I love all the trees. After visiting the southeastern US over the last month, I hope OKC continues to plant more, because we just don't have enough.

What would it take to get something like Tulsa's Up With Trees going here?

We already have two awesome organizations doing great work in OKC - The Tree Bank (http://www.thetreebank.org) and OKC Beautiful (http://www.okcbeautiful.com). If you wanna see them do more, make a donation! :)

We already have two awesome organizations doing great work in OKC - The Tree Bank (http://www.thetreebank.org) and OKC Beautiful (http://www.okcbeautiful.com). If you wanna see them do more, make a donation! :)
Thanks for the links. Is the work they do in the same vein as Up With Trees? OKC Beautiful looks like more of a litter cleanup organization.

They both do beautification projects. I think Moore has received something like 10,000 trees from The Tree Bank in recent years. Tulsa has Up With Trees and The Met, we have OKC Beautiful and The Tree Bank. Not apples to apples, but all do similar projects that equal out to the same. Also don't forget that Tulsa naturally has more trees anyway.

Random question why reading the last several posts,

Any particular reason why OKC as a whole named them "the myriad" for the arena that was built, and "myriad gardens"? i realize the definition of myriad means lots of uses, but any city could name their park "myriad gardens" or their arena "the myriad"? what connection does the word "myriad" and OKC have ?

Have to do with the Pei plan?

Well, the Myriad Gardens got its name from The Myriad which was one of the first big urban renewal projects in the early 70's.

And during the 70's, that sort of arena name was popular: Omni in Atlanta, Spectrum in Philly, The MECCA in Milwaukee, The Summit in Houston, etc. This was all long before virtually every sporting venue was named after a sponsor.

I suspect the Myriad name was just a product of civic leaders who thought it sounded cool. For a long time, it was always promoted as The Incomparable Myriad.

any idea when the new Children's carousel will be up and running? I saw the 'short' in the Oklahoman that they are installing but of course there was no information on when it will be complete and running. .....

I honestly think this will be a game changer for MBG because it will finally have a classic amenity that will be running year round - a huge draw that IMO is more iconic than the Thunderstorm (which is awesome) even if less practical in the summer. Most great urban parks have some sort of 'ride' or classic amenity, we will finally have ours.

^

Don't forget the skating rink / water fountains + cafe at the east end of the park. One or the other is operating virtually year round.

Also, the crystal bridge is open all year.


But I agree, this is a great addition to the park especially because it draws so many families.

yes, those are iconic too. But other than the Crystal Bridge, the new carousel will be open year round in a single form.

But we're saying the same thing, and that is MGB is a fantastic urban park that is only getting better with a true icon that (as you very correctly stated) will be a continual draw for families. A true GEM for Oklahoma City.

What would it take to get something like Tulsa's Up With Trees going here?

Wooden signs :tongue:

The Tree Bank Foundation has done a good job of providing trees for planting in public spaces to various groups/organizations throughout OKC , the problem (as I see it), is the care of said trees after planting.

Finishing up on the new carousel:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/myriadgardens080518b.jpg

Seeing it in place, I'm really curious if there was any sort of long-term plan similar to this for that pavillion. It just seems tailor made for a carousel to eventually be slotted into it, particularly with it right next to the rest of the children's area.

Seeing it in place, I'm really curious if there was any sort of long-term plan similar to this for that pavillion. It just seems tailor made for a carousel to eventually be slotted into it, particularly with it right next to the rest of the children's area.

It was originally to be an enclosed cafe but that got cut due to budget overruns.

I believe there was also a plan to have rooftop access on the existing cafe building on the east side fo the park, which also got cut.

Here is an original rendering of that pavilion when it was still planned as a cafe.

And the water fountain evolved into the Thunder Fountain:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/myriadgardens080618.jpg

Finishing up on the new carousel:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/myriadgardens080518b.jpg

This is definitely a perfect fit. I like it.

Yes, best possible outcome and some fortunate synchronicity.

yes, and I think the Thunderstorm fountain is much better than what was originally proposed.

as I mentioned before, there are 'destinations' at MBG (carousel, Thunder fountain, stage ampitheatre, great lawn, ice rink, lake, etc) vs just amenities such as the 'children's fountain', etc.

Also the Meinders wedding chapel thing was added. The park is generally improved over the original proposal and I suspect will continue to improve. Heck, even though the new grand entrance was just added a few years ago, it's already closed for renovations, so hopefully that will be another improvement.

New carousel set for a sneak peek next Thursday through Sunday; will open more permanently in late October.

They were required to add a wrought iron fence all around; hard to tell from the photos but that work is being finalized.



Preview hours: TH 20th 4-7P; FR 4-8P, SA 11A-8P, SU 1-6P. $2 per rider, kids under 1 free.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/carousel091318a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/carousel091318b.jpg

Such a great addition.

It was lit up last night and looked awesome,

Im lovin' it!

Here's Steve Lackmeyer's article (https://newsok.com/article/5608617/carousel-set-to-spin) on this at newsok.com. I heard on good authority that it was actually Steve, himself, who was the early catalyst behind the idea to relocate the carousel. He was too modest to mention this fact in the article, but want to make sure he gets his due for a terrific idea: Thank you!

Video of kids from John Rex visiting the carousel and giving it a try.

https://twitter.com/myriadgardens/status/1042836853181886465

yes, cheers to Steve. I also recall mentioning this as an idea way back but of course Im an expat.

Nevertheless, so glad to see it happen and being USED by the children of OKC. Maybe two more destinations like this and MGB will win best urban park in the world every year and definitely cement OKC as a pleasure to grow up in (which was quite a bit different when I was a kid there). ..

"The rest of the story"

https://twitter.com/stevelackmeyer/status/1042576327042367488

From this morning:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/myriad101418.jpg

That's fantastic! Makes me want to go down there right now.

That looks gourd !!

That's great! It already looks like it's been there for years.

https://i.imgur.com/OoCMhY2.jpg

Beautiful!

You have a great eye for all types of photography.

Great shot!.

BTW I went to the Holiday Illumination exhibit at the Crystal bridge and was very impressed. I enjoyed it a great deal. went to factory obscura first then the Crystal bridge. I hope they continue that annually.

Great shot!.

BTW I went to the Holiday Illumination exhibit at the Crystal bridge and was very impressed. I enjoyed it a great deal. went to factory obscura first then the Crystal bridge. I hope they continue that annually.

Yes, went to the light show at Crystal Bridge last weekend and it was amazing. It continues until January 6th so you still have a few days to catch it. (Same with Beyond which ends on January 6th as well.)

Is the carousel down for maintenance or something? It seems like it is never running in the evenings when the park is full. I couldn't find any hours posted on the fence.


Also why is this here?

https://i.imgur.com/OokXXak.jpg

Mo’s Carousel at Myriad Gardens
Summer hours
Monday – Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday – Friday: 2-7pm
Saturday – Sunday: 11am – 7:30pm

Is the carousel down for maintenance or something? It seems like it is never running in the evenings when the park is full. I couldn't find any hours posted on the fence.


Also why is this here?

https://i.imgur.com/OokXXak.jpg

In regards to the TFCU ATM, a two week Children's event just ended this past weekend. They probably hadn't had a chance to pick up their ATM yet.

Keep in mind there's a special event going on in the Children's Garden right now as well, which might impact hours.

Edit: Ooops, I guess it just ended.

That ATM is still in place.

Also, I noticed the cafe (Pitchfork) is gone that was located in the same building where they rent the ice skates in the winter.

They do have the "Ice Cube" mini food truck thing and on Wednesday they had it near the bandshell as they were screening a movie. There about 10 other cart and truck vendors. Not sure if Pitchfork is operating Ice Cube or not.

BTW, these shots were taken about 7:45PM and the movie didn't even start until 9. Lots of people already down there.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/myriad062619a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/myriad062619b.jpg

The Woodstock tribute concert that was held here tonight was really great. Excellent turnout, too.

Was any dubies being passed around?

The Woodstock tribute concert that was held here tonight was really great. Excellent turnout, too.

Sponsored by the Oklahoma Gazette!

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/myriadgardens121419a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/myriadgardens121419b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/myriadgardens121419c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/myriadgardens121419d.jpg

The Crystal Bridge is getting a nearly 9 million dollar makeover:

https://okcfox.com/news/local/city-council-members-approve-86-m-for-renovation-to-crystal-bridge

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/myriad032220a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/myriad032220b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/myriad032220c.jpg

wonderful pictures

I know we all shouldn't rush out to the parks, but the Tulips at MBG are amazing and definitely makes one feel better walking among them. My wife and I went out last Wednesday Mar 18, my birthday and the first day where dining in was banned, and it made me happier...

^

Getting out and walking in the parks or anywhere else is not only fine, it's good for you.

Nobody is congregating so keeping social distance is pretty inherent.

^

Getting out and walking in the parks or anywhere else is not only fine, it's good for you.

Nobody is congregating so keeping social distance is pretty inherent.


My wife has been taking the kids out to walking trails and stuff to get them out and about while still maintaining social distancing.

Yes, as long as you are only going out with people you are self-isolating with, and staying 6' away from everyone else, by all means go outside, we need to stay sane through this. My "go-to" has been biking, as it's pretty much impossible for anyone to get within 6' of you when you're on a bike. But as long as you avoid the more crowded parks, walking should be fine as well.

Myriad Gardens Foundation approved for PPP (not a judgement, just an FYI).

16227

That one newspaper that everyone here loves is reporting that the Crystal Bridge will receive a complete makeover. Going to be completely gutted

That one newspaper that everyone here loves is reporting that the Crystal Bridge will receive a complete makeover. Going to be completely gutted

Pretty sure that is old news... I thought I read something about it before the pandemic started to ramp up

Pretty sure that is old news... I thought I read something about it before the pandemic started to ramp up

Ah gotcha. My bad!

Press release:

*********

Inasmuch Foundation makes lead gift to renovate Crystal Bridge at Myriad Botanical Gardens

Inasmuch Foundation has committed $2.5 million to the second phase of a capital campaign to renovate the Crystal Bridge Conservatory at Myriad Botanical Gardens. This phase features a complete renovation of the interior conservatory spaces to enhance visitor engagement with a more diverse plant collection, interactive educational exhibits, improved ADA accessibility, and a museum-quality gift shop.

The announcement was made today. The Visitor Center lobby of the Crystal Bridge was renovated as part of the first phase of the capital campaign and completed in 2018, made possible by a major gift from Devon Energy. Phase one also included renovation of lower-level classroom space for use by John Rex Middle School and a new horticulture classroom, funded by Inasmuch Foundation.

Since its opening in 1988, (pictured above) the Crystal Bridge Conservatory has remained largely unchanged. As the centerpiece of the Gardens, it is home to thousands of tropical and desert plants within 13,000 square feet, divided into two distinct climates: wet and dry. To see the history timeline visit here.

The forthcoming renovation will update aging infrastructure, allow for a more diverse plant collection with both permanent and rotating exhibits, as well as new and enhanced water elements, circulation paths and sitting areas. A terrace feature will overlook the conservatory and add much-needed educational programming and venue space. Improved accessibility, including an elevator, will enable people of all ages and physical abilities to fully enjoy the space.

“The Crystal Bridge at Myriad Botanical Gardens is such a recognizable structure in downtown Oklahoma City,” said Bob Ross, chairman and CEO of Inasmuch Foundation. “Staff at the Gardens continually strive to create wonderful spaces and learning opportunities for Oklahoma City. When I learned of plans for reimagining the tropical plant conservatory to create a superb visitor experience, I knew Inasmuch Foundation would want to support this initiative. The second phase of the Crystal Bridge renovation capitalizes on the momentum of current downtown development.”

Maureen Heffernan, CEO of Myriad Gardens Foundation and Scissortail Park Foundation, said she appreciates the visionary leadership demonstrated by the Inasmuch Foundation and its major giving support.

“This gift enables Myriad Botanical Gardens to significantly improve our Conservatory experience so it is as transformational as the outdoor renovation was completed in 2011. An updated and more engaging Conservatory will help attract visitors from all of the major downtown development near the Gardens including Scissortail Park and the Convention Center and Omni Hotel. This investment will further strengthen the Gardens’ standing as one of the premier cultural attractions in Oklahoma City.”
Adds Jim Tolbert, Chair Emeritus of Myriad Gardens Foundation, “The interior of the Crystal Bridge has not been renewed since its opening. This visionary gift from Inasmuch Foundation will allow a vast enhancement of both its educational and visitor experience.”

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/myriadgardens101120c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/myriadgardens101120d.jpg

Wow!

Pumpkins?

Pumpkins?

Yep.

That's really neat.