its promising, however, to see the ducks still there minding their business. They wouldn't be swimming in there if there was something wrong with the water.

its promising, however, to see the ducks still there minding their business. They wouldn't be swimming in there if there was something wrong with the water.

There is a large range between everything being fine and killing everything just touching the surface.

its promising, however, to see the ducks still there minding their business. They wouldn't be swimming in there if there was something wrong with the water.

Maybe, but the Valdez oil spill in Alaska didn't stop birds from getting in the water.

So, it turns out that fluorescein was indeed the agent used for the St. Paddy's Day prank and it was dosed at non-toxic levels. The gardens aren't doomed and the water is already noticeably less green/more brown. They are still all a twitter over some rocks stained orange, but I suspect that this would all just go away pretty quickly if they just did nothing. Essentially, no harm, no foul except for some testing costs and spraying those pesky orange rocks.

I'm not saying at all that I condone what the perps did, but it was kinda pretty for a day or two and not worthy of the lather everyone got work into.

So, it turns out that fluorescein was indeed the agent used for the St. Paddy's Day prank and it was dosed at non-toxic levels. The gardens aren't doomed and the water is already noticeably less green/more brown. They are still all a twitter over some rocks stained orange, but I suspect that this would all just go away pretty quickly if they just did nothing. Essentially, no harm, no foul except for some testing costs and spraying those pesky orange rocks.

I'm not saying at all that I condone what the perps did, but it was kinda pretty for a day or two and not worthy of the lather everyone got work into.

Knee jerk reaction.

Oh, so they've announced publicly that they won't have to drain the lake after all? Great news!

Yup they said it would flush out without draining and it isn't harmful to plants or wildlife.

Essentially, no harm, no foul except for some testing costs and spraying those pesky orange rocks.

I'm not sure I would call close to $4,000 in expense "no harm, no foul". And the water is having to be replaced.

Despite costly cleanup, dyeing prank at Myriad Gardens appears harmless | News OK (http://newsok.com/despite-costly-cleanup-dyeing-prank-at-myriad-gardens-appears-harmless/article/3944941)


Hopes are that an operation to pump out most of the green water and replace it with fresh water can begin Thursday, said Christine Eddington, a park spokeswoman.

That will involve pumping out about 1.5 million gallons of discolored water, said Matt Maly, the park’s facilities director. The pond will be replenished with city water and water from a spring beneath the pond, he said.

Oh, so they've announced publicly that they won't have to drain the lake after all? Great news!

Evidently that's not exactly correct.

Evidently that's not exactly correct.

Yeah, I knew that. I was being sarcastic. Sounds like a couple of posters had knee jerk reactions to the (good) news that the dye was non-toxic and think that is the same thing as no consequences. Whatever.

Wildlife Unaffected Following Myriad Gardens Green Water Prank - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/25073608/wildlife-unaffected-following-myriad-gardens-green-water-prank)

I walked through there to the game Monday evening and the water didn't really look green anymore. They didn't drain the pond, but I know they drained and cleaned the stream,and it looks great now.

Last night the bricktown fountain by harkins was still green...

Wildlife Unaffected Following Myriad Gardens Green Water Prank - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/25073608/wildlife-unaffected-following-myriad-gardens-green-water-prank)

That's good to know.

Still doesn't make it any less douchey what the pranksters did.

Can't believe they haven't caught whoever did this.

Security cameras are everywhere.

now this is just f**ked up man. I really feel for this group trying to keep the grounds up and making ends meet and this happens

Group vandalizes Myriad Gardens in downtown Oklahoma City, surveillance video shows | News OK (http://newsok.com/group-vandalizes-myriad-gardens-in-downtown-oklahoma-city-surveillance-video-shows/article/3949537)

Agreed. Hope they catch these "Youths." For some reason the spray painting angers me more than the fluorescein, even given the difference in monetary losses.

Myriad Gardens Offers April Events For All Ages - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/25171295/myriad-gardens-offers-april-events-for-all-ages)

Myriad Gardens Offers April Events For All Ages - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/25171295/myriad-gardens-offers-april-events-for-all-ages)

Glad to seem them aggressively engaging with events this spring.

I think that for the most part, OKCitians think of parks in a pretty passive way...a place to go have a picnic or let their dogs run. I am hoping the activity at the MG will help people demand more activity in all public parks, especially the new central park.

Just curious, does the Thunder fountain work? Has it ever? Walking around the Festival of the Arts this weekend I was thinking how I hadn't heard of it working since after the first month or so... Here's a link to a story on it from 2012: New water play areas to open in Oklahoma City | News OK (http://newsok.com/new-water-play-areas-to-open-in-oklahoma-city/article/3666747)

Hopefully they will get it working soon as they have only had all winter to fix and get it ready. It seems the park is busy and should be taking in some revenue.

My office has for the last ten years overlooked MG. I am shocked and greatly proud of the progress of our city when I see the huge amounts of people in the park everyday whether it is in the evening or during the day. I will go to the office during the weekend and the park will be packed also. So night and day from 5 years ago.

Absolutely ^ it's a perfect example of building a place where people want to be, and mysteriously people show up to be there.

I have found myself randomly getting in the car to drive up to downtown just to walk through the park/downtown. I'm not a good example because I am hyper aware and eager of our progress and changing city and would be more likely to come anyway just to see the progress as much as to enjoy the environment. So glad to see downtown alive again.

I emailed Maureen Heffernan about the Thunder Fountain several weeks ago. She emailed me back to say that the fountain should be fully operational May 1st. She did say that was the date unless some on for seen problem happened ie weather.

I'll give the Gardens the benefit of the doubt due to the harsh winter we had, but seeing how bad of shape the gardens have been in lately truly gives me nightmares of what our core to shore park will become. If the Myriad Gardens can't support itself, how will a park 5 times the size?

With that negativity out of the way, I will also give the park its due in that it constantly attracts attention & use throughout the day. It is a GREAT park, just wish it could be maintained a little better.

Absolutely ^ it's a perfect example of building a place where people want to be, and mysteriously people show up to be there.

I have found myself randomly getting in the car to drive up to downtown just to walk through the park/downtown. I'm not a good example because I am hyper aware and eager of our progress and changing city and would be more likely to come anyway just to see the progress as much as to enjoy the environment. So glad to see downtown alive again.

I agree. I was downtown this weekend and with the arts festival and everything else that was going on I really enjoyed the sense of vibrancy. The atmosphere at Myriad Gardens will only get better when you have the convention center on the south end of it with a possible hotel tower and then the Stage Center tower to the west.

I'll give the Gardens the benefit of the doubt due to the harsh winter we had, but seeing how bad of shape the gardens have been in lately truly gives me nightmares of what our core to shore park will become. If the Myriad Gardens can't support itself, how will a park 5 times the size?Myriad park is NOT owned by the city, the C2S park will be.

Myriad park is NOT owned by the city, the C2S park will be.

Yes it is

Yes it isReally? I was under the impression it was being cared for by another group. I thought no city funds were being used for the park. Perhaps they own it, but don't upkeep it.

I've been told the Myriad Gardens have their own foundation which is responsible for maintenance. In fact, I was told that last Friday by a high ranking city official in reply to my question as to why the fountain wasn't working.

It's owned by the city. Maintenance and up keep is thru grants and the foundation.

During the arts festival I talked to a guy in a blazer with a walkie talkie who had an MBG name tag on about the fountain and he said they were worried about another cold snap and wanted to be sure we were done with the cold before turning on the fountain. Either last night or the night before I think I saw lights on at the fountain driving by so I presume it's on now.

I saw lights on the fountain on Wednesday night. I don't think the audio was on however.

Upkeep issues. 1) the dog release area does not have running water for the water stations. 2) the large spray fountain is finally working! Yay! But the drainage does not appear to be working correctly, as there was ponding of water at the side toward the children's play area.

I thought these photos of a yoga class being taught at the gardens were pretty cool. Makes us look like an active city! lol

https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/10288703_893766793973161_7258977739672956694_n.jpg

https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/10311360_893766587306515_4780730132536511532_n.jpg

^That is awesome!

Another great idea:


WE GOT GAME (S) every Saturday in June.

City dwellers rejoice! The Gardens is now your yard. Grab your friends and family and come enjoy a morning filled with your favorite suburban relaxation in a unique urban setting. Play Badminton, corn toss, Bocce ball, big dominoes, kites, horse shoes, lawn bowling, and Frisbee. Game selection will vary weekly. After you play, head to the Crystal Bridge for a story, for Ice House OKC for a burger or Park House OKC for a salad or sandwich.

FREE for members; Non members suggested donations $5 group of three or more & up) $2 individuals



https://scontent-a-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/t1.0-9/1901854_903223349694172_7883967404267004665_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t1.0-9/10374483_903223329694174_4277934500562200074_n.jpg

Another great idea:





https://scontent-a-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/t1.0-9/1901854_903223349694172_7883967404267004665_n.jpg


https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t1.0-9/10374483_903223329694174_4277934500562200074_n.jpg


Wish I could be excited about this.

They had something similar to this last year, but it was remote controlled sailboats for the pond. I showed up on a Saturday with my kids and met a friend and his kids. Went inside the arboretum. Asked about the boats. "What boats?" I pointed out the sign advertising the boats that was sitting right outside the front door. "But that's not right now." I pull out my phone and show her the Myriad Gardens website where it says the boats are available Saturdays at this time. "Well let me talk to my boss." After 5 minutes the boss is found. She seems confused too. Boss gets on the phone. Boss disappears. After fiove minutes Boss finally returns. "No, the guy who does the boats isn't here today. Sorry."

A complete display of bad planning, bad communication and false advertising.


My absolute pet peeve about Oklahoma City is this kind of thing, and Myriad Gardens is almost the poster child for it. Similar thing happened last winter with the ice rink. So, what I am saying is don't count on playing bocce or horseshoes this summer unless you BYO.

People should bring their own anyway and quit asking the city to do it for them. Instead of complaining, just participate. Buy your own boat for your kid and go enjoy the amazing surroundings. Take your own toys, it's not too much to ask. If the city provides more then great, but there is so much to enjoy there, it should be fun. I think more than anything, the gardens is just showing people ways they can use the park and have fun.

People should bring their own anyway and quit asking the city to do it for them. Instead of complaining, just participate. Buy your own boat for your kid and go enjoy the amazing surroundings. Take your own toys, it's not too much to ask. If the city provides more then great, but there is so much to enjoy there, it should be fun. I think more than anything, the gardens is just showing people ways they can use the park and have fun.

Ok, this response is just stupid. You have me cast as some sort of boat "moocher". A taker, eager to take my remote-controlled boat from the honest, hardworking makers of OKC.

If I wanted to own a boat I'd own a boat. Instead, what happened was I saw numerous advertisements, including big sandwich-board signs in front of Myriad Gardens, telling me all about the boat rentals. I thought, "gee, that sounds like a fun thing to do for a change. Maybe I'll check it out." And then the colossal fail I detailed above.

And you are TOTALLY WRONG that
I think more than anything, the gardens is just showing people ways they can use the park and have fun.
This is MG explicitly saying to the citizens of OKC that these lawn games will be available. If they meant anything at all what you said they had a chance to say that, instead of saying that which they indeed did say!

And so concludes the first time Doctor Taco (Ph.D.) has ever lost his cool on this board. Thanks Rover. You took me there. Good times. What happens now, am I supposed to smoke a cigarette or something?

Ok, this response is just stupid. You have me cast as some sort of boat "moocher". A taker, eager to take my remote-controlled boat from the honest, hardworking makers of OKC.

If I wanted to own a boat I'd own a boat. Instead, what happened was I saw numerous advertisements, including big sandwich-board signs in front of Myriad Gardens, telling me all about the boat rentals. I thought, "gee, that sounds like a fun thing to do for a change. Maybe I'll check it out." And then the colossal fail I detailed above.

And you are TOTALLY WRONG that
This is MG explicitly saying to the citizens of OKC that these lawn games will be available. If they meant anything at all what you said they had a chance to say that, instead of saying that which they indeed did say!

And so concludes the first time Doctor Taco (Ph.D.) has ever lost his cool on this board. Thanks Rover. You took me there. Good times. What happens now, am I supposed to smoke a cigarette or something?

Stiff drink and a smoke.

Stiff drink and a smoke.

Hey...it is before noon. Little early for a drink. Of course, we all know that alcohol added to juice just makes a fortified breakfast so bloody marys and mimosas don't count. Baileys added to coffee is just the same as adding creamer so it doesn't count either. :drunk:

Hey...it is before noon. Little early for a drink. Of course, we all know that alcohol added to juice just makes a fortified breakfast so bloody marys and mimosas don't count. Baileys added to coffee is just the same as adding creamer so it doesn't count either. :drunk:

I'll allow it. :)

Dr. Taco just put Rover in the corner....

DT: 1
R: 0

People should bring their own anyway and quit asking the city to do it for them. Instead of complaining, just participate. Buy your own boat for your kid and go enjoy the amazing surroundings. Take your own toys, it's not too much to ask. If the city provides more then great, but there is so much to enjoy there, it should be fun. I think more than anything, the gardens is just showing people ways they can use the park and have fun.

I can turn the argument around and say the city should not be providing a new convention center to businesses.

Its all the same goal here: making the city better. A better workforce wants all the amenities and programming that goes into a nice park.

Sorry I personally offended. I wasn't excusing MG or questioning your experience or initiative. Just saying that people all over bring their toys to enjoy the park and we should here too. We sometimes need to take the initiative and bring our own. Maybe we just don't have experience how to best utilize what we have been given. It is new to OKC, so maybe we need more catalyst like the city bringing the toys.

But the criticism of the MG management is justified. Don't advertise if you can't do it. So, let's see if they follow through on this one. Maybe they have learned since the boat incident and maybe they haven't.

Just curious, after the boat incident did you report it to MG management and did they respond to you?

Sorry I personally offended. I wasn't excusing MG or questioning your experience or initiative. Just saying that people all over bring their toys to enjoy the park and we should here too. We sometimes need to take the initiative and bring our own. Maybe we just don't have experience how to best utilize what we have been given. It is new to OKC, so maybe we need more catalyst like the city bringing the toys.

But the criticism of the MG management is justified. Don't advertise if you can't do it. So, let's see if they follow through on this one. Maybe they have learned since the boat incident and maybe they haven't.

Just curious, after the boat incident did you report it to MG management and did they respond to you?

Actually we didn't. When our membership came up for renewal we had intended to not renew and send back a letter explaining why, but somehow that never happened. Probably should have followed through on that.

Sorry about blowing my top.

These days, griping on Twitter, with a picture especially, goes a long way in getting something fixed quick-ish...

Another new interesting activity at the Gardens.

Chess players invited to Myriad Gardens on Saturdays in Oklahoma City | News OK (http://newsok.com/chess-players-invited-to-myriad-gardens-on-saturdays-in-oklahoma-city/article/5234629)

These days, griping on Twitter, with a picture especially, goes a long way in getting something fixed quick-ish...

I have a membership to the garden even though I live in Atlanta - it is reciprocal with the Atlanta BG and a lot cheaper. Anyways, I posted/ emailed this thread via the membership site and they responded. The boat rental was an 'out side' vendor and they were just as frustrated as the public. These public options are new to the operations and it is a learning curve to get the entire staff 'up' on all the options offered so they can be more helpful. I am very guilty about venting my frustrations/observations of the Gardens - possibly because I worked there so long and invested so much - and still have strong opinions about obvious issues. But, this is a newer staff with their own challenges and are wanting to please, so if you offer assistance and point out issues in a non-confrontational way, they will be responsive and grateful.

Here is a great idea for Myriad Gardens:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t1.0-9/s526x395/984181_10152653159771600_5370264080836203520_n.jpg

Yes please. Fortunately in the gardens all of the light poles have standard plugs at least and a few of them are near benches...

Photo I took of the waterfall at the corner of the gardens. I may or may not have been hacking a portal in Ingress.

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2928/14147464778_25dfff269e_b.jpg

OKCTalk - Myriad Gardens to feature carousel for the holidays; looks to the future (http://www.okctalk.com/content/75-myriad-gardens-feature-carousel-holidays-looks-future.html)

Thanks to kaynemo, I was able to drop the proposed developments into Google Earth and look at how the gardens might be impacted:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/mbg1.jpg

OKCTalk - Myriad Gardens to feature carousel for the holidays; looks to the future (http://www.okctalk.com/content/75-myriad-gardens-feature-carousel-holidays-looks-future.html)

Thanks to kaynemo, I was able to drop the proposed developments into Google Earth and look at how the gardens might be impacted:



Great article Pete!

I have to say, I'm very impressed with Maureen Heffernan.

She has incredible passion for the gardens and explained in great detail why the park has looked a bit patchy at times, the issues with the fountains, etc.

Maureen and her staff are certainly aware of the various issues and have worked their tales off in addressing them. I bet you'll see a marked improvement this spring now that they've had a chance to tweak a bunch of infrastructure issues (soil, irrigation, drainage).

It was fascinating discussing all this with her and like most things, it made me realize there are way more complexities than are obvious to the casual observer.

I'm curious Pete. With MG currently having a great benefactor in Larry Nichols/Devon, a lot of goodwill downtown, and a currenlty booming local economy, is there any effort to build up a permanent endowment? Such a fund could help both to weather future problems and to fund expanded operations/programming.

I'm curious Pete. With MG currently having a great benefactor in Larry Nichols/Devon, a lot of goodwill downtown, and a currenlty booming local economy, is there any effort to build up a permanent endowment? Such a fund could help both to weather future problems and to fund expanded operations/programming.

That's a good question. I'll follow up with Maureen and let you know what she says.

I do know they are now getting a fair bit of on-going revenue: Park House, Ice House / Skating Rink, Holiday Shoppes, sponsorships, etc. Also, I was surprised to learn they took in over $100K just from Pumpkinville; 16,000 (!) visitors. And I know they also rent out the pavillion, Meinders Gardens and other areas for events/weddings, and of course get revenue from the Crystal Bridge, gift shop and concessions.

I suspect their revenue streams are pretty significant these days.

I suspect their revenue streams are pretty significant these days.

All the more reason to start socking some away.

I just had a nice conversation with Maureen Heffernan about this.


First off, remember that until Project 180 and the formation of the Myriad Gardens Foundation, the City of OKC was 100% funding the park.

After three years of the foundation being up and running, the split is now about 50/50 between the City and the foundation, on an annual budget of about $4 million. In other words, the city now subsidizes the park to the tune of about $2 million a year.

The foundation's goal is to grow their share of the burden to at least 66% and they feel like they can get there in the next few years.

The foundation's revenue comes from:

Restaurants. Both the Ice House and Park House pay rental plus a percent of the proceeds.
Events / Rentals. Weddings, classes, ice rink and all types of other uses.
Concessions. Crystal Bridge admission, gift shop, concession carts (pay a percentage of proceeds).
Donations / Gifts. Fundraising is an on-going part of the foundation's charter and some goes into an endowment and some goes into operations or special projects.


I was told that their endowment now funds only a very small percentage of their operations but the goal is to get that amount to 25% of their expenses.


I also asked about the funding for the MAPS 3 park, since MAPS does not provide operating funds.

Maureen said she had “no doubt” they could generate significant revenues, especially with the ability to host large, ticketed events on the oval. Then there would be boat rentals, general rentals, grants, donations, memberships, etc.

She said there is a “science and art” to funding such parks and there are many examples of how to do this successfully.

Maureen also said that the City providing the initial operating funds is like training wheels until the park gets it's legs.

It's interesting to note that the oval will be in the very first phase of the park, so they could start generating revenue early on.