimming I would believe.  I guess if you created a shallow area safe from the current not near the drainage pipe you could potentially swim or hang out on the beach.  

I've swam in Grand Lake many, many times (almost every weekend most summers) and have never had problems.  Every once in awhile you hear of someone getting sick but then again that's out of hundreds of thousands of people that swim there every year with no issues.

I've swam in the Arkansas before.  Never at that location, but certainly downstream from Tulsa.  Upstream from Tulsa (Keystone) just TONS of times.

The runoff from Tulsa Streets is mostly dirt and salt.  Some yard chemicals and of course some oil residue.  Nothing you'd want to bathe in, but nothing that an occasional dip in will really make you ill.  The Arkansas river leaves Tulsa County cleaner than when it enters it - so if I am willing to swim in Keystone why not the river?

As I said, water with too much fertilizer (from manure, runoff, or treatment plants) with too little flow = bacteria blooms and other problems.  The muddy look of the Arkansas is just that, mud.  There are far more chemicals in your typical hot tub and odds are fair that your buddy doesn't monitor that body of water as well as the EPA checks the Arkansas.

Of course, it pales in comparison to the lake I was just on in Canada.  Where you could literally drink out of the lake (42F water too).  Then again, there's a whole lotta nothin' up there.

Sorry, I wasn't monitoring this thread.

The most dangerous part about swimming in the Arkansas at that point, this time of year, is probably the lack of any quick rescue should you get in trouble with the current. Likely those swimmers are drinking as well. Bad combination. That is also an area with lots of sunken logs embedded in the sand.

True, I would not suggest swimming near a storm sewer outlet as they channel the runoff of oil, fertilizer and such from surrounding neighborhoods, even so that is quickly diluted in 50,000 cubic feet per second of flow. But I have to say, many people have conducted informal parties in and around that huge storm drain for decades. I too have swam in the areas upstream of Tulsa from the dam down to Newblock many times. The water is just like the Keystone Lake, because two hours earlier, it Was the Keystone Lake.

The Oklahoma River however is quite slow and shallow. Many people are not aware that its beginning is up near a small town known for miles around by its strong stockyards aroma. Very likely that's what percolated through the ground or went into the river and slowly made its way downstream into the swimmers intestinal tract. The very thing that makes it great for rowing and swimming a triathalon, also makes it more likely to make you sick. But that is true of any small, slow river that winds through pastureland. Like the Illinois River or Spavinaw Creek.

Here's the sad truth folks. Outdoors can be dangerous. :o

Still no bike racks at the new park. Tons of patrons, many of whom are chaining their bikes to lampposts or whatever is handy. Either that or leaving them unattended.

That's ridiculous.  Bike racks should have been included. 

I've noticed in the last few years that bike racks just don'e exist.  At the new(ish) Wal-Mart market at 21st and Yale.  At fast food places.  At grocery stores.  Normal places I will bike to . . . no bike rack.   Let alone parks.  ???

Maybe a city ordinance would do the trick?  Mayor Taylor are you listening?   ;)

These guys are listening.

http://tulsahub.org/

Bike racks are in! ;D

I know River Parks has discussed putting them in, glad they put that plan into action so quickly. 

I'd like to suggest that everyone email the Mayor's Action Center (MAC@cityoftulsa.org) and tell them how much you are enjoying the new plaza and the trails and we want more of the same.  I know I do, I hope you do too

bike racks would be nice at the new park, but so would parking spots, Ive tried to take my 2 year old there on numerous occasions, and can never find a spot to park, I suppose when the newness of it wears off, it may be easier to get in.

I've taken my kids their numerous times including on weekends and never had a problem. Especially on the parking spaces on the south side.

I'm glad they didn't ruin all that green space, its nice to have a park that looks like a park and it will hopefully encourage more people to walk or bike.  I can understand not wanting to travel far with a two year old and the impossible challenges though...

This would be a nice place for some kind of staffed bicycle hub station for those free pink bicycles, you could air up tires there and get information/donate there and all that kind of thing.

I did a short run on the RiverSide trail Sunday just south of the new playground and the riverbank eroision is getting really serious there. All the Parks Dept. seems to do is dump rocks into the caved in sections. If they let it go to long the eroision will damage the new trail.

No you didn't.

You know that the riverbank in that area was completely restructured and rebuilt last year right? If there were "signs of serious erosion" this quickly, brookside will be falling in by Christmas.

Should I borrow from the book of Lex Luthor (Superman movie) and buy at Brookside now to sell as Riverfront property in the near future? 

The area I seen was just south of the new playground at 41st & RiverSide Drive. They put up a fence and the erroision is undermining the fence. It gets bad at around 100 meters or so south of the playground, farther south the trail moves away from the riverbank. Workmen were putting up those new fancy light poles at the closed section of the trail, they should of been working on the riverbank to shore it up before it all collapses into the river.

I ran that section yesterday and took a good look at the area just south of the 41st/Riverside playground. The rather steep river bank runs roughly parallel to the new trail for about 100-150 yards. The "dropoff"...so to speak...is generally about 7-10 yards from the concrete border of the trail. There is a small section...marked by an orange construction fence...that comes a bit closer to the trail. Here...a dirt path is found that is obviously being using by trucks to haul the huge boulders for reinforcement. It's being worked on.

The shoreline will be fortified with rip rap to assist in erosion control, the schedule for this is being addressed.

Yes! I am currently in Tulsa this week and I ran 4 miles on the RiverSide Trail and was happy to see they did indeed fix all that riverbank damage, they filled in a sink hole with sod and built up the riverbank with rocks. That was good to see. The last time I ran there  in August a big section of the riverbank was collapsing. That was great to see   :D

Yes, it is fixed now  but it wasn't a few months ago- a part of the drop off was only about 5-6 feet from the new jogging trail just south of the playground. They built it up!