Totally a silly comment, but, I only make it because I annoyingly corrected my wife on this the other night whilst at the gardens. The exterior of the crystal bridge is made of a Polymer, and is not glass. I believe, if memory serves me right, it was the only large scale polymer conservatory built at the time of it's completion, and earned a write up in a National Geographic polymer focus issue in the late 80's.

Do you mean polycarbonate?

I thought they were acrylic panels.

I'm glad they are adding an amphitheater, we really don't have enough concert/theater venue space around town and this will help.

Do you mean polycarbonate?

I thought they were acrylic panels.

Well, both of those would be polymers. But, yeah, I think they are Acrylic (plexiglass). I wonder if the face lift will upgrade them to a modern polycarbonate, which should be quite a bit more durable. I'm not a materials or engineering person at all, so I have no idea what the heat/light efficiency differences would be. This part of the project, to me, is the most exciting part. I seem to remember seeing a cross section illustration of the Crystal Bridge panels (all of which would, of course, have to be custom made) showing them to be a much more complex structure than their outward appearance would indicate. I woud love to know who gets the contract to replace these things, and how much the price tag ends up being. Above all, I can't wait to see the crystal bridge restored to it's former "crystal" appearance. It's going to be gorgeous!

Project 180 starts in Myriad Gardens
BY STEVE LACKMEYER
Published: April 29, 2010

Allan Storjohann’s office is about to disappear. Things are being torn up all around him. And he’s happy.

Oklahoma City, get ready — Project 180 has officially gotten under way. And Storjohann, manager at the Myriad Gardens, is only the first of thousands of downtown workers who will find themselves inconvenienced during the ensuing three-year-long downtown makeover. After hosting the Festival of the Arts last week, the gardens and the Crystal Bridge were shut down for a $38 million makeover.

Read the rest of Steve's article at:
NewsOK (http://newsok.com/project-180-starts-in-myriad-gardens/article/3457602?custom_click=lead_story_title)

The Office of James Burnett's website features some new renderings, which you can visit here (http://www.ojb.com/projects/#/myriad-botanical-gardens). I am extremely impressed. Can't wait. Also, the site has details about the Devon Park if you're interested.

http://www.ojb.com/media/work_org_images/OKC-MG-2-DLB-20091212-Entry-Med.jpg

http://www.ojb.com/media/work_org_images/OKC-MG-6-OJB-20091212-Wave-Plaza-Med.jpg

http://www.ojb.com/media/work_org_images/OKC-MG-5-OJB-20091214-East-Lake-Med.jpg

http://www.ojb.com/media/work_org_images/OKC-MG-8-DLB-20091212-Groves-Med.jpg

http://www.ojb.com/media/work_org_images/OKC-MG-9-DLB-20091212-Cafe-Med_.jpg

http://www.ojb.com/media/work_org_images/OKC-MG-10-OJB-20100114-Childrens-Play-Med.jpg

http://www.ojb.com/media/work_org_images/OKC-MG-11-OJB-20100114-Childrens-Learning-Med.jpg

http://www.ojb.com/media/work_org_images/OKC-MG-Plan-Med.jpg

The Office of James Burnett's website feature some new renderings, which you can visit here (http://www.ojb.com/projects/#/myriad-botanical-gardens).

I am extremely impressed. Can't wait. Also, the site has details about the Devon Park if you're interested. Excellent renderings!! This will raise the bar for OKC! With the impressive Devon tower and the gardens who needs Dallas? (lol).

http://www.ojb.com/media/work_org_images/OKC-MG-7-OJB-20091214-Great-Lawn-Med.jpg

The Devon Tower is HUGE in this photo!

WOW!!!! Exciting, can't wait to see it and the tower finished.

Those renderings are fantastic!

is it me, or does the renderings for the MG make it look much more interactive than it is now? and if so, why did we need the new central park (at least to be interactive)?

Im beginning to think there is duplication of efforts; dont get me wrong - the renderings are fantastic. But it seems as if many of the elements shown in the renderings for Myriad Gardens are the same as what was shown in the Central Park renderings.

Will the Arts Festival eventually move down to the new central park? If not, what was the point of it other than to clean up the blighted area? What is the point of having two interactive parks (that don't connect) unless there is a master plan to urbanize/move downtown to surround Myriad Gardens, making it the intimate CBD retreat while the new Central Park (since it is bigger) would be used for civic events ala Arts Festival.

I really think this city needs a MASTER PLAN, to avoid duplication of efforts and create a seamless city with all of these big boulder projects we are seeing implemented. Anybody agree?

Hot Rod: You touched on it, as the MAPS 3 park will be bigger. It is a matter of scale of the events and was addressed during the MAPS 3 campaign (think it was at the paid luncheon where the head of the firm designing the Park was describing it and that question came up).

There is some duplication such as amphitheater etc but again, it is a smaller one than what is going in the MAPS 3 park. As the Festival of the Arts grows, it may need the additional space the MAPS 3 space will provide (and was intended to host it going by the Core to Shore report info). Then there is the matter of timing. Enough of the renovations should be done by next years FofA but the MAPS 3 park is at least a couple of years away (supposed to be open in conjunction with the Boulevard a couple of years after the relocated I-40 in 2012).

Understand about the Master Plan aspect and the Core to Shore kind of serves as that. The "problem" we ran into was with the opportunity and desire from Devon to renovate the MG. Even though some duplication was in the works, they didn't want to put the MG renovations on hold until MAPS 3 was decided...full steam ahead.

is it me, or does the renderings for the MG make it look much more interactive than it is now? and if so, why did we need the new central park (at least to be interactive)?

Im beginning to think there is duplication of efforts; dont get me wrong - the renderings are fantastic. But it seems as if many of the elements shown in the renderings for Myriad Gardens are the same as what was shown in the Central Park renderings.

Will the Arts Festival eventually move down to the new central park? If not, what was the point of it other than to clean up the blighted area? What is the point of having two interactive parks (that don't connect) unless there is a master plan to urbanize/move downtown to surround Myriad Gardens, making it the intimate CBD retreat while the new Central Park (since it is bigger) would be used for civic events ala Arts Festival.

I really think this city needs a MASTER PLAN, to avoid duplication of efforts and create a seamless city with all of these big boulder projects we are seeing implemented. Anybody agree?

Hot Rod, I'm not really sure I understand fully your point. Are you saying that the Myriad Gardens would be better left as it is if we develop the Central Park as proposed or that there isn't sufficient demand for both parks? I see the Myriad Gardens, except for the Crystal Bridge, as an attraction mainly for those for either live or work in the CBD with occasional use by those outside the area. The Central Park is much more of a citywide attraction and park with a great potential for more when the proposed residential in that area is realized down the road. As for the Arts Festival, I think that could depend on how it evolves in future years. I think the more intimate setting in the Myriad Gardens area is best for now. It's possible it could outgrow that area at some point, however. It was originally in the Civic Center Park and outgrew that area.

is it me, or does the renderings for the MG make it look much more interactive than it is now? and if so, why did we need the new central park (at least to be interactive)?

Im beginning to think there is duplication of efforts; dont get me wrong - the renderings are fantastic. But it seems as if many of the elements shown in the renderings for Myriad Gardens are the same as what was shown in the Central Park renderings.

Will the Arts Festival eventually move down to the new central park? If not, what was the point of it other than to clean up the blighted area? What is the point of having two interactive parks (that don't connect) unless there is a master plan to urbanize/move downtown to surround Myriad Gardens, making it the intimate CBD retreat while the new Central Park (since it is bigger) would be used for civic events ala Arts Festival.

I really think this city needs a MASTER PLAN, to avoid duplication of efforts and create a seamless city with all of these big boulder projects we are seeing implemented. Anybody agree?

Agree completely, with the future Devon complex accross the street and much needed re-inventing and renovation of the Myriad Gardens to take place, the MG may finally live up to expectations. The urban density surrounding the gardens is lacking greatly. With the rebirth of the MG the proposed Central Park 2X the area will be competing for patrons. As planned, with no existing built urban environment residential or otherwise, I don't envision many people using the Central Park.

Much thought and a Master Plan would be a starting point.........Core to Shore?

. As planned, with no existing built urban environment residential or otherwise, I don't envision many people using the Central Park.

Which comes first, the chicken or the egg?

Which comes first, the chicken or the egg?

And of course that is the thought process behind Core to Shore and the various MAPS. If there is public investment, private investment will follow. You build a 70 acre park and residential will hopefully follow etc etc.

is it me, or does the renderings for the MG make it look much more interactive than it is now? and if so, why did we need the new central park (at least to be interactive)?

Im beginning to think there is duplication of efforts; dont get me wrong - the renderings are fantastic. But it seems as if many of the elements shown in the renderings for Myriad Gardens are the same as what was shown in the Central Park renderings.

Will the Arts Festival eventually move down to the new central park? If not, what was the point of it other than to clean up the blighted area? What is the point of having two interactive parks (that don't connect) unless there is a master plan to urbanize/move downtown to surround Myriad Gardens, making it the intimate CBD retreat while the new Central Park (since it is bigger) would be used for civic events ala Arts Festival.

I really think this city needs a MASTER PLAN, to avoid duplication of efforts and create a seamless city with all of these big boulder projects we are seeing implemented. Anybody agree?

We have a Master Plan, it's part of the C2S concepts. The parks programming are completely different focus. As others stated, the Myriad Gardens will be more intimately focused, and hopefully eventually be what it was originally invisioned to be. Even you as an expat should know the park is HIGHLY UNDERUTILIZED and is has more vagrants than citizens on any given day. It will also host smaller events than Central Park. As others stated, Central Park will be THE City's park for people all over the metro to come to, unlike anything we've ever had. The majority of sports activities (soccer fields, baseball, frisbee, etc.), model boats, etc. will also take place here, as well as large outdoor concerts and festivals, we're talking like Garth Brooks in NYC central park type concerts can be held in our Central Park. There is much more information on this in various threads and websites on the C2S topic. Hopefully, to add to your point, as time goes on, Myriad Gardens will be a more intimate CBD park as development continues over the decades and Central Park will continue to be the flagship park of the city.


Hot Rod: You touched on it, as the MAPS 3 park will be bigger. It is a matter of scale of the events and was addressed during the MAPS 3 campaign (think it was at the paid luncheon where the head of the firm designing the Park was describing it and that question came up).

There is some duplication such as amphitheater etc but again, it is a smaller one than what is going in the MAPS 3 park. As the Festival of the Arts grows, it may need the additional space the MAPS 3 space will provide (and was intended to host it going by the Core to Shore report info). Then there is the matter of timing. Enough of the renovations should be done by next years FofA but the MAPS 3 park is at least a couple of years away (supposed to be open in conjunction with the Boulevard a couple of years after the relocated I-40 in 2012).

Understand about the Master Plan aspect and the Core to Shore kind of serves as that. The "problem" we ran into was with the opportunity and desire from Devon to renovate the MG. Even though some duplication was in the works, they didn't want to put the MG renovations on hold until MAPS 3 was decided...full steam ahead.

Part of it, but not much duplication, the focus and programming are different between the two, there will also hopefully be good mixed use development seperating the parks.


Hot Rod, I'm not really sure I understand fully your point. Are you saying that the Myriad Gardens would be better left as it is if we develop the Central Park as proposed or that there isn't sufficient demand for both parks? I see the Myriad Gardens, except for the Crystal Bridge, as an attraction mainly for those for either live or work in the CBD with occasional use by those outside the area. The Central Park is much more of a citywide attraction and park with a great potential for more when the proposed residential in that area is realized down the road. As for the Arts Festival, I think that could depend on how it evolves in future years. I think the more intimate setting in the Myriad Gardens area is best for now. It's possible it could outgrow that area at some point, however. It was originally in the Civic Center Park and outgrew that area.


Bingo. However Arts Festival plans to continue to stay at MG, but will have the room to expand now. In previous years they did not want to expand. The new spaces created will also allow to offer different types of things, such as a large concert or outdoor movie on the new great lawn.

is it me, or does the renderings for the MG make it look much more interactive than it is now? and if so, why did we need the new central park (at least to be interactive)?

Im beginning to think there is duplication of efforts; dont get me wrong - the renderings are fantastic. But it seems as if many of the elements shown in the renderings for Myriad Gardens are the same as what was shown in the Central Park renderings.

I've been thinking a lot lately how much is duplicated between the new Myriad Gardens and the new central park. Both have great lawns with band shells, both have formal gardens, both have children's areas, both have cafes, both have ice rinks. The latter seems the most gratuitous. There are so many different things we could have, I don't know why we are planning to duplicate so much. Why not more forested area? Why not a hedge maze (nevermind, I see that a small one is included) or a carousel?

I think both parks SHOULD be programmed/interactive, but not with the same elements.

I've been thinking a lot lately how much is duplicated between the new Myriad Gardens and the new central park. Both have great lawns with band shells, both have formal gardens, both have children's areas, both have cafes, both have ice rinks. The latter seems the most gratuitous. There are so many different things we could have, I don't know why we are planning to duplicate so much. Why not more forested area? Why not a hedge maze (nevermind, I see that a small one is included) or a carousel?

I think both parks SHOULD be programmed/interactive, but not with the same elements.

I seriously doubt that having two outdoor ice skating rinks will ever happen and I agree that isn't needed. Remember that the Central Park area isn't as far along in planning as the Myriad Gardens. Many elements can be and will be changed. I don't have any problem with the other elements though. A cafe or children's area is a good addition to any park. I think the two proposed concert band shell areas will be very different in scale and will appeal to different types of activities. There would be some kinds of concerts, plays, etc. that might seem lost in a large area such as we might have in the larger park.

I sure do hope that the Central Park's plan isn't in "stone."

I like how in Chicago, you have Millennium Park and Grant Park right next to each other and both downtown. Millennium Park is highly interactive and programmed whereas Grant Park is 'parkland' and has the museums and public spaces.

While I agree that both OKC parks could be interactive, I think MG should be a true gardens - maybe even with a japanese garden in a portion of it; while the Central Park should be the one with the concerts, events, and community/family friendly amenities.

I know MG was OKC's first REAL central park, but now that it is being revisited - I really hope the city doesn't duplicate efforts because the effect might not be the one desired (if they have the same things; Im afraid one park - say MG, might be preferred by residents/visitors since it is closer to the CBD while Central Park is shunned).

The MAPS 3 Park (by all indications during the campaign) is definitely NOT set in stone. Of all the things shown/described in the renderings the head of the firm designing the Park put out the HUGE disclaimer that everything they were about to see was "what could/might be" included.

Not sure if there would be all that much difference between the parks (yes one is closer to the CBD but just BARELY). It might be enough of a difference but I'm not seeing it. One distinct advantage for visitors to the MAPS 3 park is they will be driving right by it as they enter downtown from the relocated I-40. IF the convention center is built along side it, another draw for the MAPS 3 park. As far as local residents, you are supposedly going to have all the residential that rings the park (and many will use it as their back yard). If anything I see the MG as more for the business community (Devon esp) and the MAPS 3 park for residents/visitors.

One of the complaints about the Core to Shore/MAPS 3 string of parks, was that they ALMOST, but didn't connect with the MG. The reason they don't connect isn't because of the existing business, those are to be replaced with new "mixed use" (according to the Core to Shore materials). If the existing is being wiped away anyway, why not connect them?

While I understand the duplication of efforts point, the same could have been said for having 2 arenas side by side. We built the new, bigger one, so get rid of the old one (Mayor Humphreys was an advocate for that). Again, it goes back to the scale of the events held in each. As wonderful as the Blazers were for the City, even at the height of their popularity, rarely did they need more than the capacity of the Myriad/Cox and certainly not the 20,000 seat Ford Center. They even installed the curtains up in Loud City so the seating capacity could be reduced and the appearance of an empty building side-stepped.

I've been thinking a lot lately how much is duplicated between the new Myriad Gardens and the new central park. Both have great lawns with band shells, both have formal gardens, both have children's areas, both have cafes, both have ice rinks. The latter seems the most gratuitous. There are so many different things we could have, I don't know why we are planning to duplicate so much. Why not more forested area? Why not a hedge maze (nevermind, I see that a small one is included) or a carousel?

I think both parks SHOULD be programmed/interactive, but not with the same elements.

There is not much duplication as you think. There is not a ice skating rink planned in Central Park, just Myriad Gardens. The developers and committee spent countless hours doing research, focus groups, and programming. I was on several of the initial focus groups, etc. and I can guarantee you there is LOTS of thoughts and experts that went into this. The development group has done very prestigous parks for cities much larger than us, such as Atlanta, Houston, LA and Chicago.



I sure do hope that the Central Park's plan isn't in "stone."

I like how in Chicago, you have Millennium Park and Grant Park right next to each other and both downtown. Millennium Park is highly interactive and programmed whereas Grant Park is 'parkland' and has the museums and public spaces.

While I agree that both OKC parks could be interactive, I think MG should be a true gardens - maybe even with a japanese garden in a portion of it; while the Central Park should be the one with the concerts, events, and community/family friendly amenities.

I know MG was OKC's first REAL central park, but now that it is being revisited - I really hope the city doesn't duplicate efforts because the effect might not be the one desired (if they have the same things; Im afraid one park - say MG, might be preferred by residents/visitors since it is closer to the CBD while Central Park is shunned).

MG was never successful as a "gardens". While great idea in theory, it just isn't much of a draw for the general population. While they are going to keep some gardens area and hopefully make them better. A programmed park is what we need for it to reach it's potential other than being host to the Arts Festival 5 days a year and to bums the other 360. The parks are still different in focus and programming.

metro... the size of the botanical gardens area is actually being increased significantly.

metro... the size of the botanical gardens area is actually being increased significantly.

?????

Are you talking about total area of the 17-acre outdoor grounds? If that's the case, that statement is incorrect.

However, if you are talking about the amount of land space within the 17 acres that will include more highly developed botanical areas, then yes you are correct.

I meant more of the land in garden will be devoted to botanical areas.

I meant more of the land in garden will be devoted to botanical areas.

This is certainly true. Still, the only area that will remain a strictly botanicized area will be the NE quadrant where the Meinders Gardens are. They will remain largely in tact. While the Children's Garden, Grand Lawn and other areas will have botanical features and dense planting areas, in general, the space will still not be as dense as a true botanical gardens such as Botanica in Wichita, the Dallas Arboretum, Longwood Gardens in Philly or St. Louis Botanical Gardens, which are all botanical gardens in the strictest sense.

Keep in mind, as needs for the Central Park change, there is no reason why tweaks to the Gardens cannot be made at a later time, in order to stave off duplication, although I suspect some duplication will be welcome given the parks will be several blocks from one another and serve different groups to a certain extent. Still, much research and planning to be done to the C2S Park.

The Office of James Burnett's website features some new renderings, which you can visit here (http://www.ojb.com/projects/#/myriad-botanical-gardens). I am extremely impressed. Can't wait. Also, the site has details about the Devon Park if you're interested.

http://www.ojb.com/media/work_org_images/OKC-MG-2-DLB-20091212-Entry-Med.jpg

http://www.ojb.com/media/work_org_images/OKC-MG-6-OJB-20091212-Wave-Plaza-Med.jpg

http://www.ojb.com/media/work_org_images/OKC-MG-5-OJB-20091214-East-Lake-Med.jpg

http://www.ojb.com/media/work_org_images/OKC-MG-8-DLB-20091212-Groves-Med.jpg

http://www.ojb.com/media/work_org_images/OKC-MG-9-DLB-20091212-Cafe-Med_.jpg

http://www.ojb.com/media/work_org_images/OKC-MG-10-OJB-20100114-Childrens-Play-Med.jpg

http://www.ojb.com/media/work_org_images/OKC-MG-11-OJB-20100114-Childrens-Learning-Med.jpg

http://www.ojb.com/media/work_org_images/OKC-MG-Plan-Med.jpg


The fountain is quite beautiful. Everything about it is quite extraordinary and incredibly useful.

The labyrinth makes me laugh though. I am sure that there will be some people terrified to go near it at night. Imagine "The Shining" meets "The Out of Towners", Jack Lemmon and Sandy Dennis at night in Central Park, NY. lol One incident out there and the hedge trimmers are coming out! lol

There is not a ice skating rink planned in Central Park, just Myriad Gardens.

Wrong. The model that is on display next to the Pei Plan Model shows a plaza/seasonal ice rink.


The development group has done very prestigous parks for cities much larger than us, such as Atlanta, Houston, LA and Chicago.

i'm just not a fan of their work. The Office of James Burnett has done a far better job with the Myriad Gardens and I wish they would have been hired to do the central park as well.


MG was never successful as a "gardens". While great idea in theory, it just isn't much of a draw for the general population. While they are going to keep some gardens area and hopefully make them better. A programmed park is what we need for it to reach it's potential other than being host to the Arts Festival 5 days a year and to bums the other 360. The parks are still different in focus and programming.

You have been really exaggerating the "bum" factor lately. I've only ever seen a bum in the gardens a couple times, whereas on any typical nice day, especially on the weekends, the MG is filled with brides doing photo shoots, families walking around, etc. I agree that the park is underutilized at this point and that it never really was a "garden", but it's actually going to have a lot more in the way of formal gardens after this is done.



I agree that some things should be duplicated. There's certainly room for great lawns with stages as long as the central park version of that is a good deal larger as several of you have suggested. Cafe, childrens area, fountains. Both should have them. But two ice rinks?? I'd like to see major changes to the central park design. I'm just not digging it as is. The shape of the lake is so unnatural and too much of it is large planter areas that the MG already has. Central Park in NYC doesn't have that, except in a dedicated area--the Conservatory Garden. Why not include more lawn areas and more natural wooded areas?

I think the berms in the Myriad Gardens made the whole place feel very closed in and, from the outside, unwelcoming. It was nice to see all the earth moving equipment there today. I'll be glad when it's bermless.

Wrong. The model that is on display next to the Pei Plan Model shows a plaza/seasonal ice rink.



i'm just not a fan of their work. The Office of James Burnett has done a far better job with the Myriad Gardens and I wish they would have been hired to do the central park as well.



You have been really exaggerating the "bum" factor lately. I've only ever seen a bum in the gardens a couple times, whereas on any typical nice day, especially on the weekends, the MG is filled with brides doing photo shoots, families walking around, etc. I agree that the park is underutilized at this point and that it never really was a "garden", but it's actually going to have a lot more in the way of formal gardens after this is done.



I agree that some things should be duplicated. There's certainly room for great lawns with stages as long as the central park version of that is a good deal larger as several of you have suggested. Cafe, childrens area, fountains. Both should have them. But two ice rinks?? I'd like to see major changes to the central park design. I'm just not digging it as is. The shape of the lake is so unnatural and too much of it is large planter areas that the MG already has. Central Park in NYC doesn't have that, except in a dedicated area--the Conservatory Garden. Why not include more lawn areas and more natural wooded areas?


Not necessarily wrong, I've been priveledged enough to be behind the scenes on some of the committes jb. I don't think we'll see a duplicatation with ice rinks.

Bum factor, many people have expressed the same concern, I'll give you the fact that it has improved noticably over the last year, I think Devon and new downtown residents have some to do with that. Also the Arts Festival gives the impression that it is a park that is used more than in actuality. I agree James Burnett does great work. I think you'll see some changes in the final design. Here's a freebe for you, did you know that ODOT currently still has on their plans on the new I-40 an off ramp that dead ends into the new Central Park??? Now that's something to chew on, and/or start an uproar on. That far SE corner of the park is going to be compromised if nothing is changed, you watch.

First off thanks for the great renferings Architect2010, they really help put things in perspective. One question.....Is that the new restaurant location on the east side of the park?

Also I would be very thankful if anyone could take some pics of the ongoing upgrades to the botanical tube and the other changes to the gardens. I keep meaning to get down there myself but due to a myriad of health restraints I've been stuck in the home for forever now and havent had the oppurtunity. Thanks again.

First off thanks for the great renferings Architect2010, they really help put things in perspective. One question.....Is that the new restaurant location on the east side of the park?

Also I would be very thankful if anyone could take some pics of the ongoing upgrades to the botanical tube and the other changes to the gardens. I keep meaning to get down there myself but due to a myriad of health restraints I've been stuck in the home for forever now and havent had the oppurtunity. Thanks again.

The restaurant is proposed to go along the east side of the Gardens, where the current parking lot is now - about midway between north and south.

The cafe (a smaller structure) is slated to go just to the west side of the current activity plaza which overlooks the water stage.

We are working on a blog and will post soon!!! Right now it is very torn up - both inside and out. Definitely a hard hat zone!!

Thanks Frittergirl for the quick response. I don't mind if it's all torn up at this point. You know theres nothing more exciting for a guy than heavy machinery and the smell of dirt and wood. I just hope to see a timeline of its transformation and so far havent been able to get down there. And I agree with what others have said the designs look awesome. I cant wait to see the finished product....it will be a jewel for downtown!!!

Does anyone know how many trees will need to be cut down for the renovations? Hopefully they will be able to replant some, although I wonderful if they would survive that. The renderings are beautiful, just hope that it doesn't take 20 years for new trees to grow to maturity.

David, they plan to transplant most of the trees. Some will be lost of course.

Does anyone know how many trees will need to be cut down for the renovations? Hopefully they will be able to replant some, although I wonderful if they would survive that. The renderings are beautiful, just hope that it doesn't take 20 years for new trees to grow to maturity.

David, please see the FAQ link here (http://www.myriadgardens.com/calendar.html)that should answer some of your questions.

Right now, crews are working on basic demo and shaving down most of the berms.

Tree transplantation experts (yes they have those) out of Houston will be here next week to remove some of the larger specimen trees and "box" them before transplantation. They will be held in a secured location until they are ready to be replanted in the grounds.

We've got some more good news about trees but I can't share it with you until next Tuesday. (sorry).

David, please see the FAQ link here (http://www.myriadgardens.com/calendar.html)that should answer some of your questions.

Right now, crews are working on basic demo and shaving down most of the burms.

Tree transplantation experts (yes they have those) out of Houston will be here next week to remove some of the larger specimen trees and "box" them before transplantation. They will be held in a secured location until they are ready to be replanted in the grounds.

We've got some more good news about trees but I can't share it with you until next Tuesday. (sorry). It would be nice if they planted more live oaks and magnolias.

Thanks for all the information! Glad to hear that the transformation is well thought out and sensitive to the overall environment of the immediate area... unlike the Sandridge plans! Sorry, I couldn't resist. Don't want to distract from the thread.

David, any plans to visit Oklahoma anytime soon from across the pond?

Thanks for all the information! Glad to hear that the transformation is well thought out and sensitive to the overall environment of the immediate area... unlike the Sandridge plans! Sorry, I couldn't resist. Don't want to distract from the thread.

They are being extremely sensitive to the environment. Keep in mind that most of the Gardens staff are horticulturalists so are attached to those trees.

They actually performed a GPS tree survey of the entire outdoor grounds so they would know which ones are to stay in place, which are to be transplanted and which are being removed.

I'm glad I know what is coming in the Gardens. If someone who was familiar with MBG but unfamiliar with the plans drove by, they would be shocked and horrified. Those guys are getting BUSY. It already looks eerily like one of Steve's circa 1972 urban renewal photos.

I'm glad I know what is coming in the Gardens. If someone who was familiar with MBG but unfamiliar with the plans drove by, they would be shocked and horrified. Those guys are getting BUSY. It already looks eerily like one of Steve's circa 1972 urban renewal photos.

Yes, and they just really started moving the dozers in Monday.

I drove by this evening before heading home and the west side is decimated. Can see almost right through it. It is sad, but we just have to remember what great things there are to come.

The Devon Tower cam will provide a great view of the devastation. You can already see the thinning out.

Here are a few pics I took with my iphone this morning. They are not the highest quality - looking into the sun and with the morning haze. I didn't have my hardhat or proper footware so couldn't really venture around very much. It still gives you a bit of a look as what's going on, at least as it looks from Hudson.

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Thank you frittergirl! I'm so excited for the arts festivals to come!

Wow, bittersweet, but excited at the new park.

I'm really looking forward to the new gardens and all...but those pics made my heart hurt.

Always thought the MG was an attractive and nicely landscaped place (honestly expected at the bare minimum the same for the Canal when it opened). Just hope they can pull the improvements off and the place is indeed made better. This will be a very telling indicator of what to expect with the MAPS 3 Park.

Always thought the MG was an attractive and nicely landscaped place (honestly expected at the bare minimum the same for the Canal when it opened). Just hope they can pull the improvements off and the place is indeed made better. This will be a very telling indicator of what to expect with the MAPS 3 Park.Why would you think that thely could not pull off the improvements? Can you provide valid details and points to your statement?

Where are patrons going to park vehicles? The Cox Center u/g garage? On street parking?

It is very scary to see how many trees are gone. It sure looks like they were just ripped out. I know it will be better in the long run, though.


Where are patrons going to park vehicles? The Cox Center u/g garage? On street parking?

There will be curbside parking on all four sides.

What's wild is the off-street parking actually increases the total spots from 44 spaces in the existing parking lot to 77 off-street.

Why would you think that thely could not pull off the improvements? Can you provide valid details and points to your statement?

Case in point the Canal that I mentioned. We found out after the Canal opened that much of the landscaping used wasn't indigenous to Oklahoma.

Case in point, the landscaping around the Land Run monument (on the Canal) that has been allowed to die (apparently the irrigation system broke and they decided not to fix).

Then even if they pull it off, there is the matter of maintaining everything. I am keeping my fingers crossed but given the City's track record with many of the parks. Budgets go up and down and one of the first places they seem to make cuts is in the Parks Dept. Granted, with the MG and MAPS 3 Park being bright, shiny & new, they may get the needed attention at first (but at the expense of other parks?)

The MG may be a special case and may not even be a part of the parks dept so it may not be a concern. If someone can verify either way...

I'm really looking forward to the new gardens and all...but those pics made my heart hurt.

Yeah. It's a lot easier to lose trees than it is buildings though, especially when we know the trees are going to be replanted.

I'm pretty sure the folks at Devon and those overseeing the Devon TIF won't allow maintenance to be neglected. I believe the ongoing maintenance will be part of the new Downtown BID, at least for the streetscapes.

I'm pretty sure the folks at Devon and those overseeing the Devon TIF won't allow maintenance to be neglected. I believe the ongoing maintenance will be part of the new Downtown BID, at least for the streetscapes.

Then I guess the question is, is maintenance built in (or as with MAPS projects) the operation/maintenance is something the City addresses later and comes out of the general fund? Obviously with a limited term sales tax long term maint isn't considered.

Am sure that maintenance wasn't a concern when the MG was built either, yet something happened along the way for Devon to be that concerned about it that it needed a major renovation. Can easily see the same thing happening in a few years.

Not disparaging Devon at all, but that presumes Devon will remain. Not that many years ago, who would have thought Kerr-McGee would vanish? With energy company mergers and Enron type situations (perish the thought)...

The Myriad Gardens have never really been in "disrepair" or "neglect" save for the glass panels of Crystal Bridge which really were bad. Minimum maintenance has NEVER been an issue, thanks in part to the park conservatory. I presume that the conservatory will still be very involved in the upkeep of the park, especially considering the level of input they had in the park planning process and advocating for keeping it "gardens, not public park" -- leading to the compromise that was reached where parts of it will be more of an urban, active, programmed park and other parts will be gardens. I am sure the conservatory will still be involved in the maintenance of at least the garden portions.

The main thing the MG was lacking is people. Hopefully this renovation will change that.

Color me confused again, but the need of $35 million in renovations suggested to me at least a certain level of disrepair/neglect or whatever you want to call it (think that amount has increased). But then again maybe it was more of completing what was started and never quite finished (back to funding). Seem to recall Mr. Nichols saying something to the effect of both but the links I have are now archived Oklahoman articles. Not sure if the plexi replacement is part of that amount, but it was planned/funded before this all came about, IIRC.

Also, regarding the "lacking people", seem to recall that the MG has always ranked fairly highly as a tourist destination?? Its been a long week and maybe I am imagining things.

To bring up something that I defended in another thread (or was it this one?), with the passage of the highly programmed MAPS 3 Park, why the compromise? Why not return the MG to its Garden "roots" (sorry, couldn't resist).

Again, NOT against the renovations per se. Look forward to it being even better and not just changed/different. Those two don't always go hand in hand.