FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tonja S. Pitzer
Manager of Public Relations
918.596.2010 or 918.596.2001
[email protected]
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.
