River Parks Trail System

Oklahoma consistently ranks in the top 10 for obesity.  That's ridiculous!  It's time to change that and there is no better place to start than River Parks.  The River Parks Trail System is truly Tulsa's crown jewel.  It got its start in 1974 as part of a civic project designed to celebrate Tulsa's 75th birthday.  With 2 million in urban renewal funds, the first steps were the installation of the asphalt-surfaced trails and the conversion of the railroad bridge into the pedestrian bridge located at 29th street.

In recent years, thanks to a combination of private and public funding, most notably a generous grant of 12.4 million from the George Kaiser Family Foundation, the trail system has grown and expanded.  The heart of the trail runs from 11th to 101st street on the east side of the river.  From 11th street you can travel a little further north and find yourself on the "Katy" trail, taking you into Sand Springs, or head west from 11th and you will cross the river and find yourself on the west bank, which runs from 11th to 71st street and connects to Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness.

From the 29th street bridge, head east and find yourself on the Midland Valley Trail (an old railway path that has recently undergone a much needed update) taking you into the heart of downtown.  At the south end of the trail, you can turn at 96th street and connect to the Creek Turnpike Trail, taking you to the NSU campus at BA.

With 26 miles of paved trails, you can easily bike or walk from Sand Springs to Broken Arrow and never leave the trail system.  Now that's impressive.

Some highlights of the trail -

Tulsa Townies - launched in 2007 by Saint Francis Health System (hence the pink color) to promote an active lifestyle, this project is one of a kind in northeastern Oklahoma.  Research has shown that cycling helps burn calories and improve cardiovascular fitness.  And although it's not a proven scientific fact, I truly believe that nothing comes as close to making you feel like you're 9 years old again like riding a bike.  The old-fashioned "townie" bikes can be checked out from one of four kiosks along the trail.  Although there is no fee to check out a townie, you will need a credit card for identification purposes and to prevent theft.  Check out http://www.tulsa-townies.com/ for more information.

41st Street Plaza - the 2.8 million plaza was privately-funded, with QT being the lead donor in celebration of the company's 50th anniversary.  The most popular feature by far is the splash pad/playground and it has become THE place to be on those hot summer days.  You will also find a covered pavilion perfect for that summer picnic, restroom facilities, a townie kiosk, and more people watching that you can handle.

  

Bronze Artwork - the trail is home to the city's largest collection of bronze wildlife sculptures, gifts to the citizens of Tulsa from NatureWorks, Inc.  The centerpiece of the collection can be found at the BOK Plaza (71st & Riverside) - Bruins Riverpark Picnic - and depicts a family of bears playing in a fountain.  NatureWorks is completely 'Tulsa'.  The non-profit organization originated and resides exclusively in Tulsa with no national or other organized affiliation.  There are no paid employees and is completely a labor of love.

  

Zinc Dam/29th Street Pedestrian Bridge - at 29th street it's hard not to notice the old trestle bridge.  Once part of the Midland Valley Railroad, the bridge now allows trail users to cross to the west side of the river.  The Zinc Dam, created in 1983 and located adjacent to the bridge, creates Zinc Lake.  It's not uncommon to find men fishing off the pedestrian bridge but honestly, I'm not sure I would want to eat their catch of the day....

East Meets West Sculpture - at the Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza (11th street & SW Boulevard) you can't help but notice the larger than life art work recently installed.  It depicts Cyrus Avery (apparently he's the Father of the Mother Road) and his family in their Model T as they encounter an unsuspecting oil field worker and his team of horses.  Created by artist Robert Summers, and nearly 10 years in the making - it's quite something.  The sculpture weighs nearly 20,000 pounds, stretches more than 60 feet, and rises 15 feet in the air.  If you're out and about - cruise by and check it out!!

The park also offers an 18-hole disc golf course (I don't get this "sport", but whatever...), a skate park (23rd street on the west bank), an outdoor gym (53rd street), a rugby field (38th street) and two places to quench your thirst or grab a bite to eat - The Blue Rose Cafe and Elwood's, both near 19th street.  Elwood's is a very casual cafe serving cool drinks and sandwiches.  You can grab an outdoor table or dine picnic style on the lawn.  And most weekends you can also enjoy the live music being offered.  The Blue Rose is more formal (well, compared to Elwood's) in that there is indoor seating, a large patio overlooking the river, and a greater menu selection.  Blue Rose also features live music most weekends but between you and me, it's a little loud and overwhelming at times.

I think the citizens of Tulsa are incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful natural resource at our disposal and generous benefactors who see the potential in what can be achieved.  So get the family together, leash up the dogs, and go for a walk.  It's free, it's good for your health, and it's a great way to spend some quality time with your family.

dedicated to CJM