They have finally reopened the stretch of trail on the west bank from just south of the ped bridge near 31st to I-44. Thank you for the re-pave RPA, BUT... how can you re-pave a two mile section of trail and stop literally 10 feet or less from one of the worst wrist-breaking bumps? There were long sections of that trail which were in great shape and were re-paved, yet they elected to leave out one of the very worst 1 ft. sections.
There's still a major pipe-shaped dip (roughly 2"-3" deep/long over the full trail width) near the juncture of the asphalt that turns east to the bridge deck and goes on south, in part of the old paving. Anyone know if they are planning a further repave going to the north or are they done?
I hate giving back-handed compliments but I seriously cannot believe that someone in the RPA or the project manager did not see this dip and figure it was a good idea to bust it out and re-pave it. It's really a shame we simply must expect mediocrity and "good enough" out of our local government and various agencies when it costs little, if even anything more to do something the correct way.
Is this trail now open from I-44 to the ped bridge? I've been sticking to the east bank trails and haven't been over to check all summer.
Anyone know if they will ever install the lights along the west bank trail at the base of Turkey Mountains? They put in the concrete bases and they are wired but never put in the actual light poles.
I'm still hoping they eventually decide to extend that same west bank trail further south past 71st to connect to the Riverwalk Crossing trail at 91st. It would make those new apartments a lot more attractive and provide the final piece to the river 'loop' on both banks from 11th to 96th.
Yep open
Quote from: SXSW on August 20, 2010, 03:42:08 PM
Is this trail now open from I-44 to the ped bridge? I've been sticking to the east bank trails and haven't been over to check all summer.
Anyone know if they will ever install the lights along the west bank trail at the base of Turkey Mountains? They put in the concrete bases and they are wired but never put in the actual light poles.
I'm still hoping they eventually decide to extend that same west bank trail further south past 71st to connect to the Riverwalk Crossing trail at 91st. It would make those new apartments a lot more attractive and provide the final piece to the river 'loop' on both banks from 11th to 96th.
That part of the trail is actually in a city park, not riverparks. The Creeks were supposed to do a big part of that section.
Quote from: sgrizzle on August 20, 2010, 09:59:12 PM
That part of the trail is actually in a city park, not riverparks. The Creeks were supposed to do a big part of that section.
On the west bank? I know they have plans to re-route the trail around their casino on the east bank. I don't know the timetable for that project though. It would be nice to see them continue the same dual hike/bike trail theme down there so you could potentially have the dual trails all the way from 96th to 11th along the east bank. Just a single trail from 96th to 11th on the west bank would be fine, but it needs the connection between Riverwalk Crossing and Turkey Mountain.
Any idea on the timeline for when the Creek's are going to reroute the bike path along riverside?
Also curious if anybody know's if/when the path will be extended on the river's east side, south of 96th.
Noticed the other day, near Bixby North Elementary on 121st street, there's now a bike path from 121st to somewhere south... not sure when it goes, but I'm assuming it will eventually meet up with the path going across the river at Washington Irving Park.
Slowly, but surely the area's bike paths are expanding. I like it!
What I recall is that the Creek Nation said they would relocate the trail if money was left after construction of the new casino. The casino is finished, open, they've converted the old one to an "event center," but no trail relocation. I'm not holding my breath. Perhaps when a cyclist gets run over at one of the three intersections they'll do something.
There is a long-range plan to extend the trail to Bixby, but I suspect that revenues are short enough that it isn't going to happen for a long time.
The Creeks have the money to do it. It would be nice to see the Kaiser foundation pledge to continue the dual trails south of 71st (where they currently end) down to the casino and then the Creeks would fund the construction through their property with Kaiser finishing the trail to 96th behind King's Landing to connect to the Jenks bridge. The dual trails from 96th to 11th would be really nice. It is my understanding the section underneath I-44 will be dual trail once they wrap up construction there. I don't know the timeline.
Quote from: SXSW on August 24, 2010, 04:00:44 PM
The Creeks have the money to do it. It would be nice to see the Kaiser foundation pledge to continue the dual trails south of 71st (where they currently end) down to the casino and then the Creeks would fund the construction through their property with Kaiser finishing the trail to 96th behind King's Landing to connect to the Jenks bridge. The dual trails from 96th to 11th would be really nice. It is my understanding the section underneath I-44 will be dual trail once they wrap up construction there. I don't know the timeline.
That would be nice, I'm enjoying the separate trails as it makes for a safer experience for everyone along there.
It would be nice if some community pressure could arise to motivate The Creeks to move the trail. I've seen countless close calls with bikers and cars over there. It's only a matter of time before something happens.
That new event center at River Spirit Casino will bring in even more traffic, so relocating the trails would be a safer idea, otherwise something bad if not tragic could happen between a car & trail user. I would suggest putting the tail behind the casino & event center to prevent something from happening with the increased traffic that will now be going to a concert or something at the new center.
Quote from: railfan955 on August 25, 2010, 10:04:51 AM
That new event center at River Spirit Casino will bring in even more traffic, so relocating the trails would be a safer idea, otherwise something bad if not tragic could happen between a car & trail user. I would suggest putting the tail behind the casino & event center to prevent something from happening with the increased traffic that will now be going to a concert or something at the new center.
You are more optimistic about the "bingo room -> wrestling ring -> event center" than I am
Quote from: sgrizzle on August 25, 2010, 11:17:49 AM
You are more optimistic about the "bingo room -> wrestling ring -> event center" than I am
They have a big banner up saying Loverboy is coming to the events center. Time to break out the bandanas and red pleather pants....
Quote from: swake on August 25, 2010, 11:49:37 AM
They have a big banner up saying Loverboy is coming to the events center. Time to break out the bandanas and red pleather pants....
Us talking about this trail makes me wonder where the purveyor of cooked cabbage has been hiding for the last month....
Quote from: Hoss on August 25, 2010, 12:18:47 PM
Us talking about this trail makes me wonder where the purveyor of cooked cabbage has been hiding for the last month....
Omaha library must have cut back the access hours again
Quote from: Hoss on August 25, 2010, 12:18:47 PM
Us talking about this trail makes me wonder where the purveyor of cooked cabbage has been hiding for the last month....
He is either out shucking corn for harvest, or upset at the swipes taken at him.
When they redo the section between 48th and 58th on the east side of the river, it'd be awfully nice if they'd figure out a way to keep it open. Something like what they do on interstates when they're reconstructed and traffic is all pushed onto one side.
Or they could always just carve out a lane on Riverside with jersey barriers and direct runners/bikers over there. But that doesn't seem likely here. Maybe Portland or something.
When the new entrance for the River Spirit Casino was built they did create a bypass lane for cyclists and runners. They didn't use Jersey barriers, only the ubiquitous orange barrels and yellow tape. Perhaps they'll do the same if they ever do the section under I-44. There is a significant difference in traffic load between 51st and 81st to 91st, though.
Did you see the article in this morning's Tulsa World about new bicycle legislation? I had no idea there was already a 3-foot rule in Oklahoma. You wouldn't know it from experience.
Quote from: TheTed on August 26, 2010, 12:22:57 PM
When they redo the section between 48th and 58th on the east side of the river, it'd be awfully nice if they'd figure out a way to keep it open. Something like what they do on interstates when they're reconstructed and traffic is all pushed onto one side.
Or they could always just carve out a lane on Riverside with jersey barriers and direct runners/bikers over there. But that doesn't seem likely here. Maybe Portland or something.
Quote from: cynical on August 26, 2010, 01:19:50 PM
When the new entrance for the River Spirit Casino was built they did create a bypass lane for cyclists and runners. They didn't use Jersey barriers, only the ubiquitous orange barrels and yellow tape. Perhaps they'll do the same if they ever do the section under I-44. There is a significant difference in traffic load between 51st and 81st to 91st, though.
Did you see the article in this morning's Tulsa World about new bicycle legislation? I had no idea there was already a 3-foot rule in Oklahoma. You wouldn't know it from experience.
I'm pretty sure it's funded and planned and will be dual trail. It should start as soon as they are all finished with I-44 at Riverside; no idea when they expect to be completely finished though. They will have to build a new bridge for the trails just south of I-44, that current wooden bridge is too narrow.
WB Trail I-44 to Turkey Mountain *Lights* - Yes, there will be lights! Sadly, installation coordination with PSO of these lights is not moving very quickly.
WB Trail from Ped Bridge to Festival Park - This portion of trail has been bid as of June 2010 and expect construction to be complete summer 2011.
Creek Casino Trail - This portion of trail has been designed to go behind the casino and events buildings avoiding traffic entering and exiting the casino. Possible future construction on the property creates questions for the trail alignment. Waiting for the go ahead from the casino side.
General notes:
not all areas will have dual trails :(
not all trails can remain open during construction or have the budget built for a temporary trail-efforts to leave trails open or create detours are done when feasible (current example on WB south side of the 21st street bridge near the skate park)
Quote from: Ihearttacos on August 26, 2010, 05:05:17 PM
WB Trail I-44 to Turkey Mountain *Lights* - Yes, there will be lights! Sadly, installation coordination with PSO of these lights is not moving very quickly.
WB Trail from Ped Bridge to Festival Park - This portion of trail has been bid as of June 2010 and expect construction to be complete summer 2011.
Creek Casino Trail - This portion of trail has been designed to go behind the casino and events buildings avoiding traffic entering and exiting the casino. Possible future construction on the property creates questions for the trail alignment. Waiting for the go ahead from the casino side.
General notes:
not all areas will have dual trails :(
not all trails can remain open during construction or have the budget built for a temporary trail-efforts to leave trails open or create detours are done when feasible (current example on WB south side of the 21st street bridge near the skate park)
Good stuff!
I was unaware of the Festival Park trail construction on my latest run. Had planned a 6.5 mile loop (going back across the Pedestrian Bridge)...but it turned into 8.5 mile out and back. The wood bridge just south of Festival Park had been dismantled.
Quote from: Ihearttacos on August 26, 2010, 05:05:17 PM
WB Trail I-44 to Turkey Mountain *Lights* - Yes, there will be lights! Sadly, installation coordination with PSO of these lights is not moving very quickly.
WB Trail from Ped Bridge to Festival Park - This portion of trail has been bid as of June 2010 and expect construction to be complete summer 2011.
Creek Casino Trail - This portion of trail has been designed to go behind the casino and events buildings avoiding traffic entering and exiting the casino. Possible future construction on the property creates questions for the trail alignment. Waiting for the go ahead from the casino side.
General notes:
not all areas will have dual trails :(
not all trails can remain open during construction or have the budget built for a temporary trail-efforts to leave trails open or create detours are done when feasible (current example on WB south side of the 21st street bridge near the skate park)
The entire east bank should be dual trail from 96th to 11th, if possible. They will have already done it that way from 71st to 11th, why not extend all the way to the Jenks bridge? I'm okay with the less-used west bank trails being single lane though. Lights along the west bank by Turkey Mtn. will be a nice addition. And it will look really cool driving across the 71st and I-44 bridges at night.
Quote from: SXSW on August 27, 2010, 08:01:33 AM
The entire east bank should be dual trail from 96th to 11th, if possible. They will have already done it that way from 71st to 11th, why not extend all the way to the Jenks bridge?
Everything south of 71st is not Riverparks.
http://riverparks.org/user/documents/maps/River-Parks-Map.pdf
I put a post on RPA's Facebook and got whomever maintains the FB page to respond. They said they were aware of the dip I described and could someone take a picture of it and submit it. I've not had time to go back and get a pic yet. Couldn't Matt Meyer or one of his staffers take 30 minutes out of their day to do that. Or get the Rpa cop to drive the Smart Car down to investigate? Is that asking too much out of people in a public authority?
Quote from: Conan71 on August 27, 2010, 09:29:23 AM
I put a post on RPA's Facebook and got whomever maintains the FB page to respond. They said they were aware of the dip I described and could someone take a picture of it and submit it. I've not had time to go back and get a pic yet. Couldn't Matt Meyer or one of his staffers take 30 minutes out of their day to do that. Or get the Rpa cop to drive the Smart Car down to investigate? Is that asking too much out of people in a public authority?
We are talking about a LARGE park to maintain. I am sure they will or are looking into the matter it might be a matter of locating the specific portion of the trail and providing a visual for them to assess how to handle the problem. Since part of the west bank is under construction and another portion was just finished, you could have been referring to a new portion and that might need to fall back on the contractor who did the construction. In that case a photo to forward on would be helpful. There are also at least two other construction projects on the east bank, their hands might be a little full with bigger picture items. The RPA FB maintainer might also be under the impression that you are a frequent user of the trails and might be able to take a photo on your daily trail visit.
Quote from: Conan71 on August 27, 2010, 09:29:23 AM
I put a post on RPA's Facebook and got whomever maintains the FB page to respond. They said they were aware of the dip I described and could someone take a picture of it and submit it. I've not had time to go back and get a pic yet. Couldn't Matt Meyer or one of his staffers take 30 minutes out of their day to do that. Or get the Rpa cop to drive the Smart Car down to investigate? Is that asking too much out of people in a public authority?
It's a pretty small staff. There are several people who run that page (cough) but for instance Matt Carver, who responded to you, is their social/web/graphics guy and he only works a couple of days a week.
Apologists. I run across the pedestrian several times a week and simply looked to my left as I exited to the west side path. They just stopped short of coming to the bridge.
But really Conan. Aren't all you bike guys proud of your "tough" persona? Do like I do when a biker swoops by me as I run the paths...close your eyes, hold your breath and utter a simple profanity. ;)
Quote from: sgrizzle on August 27, 2010, 08:17:08 AM
Everything south of 71st is not Riverparks.
http://riverparks.org/user/documents/maps/River-Parks-Map.pdf
On the east bank it is, all the way to the Creek Turnpike. I wonder what it would take for RiverParks to be extended south of 71st on the west bank? Or at least the trail on private property?
Quote from: SXSW on August 27, 2010, 01:23:13 PM
On the east bank it is, all the way to the Creek Turnpike. I wonder what it would take for RiverParks to be extended south of 71st on the west bank? Or at least the trail on private property?
East bank south of 71st is City of Tulsa, not Riverparks.
What about the rail line that runs from 71st and ends at Kimberly Clark? It appears that PSO no longer uses the sidings at the power plant and the only other siding is at Kimberly Clark, the track ends at stream just south of the plant. Do they still use it?
The two power plants in Jenks are both natural gas so there is little need to haul freight regularly.
Quote from: dbacks fan on August 27, 2010, 01:51:21 PM
What about the rail line that runs from 71st and ends at Kimberly Clark? It appears that PSO no longer uses the sidings at the power plant and the only other siding is at Kimberly Clark, the track ends at stream just south of the plant. Do they still use it?
Kimberly Clark brings in paper on it, or used to. I think only once per day or less. I've lived in Jenks for 10 years and have only seen a train go through 5-6 times. It is a line targeted for mass transit because the freight load is so low. The long stalled River District had a passenger train stop planned on the line.
Jenks' trail system links to the Tulsa trails via the pedestrian bridge at 96th and goes to the riverwalk and by the Aquarium and also over to Elm (Peoria) and newly down Elm to 111th. The west bank trail at the Riverwalk is supposed to be extended on the River to the Aquarium as part of the new Los Cabos owned restaurant that's now under construction between the Holiday Inn and the Aquarium. The other existing trail goes on the other side of the Aquarium and it's parking lots before going west to Elm and isnt' really that close.
is this the one?
At present the pedestrian bridge in Jenks is not usable. The local teens have decided it's a great place to hang out and break bottles. The west end of the bridge is strewn with glass. Result last week: 3 crossings, 2 flat tires. This week: no crossings, no flat tires.
I don't know if they occasionally sweep the bridge or just wait for our tires to carry off the glass.
Iheart that's about the right place. The one I described on here and FB is approximately 10 ft or so south of where the new paving ended near the intersecting transition path to the bridge. I typically road ride and train in OKC about half the time these days and have been traveling to races and touring rides every weekend for the last two months. I'm finding myself on the trail system maybe once every week to every other week right now. I like the west bank loop and that's why I brought thisup in the first place I find it between ironic and unbelievable that on a two mile stretch of trail no one in RPA management nor the paving contractor saw this and saw the need to try and secure funding for 10 more feet of asphalt. All the runners, walkers, and cyclists have known of this hazard for years.
Tulsa-Sapulpa Union RR uses the tracks in Jenks.
http://www.tsurailway.com/
Quote from: Conan71 on August 27, 2010, 09:50:28 PM
Iheart that's about the right place. The one I described on here and FB is approximately 10 ft or so south of where the new paving ended near the intersecting transition path to the bridge. I typically road ride and train in OKC about half the time these days and have been traveling to races and touring rides every weekend for the last two months. I'm finding myself on the trail system maybe once every week to every other week right now. I like the west bank loop and that's why I brought thisup in the first place I find it between ironic and unbelievable that on a two mile stretch of trail no one in RPA management nor the paving contractor saw this and saw the need to try and secure funding for 10 more feet of asphalt. All the runners, walkers, and cyclists have known of this hazard for years.
phasing just worked out that way. But the phase that includes this portion, Festival park to Pedestrian Bridge of trail is currently under construction and is moving quickly south towards the pedestrian bridge and will meet up with the recently paved portion that passes by PSO. The good news is that this portion being worked on will be a 10' wide dual trails or single 20' wide trails when complete.
Awesome, thanks for the update. I didn't want to sound unappreciative of the work it was just weird that one of the worst bumps in a 2 mile stretch was not included. Good to know its in the next phase.
Looks like Festival Park is getting an upgrade as well starting in late 2011. I really wish they could somehow acquire the Mid-Continent concrete plant and expand the park there. A huge park in that location would be a major asset. I'm thinking expanded amphitheatre, more green space, gardens, a larger boathouse facility, etc. with great city and river views. It would definitely improve the view from the Blue Rose. :)
Last I knew, the lagoon was getting filled in. Not sure what that does to the structure of the amphitheater or whether that's still the plan. That camr from someone at INCOG who knew what they are talking about, not idle bar chatter. This came up when we were doing the planning for the boathouse expansion last year.
I understood the theater was being moved onto the land between the lagoon and parking lots.
Quote from: Townsend on August 30, 2010, 10:55:36 PM
I understood the theater was being moved onto the land between the lagoon and parking lots.
Are there any renderings available?
It's been discussed here before, but does anyone know why the theater is no longer used? The restrooms are still in good repair and the stage looks fine to me.
Quote from: Conan71 on August 31, 2010, 11:06:20 AM
It's been discussed here before, but does anyone know why the theater is no longer used? The restrooms are still in good repair and the stage looks fine to me.
A couple of months ago I asked about using it and they said the water levels were off and they couldn't dock it.
Quote from: Conan71 on August 31, 2010, 11:06:20 AM
It's been discussed here before, but does anyone know why the theater is no longer used? The restrooms are still in good repair and the stage looks fine to me.
Is it not being used this Friday for the STS9/Ghostland Observatory concert?
http://www.riverparks.org/calendar.aspx (http://www.riverparks.org/calendar.aspx)
SXSW, it's been some time since there's been a show on that stage, FAIK. All the events I'm aware of have set up a stage in the area south of the amphitheater.
Quote from: Conan71 on August 31, 2010, 11:06:20 AM
It's been discussed here before, but does anyone know why the theater is no longer used? The restrooms are still in good repair and the stage looks fine to me.
last time we saw a show there the lagoon smelled so bad we had to leave. Apparently the geese spend all of their time there eating the grass and well. . .processing it. The water does not move, so it gets a nice green slime covering that causes the anaerobic to grow on the bottom. Any little agitation in the water makes thousands of little stinky bubbles gurgle to the top.
I don't know if that's the reason behind it's abandon, but it is nasty.
Out of curiosity, the 11pm-5am curfew isn't actually enforced against people trying to use the trails, is it? I assume they just use it to keep bums from camping out there, right?
It makes no sense to prevent cyclists from using the trails at night. It's still safer than the alternative. Roads don't close to cars at night, and some use the river trails as transportation as much as recreation. I frequently ride down to brookside for eating/drinking/groceries after 11pm and haven't been hassled yet.
Quote from: Conan71 on August 31, 2010, 12:51:01 PM
SXSW, it's been some time since there's been a show on that stage, FAIK. All the events I'm aware of have set up a stage in the area south of the amphitheater.
I went with my wife and friends every Tuesday for weeks over the summer for Symphony at Sunset. They performed on the floating stage every time but once. The only time they didn't was due to a heavy rain that made it difficult to take equipment across the plank.
As far as the smell Gaspar? I've noted the goose love all over but never a smell from it.
Quote from: Townsend on August 31, 2010, 01:50:43 PM
I went with my wife and friends every Tuesday for weeks over the summer for Symphony at Sunset. They performed on the floating stage every time but once. The only time they didn't was due to a heavy rain that made it difficult to take equipment across the plank.
As far as the smell Gaspar? I've noted the goose love all over but never a smell from it.
I'ts been a while. We haven't gone down there in at least a year. The smell was always from the stagnate water. We were watching a Keller Williams performance down there a couple of years back and noticed that when ever the group on the stage would move around the water would bubble around the edges of the stage and at one point, Keller himself commented on the smell.
They need to figure out a way to keep the water moving in that little lagoon.
Quote from: Gaspar on August 31, 2010, 01:56:02 PM
I'ts been a while. We haven't gone down there in at least a year. The smell was always from the stagnate water. We were watching a Keller Williams performance down there a couple of years back and noticed that when ever the group on the stage would move around the water would bubble around the edges of the stage and at one point, Keller himself commented on the smell.
They need to figure out a way to keep the water moving in that little lagoon.
That could be methane getting trapped under the stage from things rotting under water.
I agree though, the opening to the lagoon should've been placed on the North end. That would've allowed more circulation.
I believe there is a drain pipe on the north end of the lagoon, I would assume to keep some exchange of water going in there. It may well be silited 1/2 full. I was not aware S.A.S. was being done on the floating stage this year, great to know it's been in use. I'm gone so much these days and when I am in town, I'm usually at work or on two wheels.
Why not keep the lagoon but get rid of the jetty? That would allow water to circulate better.
Current map of the trails completed, under construction, and planned
(http://www.tulsaworld.com//articleimages/2010/A3trailmap0831.jpg)
Quote from: Townsend on August 31, 2010, 02:06:11 PM
That could be methane getting trapped under the stage from things rotting under water.
I wondered what happened to FB and FOTD.
I was on the west bank trail yesterday and noticed they have started putting in the lights along the paved trail by Turkey Mountain! Just a few of them but a good sign; maybe we can have a lighted trail by summer!?
The west bank trail is now complete from 71st to the Pedestrian Bridge, and also from the 21st St. Bridge to the boathouse. The section between the 21st Bridge and the Ped Bridge is under construction and looks like it will finish sometime in the next couple months depending on weather. Not sure when they are going to start working on the trail north of the boathouse to 11th/SW Blvd...I assume that will be dual-trail too?
Still hoping it is announced soon that they will rebuild the trails south of 71st and route them behind the casino to the Jenks Bridge. If they are dual trail all the better..
Quote from: SXSW on February 14, 2011, 06:26:04 PM
I was on the west bank trail yesterday and noticed they have started putting in the lights along the paved trail by Turkey Mountain! Just a few of them but a good sign; maybe we can have a lighted trail by summer!?
It's only been what, two years since they poured the concrete pedestals for the lights? ;)
Seems like it would be pretty easy to put a fountain pump out in the middle of that thing. Would provide some pretty and aerate the water so wouldn't get so stagnant. Probably could add some goldfish to eat the algae.
Am I the only one who thinks we oughta just move out of the west bank? Wouldn't a new festival area at the Blair Mansion property be the ticket? Sure you'd have to have underground parking somewhere to keep the integrity of the residential area, but this makes WAY too much sense instead of investing in that joke of a shell on the West bank.
Sure, keep Oktoberfest on the west side so that the pukers and partiers can trample the crap out of that rarely used land.
But an outdoor amphitheater makes the most sense at Blair. I'd like to see the green space kept at Blair, but with some added touches to make it a little more "functional" as a public space.
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on February 15, 2011, 02:09:23 PM
Seems like it would be pretty easy to put a fountain pump out in the middle of that thing. Would provide some pretty and aerate the water so wouldn't get so stagnant. Probably could add some goldfish to eat the algae.
Do you even go to River Parks?
First, there's almost always flow through the Zink Lake area, even when you see sand bars across the water. Second, there's a fountain just north of the pedestrian bridge, and third, the water moves too fast for algae to form.
Quote from: Conan71 on February 15, 2011, 03:33:31 PM
Do you even go to River Parks?
First, there's almost always flow through the Zink Lake area, even when you see sand bars across the water. Second, there's a fountain just north of the pedestrian bridge, and third, the water moves too fast for algae to form.
I haven't seen the fountains on lately, likely due to the weather. Looking forward to seeing them on in the spring.
Quote from: Conan71 on February 15, 2011, 03:33:31 PM
Do you even go to River Parks?
First, there's almost always flow through the Zink Lake area, even when you see sand bars across the water. Second, there's a fountain just north of the pedestrian bridge, and third, the water moves too fast for algae to form.
I think he is refering to the lagoon where the amphitheater is at
Haven't been there in about two years. And that was in response to Gaspar was talking about the stagnation in "pond-ish" area at the amphitheater (unless I just misunderstood where he was talking about). Just a thought to aerate the water.
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on February 16, 2011, 01:07:39 PM
Haven't been there in about two years. And that was in response to Gaspar was talking about the stagnation in "pond-ish" area at the amphitheater (unless I just misunderstood where he was talking about). Just a thought to aerate the water.
Thanks for clarifying. Yes that would have been a very good design element. As far as algae growth, you still don't see any in the lagoon. if any does grow there, the ducks and geese do a good job of getting rid of it apparently.
You could probably solve a lot of the lagoon's problems just by getting rid of the jetty and having it be an open cove. That way water could circulate better. Would probably be cheaper than filling it in too, unless they really just wanted to get rid of it.
If it stayed and they removed the jetty, it would be cool to see a boardwalk built along the west edge right up against the water next to the hike/bike trail by Westport. The trail already is really close to the water there. Something like this in Washington DC:
(http://www.jdland.com/dc/images/events/yards-park-100907-ribboncutting%20058.JPG)
The view from the boardwalk, especially with the jetty gone, would be pretty awesome:
(http://image1.apartmentguide.com/imgr/babd7dc8e760a992ed7a9c9cbbce0bbb/550-367)
Quote from: SXSW on February 14, 2011, 06:26:04 PM
The west bank trail is now complete from 71st to the Pedestrian Bridge, and also from the 21st St. Bridge to the boathouse. The section between the 21st Bridge and the Ped Bridge is under construction and looks like it will finish sometime in the next couple months depending on weather. Not sure when they are going to start working on the trail north of the boathouse to 11th/SW Blvd...I assume that will be dual-trail too?
Still hoping it is announced soon that they will rebuild the trails south of 71st and route them behind the casino to the Jenks Bridge. If they are dual trail all the better..
I guess I skimmed over the "also the ped bridge" portion of your post. I tried to bike a downtown>east bank>71st St Bridge>Ped Bridge>31st>Cincy/Boston>downtown loop.
I got to the west landing of the ped bridge and they're serious about closing down that thing. Three or four barriers, barbed wire. Oh well, riding back on Southwest Blvd probably got the blood pumping a little more than the trail would've.
I sure hope they finish with the ped bridge and its connection to west bank trails heading south soon. That closure just screws any connectivity.
Also, there's a mile or less of the east bank trail closed south of I-44. They have the right lane coned off for construction vehicles. But that lane was basically unused, so it made a nice little bike detour for that portion of closed trail. The sign said 'trail closed 2-16 and 2-17, so I guess that means it's almost done.
Quote from: TheTed on February 17, 2011, 02:47:38 PM
I guess I skimmed over the "also the ped bridge" portion of your post. I tried to bike a downtown>east bank>71st St Bridge>Ped Bridge>31st>Cincy/Boston>downtown loop.
I got to the west landing of the ped bridge and they're serious about closing down that thing. Three or four barriers, barbed wire. Oh well, riding back on Southwest Blvd probably got the blood pumping a little more than the trail would've.
I sure hope they finish with the ped bridge and its connection to west bank trails heading south soon. That closure just screws any connectivity.
Also, there's a mile or less of the east bank trail closed south of I-44. They have the right lane coned off for construction vehicles. But that lane was basically unused, so it made a nice little bike detour for that portion of closed trail. The sign said 'trail closed 2-16 and 2-17, so I guess that means it's almost done.
Yeah I noticed that too about the Pedestrian Bridge. I assume they want to finish up the trails by the landing first (between the bridge and 21st) before reopening the bridge to joggers and bikes. It will be really nice once it's all finished in a couple months.
I'm not sure what the timetable is for the trail around I-44. I know they are doing some major utility work in the area right now, and they will be doing work at I-44 later this year. I think they are waiting for everything to be finished first before making that section dual-trail. That's one of my favorite parts of the trail, especially where you wind through the trees just south of I-44.
http://www.riverparks.org/trail-conditions.html
This nifty map on the River Parks site says the west bank trail from 23rd to the Pedestrian Bridge is scheduled for March completion.
The east bank trail between 53rd and 58th is currently passable but will be closed from March-July for widening.
That really sucks. Guess I'll be spending more time on the downtown-Sand Springs trail. Though it is a nice change of pace to dodge passed out drunks and kids smoking up instead of the joggers you dodge in the River Parks.
Quote from: TheTed on February 18, 2011, 12:39:02 PM
http://www.riverparks.org/trail-conditions.html
This nifty map on the River Parks site says the west bank trail from 23rd to the Pedestrian Bridge is scheduled for March completion.
The east bank trail between 53rd and 58th is currently passable but will be closed from March-July for widening.
That really sucks. Guess I'll be spending more time on the downtown-Sand Springs trail. Though it is a nice change of pace to dodge passed out drunks and kids smoking up instead of the joggers you dodge in the River Parks.
Thanks for the info. The last stretch will be 49th to 53rd, which is the part that goes under I-44.
Quote from: SXSW on February 14, 2011, 06:26:04 PM
I was on the west bank trail yesterday and noticed they have started putting in the lights along the paved trail by Turkey Mountain! Just a few of them but a good sign; maybe we can have a lighted trail by summer!?
Looks like they're doing quite a bit of work on the installation of lights today. Some crews on the northbound trail exit from Turkey Mountain, going down the hill. Some more crews up by the wastewater treatment plant.
Have they opened 21st to 31st on the west bank yet?
Any ideas on when they will be done south of I-44 to 61st?
Quote from: Conan71 on April 12, 2011, 03:33:23 PM
Have they opened 21st to 31st on the west bank yet?
Any ideas on when they will be done south of I-44 to 61st?
West bank is open all the way. They're just doing landscaping in that area.
The River Parks website says the east bank south of I-44 will be completed in early July. Sucks there's no on-street route to avoid that due to suburban street design in that neighborhood. But riding on Riverside for half a mile sure is a good workout. Interval training with the fear of death to raise the HR a little more.
Quote from: TheTed on April 12, 2011, 04:25:28 PM
West bank is open all the way. They're just doing landscaping in that area.
The River Parks website says the east bank south of I-44 will be completed in early July. Sucks there's no on-street route to avoid that due to suburban street design in that neighborhood. But riding on Riverside for half a mile sure is a good workout. Interval training with the fear of death to raise the HR a little more.
LOL, it's almost as good as pit bull intervals...
Quote from: Conan71 on April 12, 2011, 04:28:06 PM
LOL, it's almost as good as pit bull intervals...
LOL! Reminds me, I had a rather large snake fall out of one of the trees as I was riding my bike under it. It landed on my neck. Inspiring workout!
Quote from: TheTed on April 12, 2011, 04:25:28 PM
The River Parks website says the east bank south of I-44 will be completed in early July. Sucks there's no on-street route to avoid that due to suburban street design in that neighborhood. But riding on Riverside for half a mile sure is a good workout. Interval training with the fear of death to raise the HR a little more.
You're braver than I am... I have been riding from Southwest Blvd & Riverside to the Creek trails via Turkey Mountain for awhile now to avoid that short stint on Riverside on the east bank.
You said the east side is passable - is it still a dirt surface?
After July when the dual trail is complete south of I-44 to 56th St there will only be one last part to finish, the portion underneath I-44 itself and a few hundred feet on each side north and south. That includes the wooden bridge just south of the highway where the bank slopes off next to the trail and Riverside...will be interesting to see if they build up that edge or build a new wider bridge.
The west bank trails are open and are fantastic...they are just doing some final landscaping in parts.
Still hoping GKFF decides to extend the dual trails south to 96th (the Jenks ped bridge), and that they can work with the Creeks to route the trails by the river at the casino. It is annoying and dangerous to have to cross the multiples entrances at River Spirit.
It really is a great network of trails that could be even bigger and better. I've had people from other cities wish they had such nice trails and those that have them wish they were as accessible to the city as RiverParks is to much of Tulsa.
Quote from: SXSW on April 12, 2011, 05:06:21 PM
After July when the dual trail is complete south of I-44 to 56th St there will only be one last part to finish, the portion underneath I-44 itself and a few hundred feet on each side north and south. That includes the wooden bridge just south of the highway where the bank slopes off next to the trail and Riverside...will be interesting to see if they build up that edge or build a new wider bridge.
The west bank trails are open and are fantastic...they are just doing some final landscaping in parts.
Still hoping GKFF decides to extend the dual trails south to 96th (the Jenks ped bridge), and that they can work with the Creeks to route the trails by the river at the casino. It is annoying and dangerous to have to cross the multiples entrances at River Spirit.
It really is a great network of trails that could be even bigger and better. I've had people from other cities wish they had such nice trails and those that have them wish they were as accessible to the city as RiverParks is to much of Tulsa.
I'm forever irritated that the Creeks are shirking their part of the bargain in moving the trails behind their Casino. They promised it and it's not happening. It would cost far less than any other improvement they made on their property. I can't tell you how many times I've seen a near miss on their three entrances. Some of the blame falls on people using the trails but more often, it's someone trying to get ahead of someone else to get their Lucky Strikes or someone drunk off their donkey leaving the casino in a bad mood after a hard day at 5pm.
No reason for this to have not been done about 5 years ago.
The way I remember the deal was that the Creeks would move the trail if they had sufficient money left from construction of the new casino to do so. At the time I figured it was a dead issue because
no one ever has money left over after construction.
Crossing those entrances scares the **** out of me. I took a header over the bars once at 91st and Riverside near the smoke shop because a car cut me off. My helmet saved my life, though it broke in three places.
Quote from: Conan71 on April 13, 2011, 12:39:03 AM
I'm forever irritated that the Creeks are shirking their part of the bargain in moving the trails behind their Casino. They promised it and it's not happening. It would cost far less than any other improvement they made on their property. I can't tell you how many times I've seen a near miss on their three entrances. Some of the blame falls on people using the trails but more often, it's someone trying to get ahead of someone else to get their Lucky Strikes or someone drunk off their donkey leaving the casino in a bad mood after a hard day at 5pm.
No reason for this to have not been done about 5 years ago.
Quote from: cynical on April 13, 2011, 11:49:19 AM
The way I remember the deal was that the Creeks would move the trail if they had sufficient money left from construction of the new casino to do so. At the time I figured it was a dead issue because no one ever has money left over after construction.
Crossing those entrances scares the **** out of me. I took a header over the bars once at 91st and Riverside near the smoke shop because a car cut me off. My helmet saved my life, though it broke in three places.
Yes that really needs to be done...I don't trust the Creeks to do it alone though. They will need help from GKFF, which would be fine because then the entire east bank would be dual trail between the major crossings at 96th and 11th (as well as 71st, ped bridge and 21st). Once that's complete then maybe they can do the entire west bank...
Quote from: SXSW on April 13, 2011, 11:55:44 AM
Yes that really needs to be done...I don't trust the Creeks to do it alone though. They will need help from GKFF, which would be fine because then the entire east bank would be dual trail between the major crossings at 96th and 11th (as well as 71st, ped bridge and 21st). Once that's complete then maybe they can do the entire west bank...
Hell, they've probably got as much money as GKFF laying around from all the degenerate gamblers who donate to their cause.
Conan,
You finding any paths in OKC, Midwest City area?? I spend my time down there in Valley Brook area and the only path is to the strip joints on 59th.
I can only find about 7 miles of paths there, all up around Hefner and Overholser. Makes Tulsa look all the better - again.
Quote from: Conan71 on April 13, 2011, 12:04:03 PM
Hell, they've probably got as much money as GKFF laying around from all the degenerate gamblers who donate to their cause.
They don't ;)
Hopefully the reroute will get done. The smoke-shop / main north-side entrance is always scary. Atleast when I typically ride it isn't
too busy...
I wonder if that reroute delay has to do with their rumored hotel tower?
Quote from: we vs us on April 14, 2011, 01:27:08 PM
I wonder if that reroute delay has to do with their rumored hotel tower?
That really shouldn't make a difference as their footprint will remain the same, right? Or is this something going to the south of the existing complex. They have asphalt just about all the way to the creek on the north end of their property. I can't imagine the trail project for simple asphalt being more than $250 to $500K for that stretch unless they've found out they need to do some bank stabilization then that's a whole other kettle of fish.
Quote from: Conan71 on April 14, 2011, 10:51:21 PM
That really shouldn't make a difference as their footprint will remain the same, right? Or is this something going to the south of the existing complex. They have asphalt just about all the way to the creek on the north end of their property. I can't imagine the trail project for simple asphalt being more than $250 to $500K for that stretch unless they've found out they need to do some bank stabilization then that's a whole other kettle of fish.
I thought the plan was to put the trail on a boardwalk on the river and moving it away from the street? I swear I saw bridges in the plan which would raise the price tag a bit.
I honestly don't know where the tower might be (the rumors have it literally all over that parcel of land, including partially in the river), but wondered if that unknown might be the thing that keeps them from deciding further on moving the trail.
Depending on what they wanted to do, wouldn't they have to put a bridge over the creek to the north of the parcel as well?
The east bank portion south of I-44 is now open. It's been closed since March-ish.
The only thing left on the east bank is the part under I-44, from 48th to 58th. Hopefully they don't close that anytime soon, as the east bank trail has already been a dead end for all spring and part of the summer, until now.