But we haven't any of those things. Our canal has already become blighted again, our park will never attract the kind of development around it that Discovery Green or Millennium Park did, and idk about this epic bronze sculpture? But it's also safe to say that Bricktown is not quite the destination that 6th Street in Austin is, nor does it have any mixed-use development like the other successful parts of DT Austin.

One of the most elegant urban settings in all of Texas is the Main Street LRT corridor in Houston - I guess you can say we'll have modern rail transit soon as well, and that's at least one project I can still get excited for.

bricktown doesn't have any mixed use?? ... really ...

then what is JDM place?? what is the ACM building? what is the Centennial

My bad. I thought the Office of James Burnett, who designed the MBG, had designed Discovery Green. They designed another project adjacent to discovery green. Discovery Green was actually designed by Hargreaves and Associates, who produced the original rendering for the MAPS3 park design concept. I do know the Devon Implementation Committee, including committee leadership, as well as representatives from OJB, Devon, the MBG Foundation, took site visits to Discovery Green for progamming ideas.

No worries here...I wouldn't have been surprised if MG was but definitely recalled the MAPS 3 park comparison...and in the article I linked I could see it being a possibility on the size comparison...how big is the MG, is it more inline with Discovery Green (12 acres)?

That was very early in the talking stage, there is not going to be parking under the park.


I didn't realize it was taken off the table. Can you provide proof?

RC is right on this one and no need for him to dig it up (but here is some proof from Oct '09 anyway)
http://blog.newsok.com/okccentral/2009/10/30/maps-3-central-park-and-the-myriad-gardens/

Cornett said a lot of the programming for the central park won’t be certain until after its fate is decided by voters. Cornett said in recent days he has decided to drop plans to pursue underground parking at the park, citing its excessive cost.
Underground parking was eliminated due to it being cost prohibitive (along with a few other things the Core to Shore report recommended that the Park have). The Mayor mentioned it during the Chamber pay-to-attend Breaking Through luncheons where the lady from the Park firm discussed it. If it had been placed in the Mayor's preferred location, the underground parking at the time was to serve both the Park and the Convention Center . Still could for that matter I guess. The question was asked at the luncheon about parking and the Mayor said there was plenty of onsite street parking around the Park but it was something they would keep a close eye on. Of course by the time you figure out that you need the parking the Park may already be built and then it would be really expensive to put it in after the fact, so we will end up with massive surface parking or an above ground parking garage.

I have a question, why would underground parking preclude landscaping etc? While I could understand certain types of deep rooted trees not being able to be planted, they have landscaping on top of structures of all kinds.

bricktown doesn't have any mixed use?? ... really ...

then what is JDM place?? what is the ACM building? what is the Centennial

I'll give you the Centennial, but are we still counting south of Reno as Bricktown? You tell me..

I also already mentioned ACM as a good deal for Bricktown, but as for JDM, could you tell me how many people live there? Or do some non-commercial use there? How can you sound bewildered, "really?" as if this is a new discussion point that Bricktown lacks mixed-use? Really??

No worries here...I wouldn't have been surprised if MG was but definitely recalled the MAPS 3 park comparison...and in the article I linked I could see it being a possibility on the size comparison...how big is the MG, is it more inline with Discovery Green (12 acres)?

The Myriad Botanical Gardens are 17 acres total, hence the comparison to Discovery Green.

Having spent a fair amount of time in New Orleans at a friends apartment over Jackson Square, my experience is that lofts over bars and restaurants tend to limit who will rent to those who don't mind the noise, light and commotion til late night or early morning hours. As long as the emphasis in Bricktown is night time entertainment, a true mixed use development might be less attractive. However, near a gardens/park would seem to be a natural. Since this is a Myriad Garden thread, I assume that is what we should be referencing.

To get back on topic, I found out that the controls to the thunder fountain were flooded, parts have been ordered and the insurance company is investigating. I didn't get a good answer on why a fountains controls weren't water proof though.

Okay, this is off topic but does someone want to explain to me how the Bricktown Canal is "already blighted again". Ummm. The hell?!

Okay, this is off topic but does someone want to explain to me how the Bricktown Canal is "already blighted again". Ummm. The hell?!

It hasn't, consider the source of the post, enough said.

It hasn't, consider the source of the post, enough said.

True. I was down there today and it looked fine. The amount of people taking the water taxis surprised me for the middle of the week.

Having spent a fair amount of time in New Orleans at a friends apartment over Jackson Square, my experience is that lofts over bars and restaurants tend to limit who will rent to those who don't mind the noise, light and commotion til late night or early morning hours. As long as the emphasis in Bricktown is night time entertainment, a true mixed use development might be less attractive. However, near a gardens/park would seem to be a natural. Since this is a Myriad Garden thread, I assume that is what we should be referencing.

The French Quarter has a huge residential population. The further you walk from Canal Street, the more residential it gets. What a beautiful urban setting. That's just the kind of place you can never replicate.

Very true...and i know people that live in the quarter. However, it presents its own problems....like parking. You don't really park on the streen there like you would in the original area of San Juan, for example. It is mixed use taken to the highest possile degree and it's also undergoing a conversion post hurricane. The quarter is MUCH cleaner on so many levels than it was before. For one thing, there is a definite split from the party area that wasn't there before. One entire street is almost totally full of art galleries, workshops, etc that all focus on local artists...happens to be the same street that touches the most greenspace as well. That in contrast to Bourbon.

Now, are you going to find that anywhere else, no? Downtown Mobile is about as close as you get. Or to a smaller degree, SOME of downtown Baton Rouge. Will you ever see anything like that in OKC, nope...never. For one thing, places like NOLA have that beacuse those buildings are a couple hundred years old at this point and were built that way because that's how Europeans used to build things....concentrated vertical use. In the US, we sprawl because we have the space. It's just a direction connection to how long we have been here vs how long people have been in Europe.

So if you're expecting to see anything even close to that, then forget it and give up.

The French Quarter has a huge residential population. The further you walk from Canal Street, the more residential it gets. What a beautiful urban setting. That's just the kind of place you can never replicate.

Last census the French Quarter population was slightly over 4,000. And, it is right at 300 years old.

Very true...and i know people that live in the quarter. However, it presents its own problems....like parking. You don't really park on the streen there like you would in the original area of San Juan, for example. It is mixed use taken to the highest possile degree and it's also undergoing a conversion post hurricane. The quarter is MUCH cleaner on so many levels than it was before. For one thing, there is a definite split from the party area that wasn't there before. One entire street is almost totally full of art galleries, workshops, etc that all focus on local artists...happens to be the same street that touches the most greenspace as well. That in contrast to Bourbon.

Now, are you going to find that anywhere else, no? Downtown Mobile is about as close as you get. Or to a smaller degree, SOME of downtown Baton Rouge. Will you ever see anything like that in OKC, nope...never. For one thing, places like NOLA have that beacuse those buildings are a couple hundred years old at this point and were built that way because that's how Europeans used to build things....concentrated vertical use. In the US, we sprawl because we have the space. It's just a direction connection to how long we have been here vs how long people have been in Europe.

So if you're expecting to see anything even close to that, then forget it and give up.

I don't think there is much difference post Katrina to the quarter. I am there several times a year as my best friend has lived on Burgundy for over 20 years. the art galleries on Royal have been there for decades. The quarter can't be replicated it is a unique city in and of itself.

Can we start a thread for the French Quarter in New Orleans? I thought by clicking on this thread that there would be an update on something in the MBG.

Can we start a thread for the French Quarter in New Orleans? I thought by clicking on this thread that there would be an update on something in the MBG.

Like a weekly movie night... :wink:

Like a weekly movie night... :wink:

Figure on finding that in The Gazette

To get back on topic, I found out that the controls to the thunder fountain were flooded, parts have been ordered and the insurance company is investigating. I didn't get a good answer on why a fountains controls weren't water proof though.

Yes, this is what I have found as well, problem is how long is it going to repair. Insurance does not want to pay so they are going to "drag their feet" as long as possible.

In the end this all comes down to daily maintaince. The current staff that actually works on the garden (not ticket takers or office personal) has been cut - again. Also, there are still contractors (sub) working on various parts of the installation that have not been completed or need kinks worked out - like why over 20 kick-couplers for water connections to hoses WERE NEVER INSTALLED! The automated sprinker system is very sophisticated, and the hard scape extensive (fountains, etc), but maintaince or control retuines were never given to the actuall staff that is suppose to maintain. Most of this is normal learning curve when projects are turned over from designers/contractors to the facility "owners", but there is a large lack of oversite - because there is not sufficient personal for the city or the gardens staff to do so. So, when a sub-contractor turned off the water to the grounds so that they could check an issue, it took the grounds staff 4 days (because many of the water systems are on timers and underground) to figure out why a lot of the plants were wilting - the water had never been turned back on - not the contractors concern. If you have enough staff, maintaince issues are quickly addressed, when you constantly lack dedicated staff, you are constantly behind and minor damages become permanent because you don't even have time to address the daily needs. In this, nothing has changed from the old gardens, facility funding for mechanical systems is met, but soft-scape funding is alway allowed to "slide" - the grounds always suffer. Currently, the horticulture staff for the Crystal Bridge has been shifted to grounds maintaince and the conservatory is being allowed to grow "wild" - time allocated only for watering - none for the extensive pruning maintaince that is needed when plants that do not grow togather in the wild are put togather in a plant musuem. The result is monolith plants scapes of the most aggressive dominat species. The staff and Foundation are doing the best they can with what resoursces they have, given time they will over-come these initial "growing pains" and things will get better.

It comes down to money. The Foundation that has always existed in partnership with the city-owned gardens, is now "in charge". They will bring high quality, insightfull, and dedicated direction. But, if the facilities is continuously under-funded there is little they can do about maintaince. While they are, and will continue to seek alternative funding, it is an up-hill struggle. Just look to the zoo as an example, when a dedicated sales tax addressed the basic needs, then additional funding that was raised by that foundation went to growing the zoo and increased the zoos ability to grow funds for special projects - again improving the zoo.

OKC is notorious for building something nice and then not funding the maintaince - the zoo is one of the few exceptions, let us hope that the Mryiad Gardens will not become another example of the City once again "dropping the ball".

Interesting perspective. That sounds plausible. If you don't mind me asking, what is your relationship with the Gardens?

You know, downtown has an army of social media addicts like ourselves. If there's an exterior problem, like a crappy insurance company, they need to tell us and we'll get it out. The Myriad doesn't need to stay quiet on these deals bc people will blame somebody for the really cool fountain we paid for not working all summer.

Interesting perspective. That sounds plausible. If you don't mind me asking, what is your relationship with the Gardens?

I knew all the directors and most of the staff (except the current directors - foundation and city), and have since moved on to other gardens and jobs. I have kept in touch and have the perspective of working at other, similar, facilities in other cities and states. Well intention people have passed information in a casual manner and I check through my sources. But since the city does "punish" those who speak, I can not be more specific. I can say that I did not get this information from a singular source, but from several present, past, and in related departments. Since I have worked at other botanical gardens with similar, but different senerios, this is much easier to see. To blame anyone connected to the facility on any level is like blaming the victim of an accident ... they are all just stuck in it. It is my hope with greater public envolvement, and a higher profile, the new Myriad Gardens will get much needed public support and pressure. There can be a different out-come, it is up the citizens of the city to demand more - just like they did with the zoo and are doing with project 180.

Oh, the worst thing that could happen to MBG would be to do it like project 180. Why throw half of it away with a shrug and a mere suggestion, sans plan, of putting it back together later. Hopefully the MBG is nowhere near that far gone after the recent changes to its grounds and mgmt.

Sadly agree...we have seen the acceptance with MAPS, MAPS 4 Kids, and so far with what has gone wrong with MAPS 3 (things like the $40 million "mistake" made with the trails)

Hot damn, French gypsy jazz in the park on Tuesday! I picked the wrong week to go on a cross-country roadtrip :(

Y
Oh, the worst thing that could happen to MBG would be to do it like project 180. Why throw half of it away with a shrug and a mere suggestion, sans plan, of putting it back together later. Hopefully the MBG is nowhere near that far gone after the recent changes to its grounds and mgmt.

I only meant that the obvious mistakes, issues, and general progress (or lack there-of) are being noticed ... and complained about.
In the past, the lack of maintaince on the grounds of Myriad Gardens was never brought up by locals - though I can tell you visitors often would remark about the general disregard for ground maintaince. The staff worked hard, but was often occupied with attempting to repair the damage done over-night by vandals - and I mean every night. A lot of the damage was never (could never) be repaired. The new grounds has a lot more to destroy - and it has already begun. There is more destruction to the "Thunder Fountain" than just the electrical system - just check out the tiles around the ground lights - and they are not being fixed or replaced. Though night security is employed, there is only so much one person on a gulf cart can do.

Fortuneatly, the new grounds design is easier to monitor and invites more people in - thus more eyes. With increased use on a routine basis, there should be less damage (because the presence of more people will discourage vandals). But, once again we are back to a smaller staff than was employed in the "hey-day" (of staff) that dealt with all the previous damage. Only increased diligence on the part of the people who would use the grounds will help grow or maintain the grounds - by speaking up and acting (help with fund-raising, volunteering - they love volunteers and would take anyone who would bother to try). The general "rule of thumb" in botanical garden maintaince is one person per acre - there are 17 acres at the Myriad Gardens (Yes, the lake counts - they often take more work). There are far less staff than this - possibly 4 horticulturist and a couple more grounds help. This staff of grounds people are for both inside and outside the conservatory. I recently worked at a small conservatory that was 1/4 of the size of the CB that had 4 horticulturist, and a dozen volunteers. They were also asked to help maintain an extensive grounds - but since the facilty was gated and there were so many volunteers, it was easier.

This garden - and it location- is a jewel compared to similar facilities around the country. But it will remain so only if people are concerned enough to help maintain it.

My sister is going to be in town this weekend with her kids. Im guessing the thunderstorm fountain still isn't fixed, right? But the other spray area where the ice rink is during the winter is fully working?

Funny you should ask. I asked that question on their facebook page today and this was the response:


The damage that occurred when the pipe broke was severe. Two motherboards that control the water, sound and lights in the fountain were "fried" -- for lack of a better word. They are repairing the motherboards and adding features that will ...hopefully prevent this from happening again. It is being worked on and progress is being made, but it will take some time. Along with our guests, we are extremely eager to see it up and running again. Thanks for hanging in there with us!

Myriad Gardens facebook page? or is it a generic OKC facebook page?

https://www.facebook.com/MyriadGardens

Sweet! Sounds like it will be ready just in time for winter! ;)

Really glad to see this... Vertical plantings to cover several of the exposed concrete surfaces:


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/mg1.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/mg2.jpg

What are they going to cover them with? Ivy?

Funny you should ask. I asked that question on their facebook page today and this was the response:

Seems so obvious now that motherboards should be protected in a waterproof box when in close proximity to pipes. lol

You'd think...

Once again, lack of over-site. Like when the city accepted the installed irrigation system and the fact that 20+ water quick-couplers (so you can attach hoses or sprinkler heads) were clearly indicated in the plans, but never installed - noticed, of-course, by the horticultural staff that needed to use them.

On a similar vein, the cost of the electrical board that needs to be replaced is around $150,000 - thus the hesitation of the insurance company. Also, it is more complex than just a board "switch out".

Has anyone noticed the dying large trees in the dog park? Artificial turf (for the dogs) has kept water - and greatly increased the heat to the trees.

Equally distressing is what is happening in the conservatory (Crystal Bridge). Designed as a "Natural setting" with realistic looking cliffs and waterfalls, there are appearing large planters and hanging pots to "dress-up" the conservatory - something you can find in any mall. Far worse is the total neglect for pruning the plants that are quickly over-growing their space. The Willow-Leaf Ficus in the center is covering everything around it. This plant is easily pruned. Most distressing, upon inquiry, I was told the staff is "not allowed" to clean or prune - only water. That the new director "does not like the Crystal Bridge, has no back ground in tropical conservatories, and wants to change it all". The speculation is that she wants it to become messy and over-grown so that she can be given money for (by grants from corporate donors - i.e. Devon whom she is actively courting) to "remake" the conservatory into something she prefers. There are many unique botanical specimens that are being actively neglected (like several prize winning orchids and large donations) so that she can get what she wants. My personal hope is this is just a ploy to get needed funds for more horticultural staff. Since the design of the interior is literally set in concrete and steel for this "naturalistic" setting, an attempt to change it into a "tea garden" is ridiculous. What she really needs to do is hire someone "who knows conservatories" and will work with what is there. The current selection of hanging pots (on the bridge in the conservatory) hides some of the most attractive features inside the conservatory and can't even be used for wedding because they are so large they cover everything. Currently, all the potted plants (all the pots, etc.) is a "botanical joke", even at facilities that extensively use such ornamentation (like the Atlanta Botanical Garden) they keep them away from the conservatory and the natural display of plants. A couple of pots to "dress-up" for weddings is understandable, but having them everywhere hiding the collection is unprofessional and in-appropriate for the current design of the interior of the Crystal Bridge.

Once again, lack of over-site. Like when the city accepted the installed irrigation system and the fact that 20+ water quick-couplers (so you can attach hoses or sprinkler heads) were clearly indicated in the plans, but never installed - noticed, of-course, by the horticultural staff that needed to use them.

On a similar vein, the cost of the electrical board that needs to be replaced is around $150,000 - thus the hesitation of the insurance company. Also, it is more complex than just a board "switch out".

Has anyone noticed the dying large trees in the dog park? Artificial turf (for the dogs) has kept water - and greatly increased the heat to the trees.

Equally distressing is what is happening in the conservatory (Crystal Bridge). Designed as a "Natural setting" with realistic looking cliffs and waterfalls, there are appearing large planters and hanging pots to "dress-up" the conservatory - something you can find in any mall. Far worse is the total neglect for pruning the plants that are quickly over-growing their space. The Willow-Leaf Ficus in the center is covering everything around it. This plant is easily pruned. Most distressing, upon inquiry, I was told the staff is "not allowed" to clean or prune - only water. That the new director "does not like the Crystal Bridge, has no back ground in tropical conservatories, and wants to change it all". The speculation is that she wants it to become messy and over-grown so that she can be given money for (by grants from corporate donors - i.e. Devon whom she is actively courting) to "remake" the conservatory into something she prefers. There are many unique botanical specimens that are being actively neglected (like several prize winning orchids and large donations) so that she can get what she wants. My personal hope is this is just a ploy to get needed funds for more horticultural staff. Since the design of the interior is literally set in concrete and steel for this "naturalistic" setting, an attempt to change it into a "tea garden" is ridiculous. What she really needs to do is hire someone "who knows conservatories" and will work with what is there. The current selection of hanging pots (on the bridge in the conservatory) hides some of the most attractive features inside the conservatory and can't even be used for wedding because they are so large they cover everything. Currently, all the potted plants (all the pots, etc.) is a "botanical joke", even at facilities that extensively use such ornamentation (like the Atlanta Botanical Garden) they keep them away from the conservatory and the natural display of plants. A couple of pots to "dress-up" for weddings is understandable, but having them everywhere hiding the collection is unprofessional and in-appropriate for the current design of the interior of the Crystal Bridge.

What a mess. Wow.

TAlan, sounds like you are really close to the situation. Are you just observing or are you involved with the gardens? How do you know the intention of the new director? Was this not known, or should have been known, when she was given the job?

Maureen Heffernan has a reasonably good resume and it appears she knows horticulture. It seem like her philosophies would have been discussed before being hired and one would assume she wouldn't need to "trick" management to get her way. Her tenures at other places would indicate her tendencies if a proper background check was made.

TAlan, sounds like you are really close to the situation. Are you just observing or are you involved with the gardens? How do you know the intention of the new director? Was this not known, or should have been known, when she was given the job?

Maureen Heffernan has a reasonably good resume and it appears she knows horticulture. It seem like her philosophies would have been discussed before being hired and one would assume she wouldn't need to "trick" management to get her way. Her tenures at other places would indicate her tendencies if a proper background check was made.

If TAlan is who I think it is, he has more knowledge of the Myriad Gardens then the present employees/managers combined.

If TAlan is who I think it is, he has more knowledge of the Myriad Gardens then the present employees/managers combined.

This

2 questions: (1) Is the water structure fixed, and (2) is there any news on the restaurant is going in? Is there a timetable for a decision?

If TAlan is who I think it is, he has more knowledge of the Myriad Gardens then the present employees/managers combined.

:bright_idlight bulb just went off in my head. . .if correct, this is abolutely heartbreaking and does not bode well for the future of MG.

If TAlan is who I think it is, he has more knowledge of the Myriad Gardens then the present employees/managers combined.
I'm not 100% certain who you think TAlan is, but I have a strong suspicion of who you (and others) think it is. If you think it is who I think you think it is, I'm pretty sure you are incorrect. Did any of that make sense?

Besides the fact that some of his previous posts don't fit the right timeline for the person who I think you think he is - nor does the spelling of his name - I sincerely doubt that the person who I think you think it is would be airing these issues here, after having known him for close to 20 years.

Perhaps TAlan should clarify that he is NOT who you think he is, if he is not. If he has the experience he says he has (and I don't doubt that at all), I'm sure he knows who you might (perhaps incorrectly) suspect that he is. It would be unfortunate if he let an easily-assumed misconception take on a life of its own on here.

One thing I AM certain of: this was a new personal high point for convoluted writing.

I'm not 100% certain who you think TAlan is, but I have a strong suspicion of who you (and others) think it is. If you think it is who I think you think it is, I'm pretty sure you are incorrect. Did any of that make sense?

Besides the fact that some of his previous posts don't fit the right timeline for the person who I think you think he is - nor does the spelling of his name - I sincerely doubt that the person who I think you think it is would be airing these issues here, after having known him for close to 20 years.

Perhaps TAlan should clarify that he is NOT who you think he is, if he is not. If he has the experience he says he has (and I don't doubt that at all), I'm sure he knows who you might (perhaps incorrectly) suspect that he is. It would be unfortunate if he let an easily-assumed misconception take on a life of its own on here.

One thing I AM certain of: this was a new personal high point for convoluted writing.

OK. . .who(m) ever TAlan is (or isn't). . .there is a problem with the upkeep of the MG. . .and there should be someone/point of contact at the MG to whom these issues can be addressed . I understand (gov't) contracting, but there seems (to me) to be some issues that have unadressed beyond what I would expect. If I need to contact my City councilman, I am more than willing to do so. This area is just too important to let it " lie fallow". . .in the heat of an Oklahoma summer, if there is anything in a preimum public space that should not be opertional , it's the fountains (Thunder??) in a prime public space. Did the fountains in Brickitown go down?? Recognize it's a different entity, but the issue is the same.

Went to the gardens yesterday for the first time since we left last year. Why is the tropical water feature/splash part turned off. I noticed they had plywood covered on part of it. Is it broke?

Also the wave pool(?) isn't on.

With some water features on and others not I didn't think it could be due to water rationing.

You are probably talking about the Thunder fountain. Yep it is broke. Something about the electrical box being flooded out, but I think it was just built on the cheap. I'd be surprised if its working by October. Personally I would have them just completely redo it right than make little quick patch-up fixes that will require more work a few months from now. Your kids can splash around in the small fountains where the skating rink is.

I was there a few days ago and the wave pool was on...maybe I'm thinking of something else. The waterfall was off for a bit but it has been back on for at least a few weeks.

The trees by the dog park are shedding their leaves prematurely. However, that species of trees (can't think of the name) is highly prone to heat stress. I have a feeling that weeks of unrelenting 100+ temps did them in more than anything. The same type of trees line Walker Avenue in Heritage Hills and they look far worse than the ones in MBG, as in, they've probably lost 50% of their leaves. I personally think they should have skipped on planting those trees, but what's done is done.

I'm not in the business of calling anyone a liar, but I can only speak from my experience. As a resident of Midtown I go the the MBG at least once a week as it serves as my "neighborhood park" and there has been no noticeable change in the park and maintenance. It sounds like from reading these posts the main problems are in the Conservatory. I can't speak for that since I've only been in there once and have no idea what one should look like. If anything, now that its cooled off the park has become very busy, and lots of people are discovering it. I certainly understand people's concerns given the fact that this city's history of park maintenance is spotty at best. But considering that the park's heavy use and the exceptional drought we are in I have no complaints, outside the Thunder Fountain. Just my 0.02.

You are probably talking about the Thunder fountain. Yep it is broke. Something about the electrical box being flooded out, but I think it was just built on the cheap. I'd be surprised if its working by October. Personally I would have them just completely redo it right than make little quick patch-up fixes that will require more work a few months from now. Your kids can splash around in the small fountains where the skating rink is.

I was there a few days ago and the wave pool was on...maybe I'm thinking of something else. The waterfall was off for a bit but it has been back on for at least a few weeks.

The trees by the dog park are shedding their leaves prematurely. However, that species of trees (can't think of the name) is highly prone to heat stress. I have a feeling that weeks of unrelenting 100+ temps did them in more than anything. The same type of trees line Walker Avenue in Heritage Hills and they look far worse than the ones in MBG, as in, they've probably lost 50% of their leaves. I personally think they should have skipped on planting those trees, but what's done is done.

I'm not in the business of calling anyone a liar, but I can only speak from my experience. As a resident of Midtown I go the the MBG at least once a week as it serves as my "neighborhood park" and there has been no noticeable change in the park and maintenance. It sounds like from reading these posts the main problems are in the Conservatory. I can't speak for that since I've only been in there once and have no idea what one should look like. If anything, now that its cooled off the park has become very busy, and lots of people are discovering it. I certainly understand people's concerns given the fact that this city's history of park maintenance is spotty at best. But considering that the park's heavy use and the exceptional drought we are in I have no complaints, outside the Thunder Fountain. Just my 0.02.

To clear things up, I am not the former Director of the Gardens.
The lack of grounds maintenance is actually more obvious when seen over a longer space of time. None-the-less, I suspect the outside grounds does look better since the horticultural staff for the conservatory has been ordered "out" after watering. Specifically, they have been asked to work on the outside grounds. The staff of the Myriad Gardens was listed at 50 when the new director was hired (though I doubt this is accurate) and there are currently only 4 horticulturist. I know that the funding for the gardens still comes from the city, and in order to meet her staff requirements, the new director has re-directed monies from the hort. staff to the foundation staff. There use to be as many "part-time" horticulturist (meaning hourly with no benefits and not part of the city
union) as regular hort. staff - and now there are none. The horticultural staff has a significant body of experience and knowledge and yet she refuses to listen to all of them - and despite stating that she hates to "mico-manage" is doing just that in every aspect. It is still my hope she is trying to learn the gardens and what it all involves. But it is also obvious there is a purposeful neglect in the conservatory. I also know that members of the foundation who hired her are displeased with what she has done to the conservatory - one of the areas of the garden that was working before the current changes. Worst, most of th- e staff who was not directly hired by her (ie, the new foundation staff) relate that there is great discord and despair.
It is both her and the Cities intention to separate the gardens from the cities management and budget (not a bad plan), similar to the zoo. I suspect she decided on a "slash and burn" policy with former staff - and apparently the conservatory.

This wednesday evening is the last Movie under the Stars.... remember that it starts at 9, but probably best to get there around 8:30 to get a good spot on the grass... this week they are playing "Sherlock Holmes". I know i'll be there!

This wednesday evening is the last Movie under the Stars.... remember that it starts at 9, but probably best to get there around 8:30 to get a good spot on the grass... this week they are playing "Sherlock Holmes". I know i'll be there!

I wish they would have been smart enough to do some sort of advertising for this... (maybe they did?) I've been waiting for this to happen since they showed Space Jam during the NBA Finals and wouldn't have known anything about it at all until I walked across the Gardens bridge this weekend. Oh well, maybe next year I guess. I'm really bummed I didn't know anything about it though.

I wish they would have been smart enough to do some sort of advertising for this... (maybe they did?) I've been waiting for this to happen since they showed Space Jam during the NBA Finals and wouldn't have known anything about it at all until I walked across the Gardens bridge this weekend. Oh well, maybe next year I guess. I'm really bummed I didn't know anything about it though.

Use the Myriad Gardens website: http://www.myriadgardens.org/ , there is a location to "join" for facebook, you will get daily notification of events, etc.

Use the Myriad Gardens website: http://www.myriadgardens.org/ , there is a location to "join" for facebook, you will get daily notification of events, etc.

I'm with Watson. I don't know what I would use at this point, but I really wish there was a place/publication/website where you could go and get information on a lot of what is going on around the city. It currently feels like I'd have to check 10 or 12 different websites/Facebook pages/Twitter just to try and figure out what's going on around town to make a decision. Wimgo was pretty useless, but I'm thinking something along those lines done better.

I'm with Watson. I don't know what I would use at this point, but I really wish there was a place/publication/website where you could go and get information on a lot of what is going on around the city. It currently feels like I'd have to check 10 or 12 different websites/Facebook pages/Twitter just to try and figure out what's going on around town to make a decision. Wimgo was pretty useless, but I'm thinking something along those lines done better.

Actually, if you "like" these multiple organizations on Facebook (or twitter) then you only have to check one site for information - Facebook.

I follow multiple sources on twitter. I feel pretty up to date on the happenings around town. I have said it before to outsiders -- this city is very underground. If you want something to do, on the surface it seems quite stagnant. But if you know who to talk to, or where to go, there is almost always something creative/interesting to do.

I follow multiple sources on twitter. I feel pretty up to date on the happenings around town. I have said it before to outsiders -- this city is very underground. If you want something to do, on the surface it seems quite stagnant. But if you know who to talk to, or where to go, there is almost always something creative/interesting to do.

This is very true. I think its the case in a lot of mid sized cities, but nothing will fall in your lap here.

Pick up a copy of the gazette, follow things/people on twitter/facebook, look at local magazines like Slice or Sosix. Heck, just check in here on OKCtalk every now and again. Its very doable to stay plugged in here with a little effort.

Actually, if you "like" these multiple organizations on Facebook (or twitter) then you only have to check one site for information - Facebook.

At first, Facebook and Twitter seemed logical if you "like" everything. However, I (and I'm sure there are others) don't use Facebook or Twitter. Also, when I was on Facebook, it was very easy to miss updates if you didn't check it religiously or visit the "liked" pages. Also, it wasn't very good about helping me find things to do if I wasn't friends with the people in the know or wasn't aware of pages I should have liked. I just think a clean website with loads of events and happenings that are routinely updated might fit what I envision better.

Catch, you're absolutely right. Running around town last night, it seemed dead. I saw nine people during my one hour run. However, I know there are things going on. It's very underground here. Excellent way of stating that.

Anyway, my apologies for derailing the thread.

I walk around the gardens every day during my lunch break from work, Today was quite unusual however. As I was walking by the Thunder Fountain I noticed the water features and audio turned on. I could not see if the light system was working because there was peak daylight and I didnt really take a close look but I imagine if the lights werent working that would be one of the easiest fixes. Heres visual proof:

http://img802.imageshack.us/img802/2995/thunderfountain.jpg

I follow multiple sources on twitter. I feel pretty up to date on the happenings around town. I have said it before to outsiders -- this city is very underground. If you want something to do, on the surface it seems quite stagnant. But if you know who to talk to, or where to go, there is almost always something creative/interesting to do.

Not to take this topic of track, but it is the nature of the City. When people live 10, 15, 20 miles away from MBG they simply don't know what is going down there, and loading up the family to sit in a park for 2 hours to watch a 30 year old movie doesn’t make past most people’s ‘struggle to get out of the couch’ test. We go to Chattanooga a lot and when there are festivals or what-not downtown everyone knows about it because most people can either see the festivities from the their house or the drive right by it as part of the daily activities.

Not to take this topic of track, but it is the nature of the City. When people live 10, 15, 20 miles away from MBG they simply don't know what is going down there, and loading up the family to sit in a park for 2 hours to watch a 30 year old movie doesn’t make past most people’s ‘struggle to get out of the couch’ test. We go to Chattanooga a lot and when there are festivals or what-not downtown everyone knows about it because most people can either see the festivities from the their house or the drive right by it as part of the daily activities.

Yes, Chattanooga is about 1/4 the size of OKC in population but spread out over nearly 200 sq miles. They must do a better job of publicizing then.

Yes, Chattanooga is about 1/4 the size of OKC in population but spread out over nearly 200 sq miles. They must do a better job of publicizing then.

Chattanooga is a historic tourist destination in the South East. With the addition of the Tennessee Aquarium there has been a strong resurgence. Just over an hours drive from Atlanta, Nashville, and Knoxville it is a great afternoon getaway in the region. There is so much natural beauty with the river and nearby lakes, mountains and of-course history, that festivals abound - there is always something going on.

Great to see the fountain working again! I am sure the "consternation" sounded on this and similar venues did help expedite the process.

I went Thursday evening and the Fountian was still out of order. The myriad gardens Facebook page hasn't said anything about it either.

Chattanooga is a historic tourist destination in the South East. With the addition of the Tennessee Aquarium there has been a strong resurgence. Just over an hours drive from Atlanta, Nashville, and Knoxville it is a great afternoon getaway in the region. There is so much natural beauty with the river and nearby lakes, mountains and of-course history, that festivals abound - there is always something going on.

Great to see the fountain working again! I am sure the "consternation" sounded on this and similar venues did help expedite the process.
This.

This.

That's all good and well, but add me to the camp that feels pretty well connected to what goes on here in town and somehow seemed to miss almost everything big going on in the MG this summer. They don't self-promote very well.