FritterGirl
03-24-2011, 11:58 AM
I'll be taking a tour of the Gardens tomorrow (first one in months), so will take lots of pictures to load. Until then, there's this -->
http://twitter.com/#!/myriadgardens
http://twitter.com/#!/myriadgardens
View Full Version : Myriad Gardens FritterGirl 03-24-2011, 11:58 AM I'll be taking a tour of the Gardens tomorrow (first one in months), so will take lots of pictures to load. Until then, there's this --> http://twitter.com/#!/myriadgardens FritterGirl 03-25-2011, 04:41 PM Toured Gardens this afternoon. All I can say is wow, wow, wow! Still lots of work to do in some areas, but overall, they look really spectacular. So much attention to detail. We're posting pics as I post this, so go check out the flickr account: http://www.flickr.com/photos/50408515@N06/?saved=1 therondo 03-25-2011, 04:53 PM It's gonna be so beautiful! I can't wait to see the finished product! Tackleberry 03-25-2011, 05:19 PM All this construction makes me feel like we're getting ready for the Olympics. metro 03-25-2011, 05:25 PM It's exciting but not even a fraction Dustin 03-25-2011, 06:19 PM http://www.flickr.com/photos/50408515@N06/5559738330/in/photostream/ future fountain? therondo 03-25-2011, 07:31 PM http://www.flickr.com/photos/50408515@N06/5559738330/in/photostream/ future fountain? Yes sir, water fountain/feature or waterfall. Thunder 03-25-2011, 07:33 PM http://www.flickr.com/photos/50408515@N06/5559738330/in/photostream/ future fountain? Maybe some fish. :-) Dustin 03-25-2011, 08:13 PM Ok, this: http://www.flickr.com/photos/50408515@N06/5559686188/ ...needs some splanin' dmoor82 03-25-2011, 08:19 PM Ok, this: http://www.flickr.com/photos/50408515@N06/5559686188/ ...needs some splanin' ^^Yeah I was wonderin wth that is! Dustin 03-25-2011, 08:54 PM ^^Yeah I was wonderin wth that is! Dohh! :doh: "Children's interactive fountain. This state-of-the-art fountain will cycle through a "thunderstorm" with "thunder" sound effects, mist and light before it "rains." The circles in the ground are fountains that burst up in the shape of flowers." There was a description under the picture.. lol okclee 03-25-2011, 09:23 PM This will be the new place to take "out-of-town" guests when visiting Okc for the first time. ljbab728 03-26-2011, 12:55 AM This will be the new place to take "out-of-town" guests when visiting Okc for the first time. Not just first time visitors. My brother from LA grew up here. He's coming home for a visit in two months and this will definitely be on our list of things to see. It looks like it's going to be amazing. iMAX386 03-26-2011, 03:59 PM This place looks totally different. I've already forgotten what most of this area used to look like. I'm going to need some before pictures. I love how you can actually see into the bridge now with the new glass: http://www.flickr.com/photos/50408515@N06/5559669212/sizes/l/ Doug Loudenback 03-27-2011, 01:44 AM Or you can try this. http://www.flickr.com/photos/50408515@N06/ That's a heck of a nice series of photos. A few of my favorites: http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5173/5559154107_d57ffb6aa5_b.jpg http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5295/5559129937_7ecbd6bd0a_b.jpg http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5150/5559140833_df41670c80_b.jpg http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5066/5559137505_176427a110_b.jpg http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5140/5559686602_4e1c3e56cb_b.jpg Dustin 03-27-2011, 01:56 AM This place looks totally different. I've already forgotten what most of this area used to look like. I'm going to need some before pictures. I love how you can actually see into the bridge now with the new glass: http://www.flickr.com/photos/50408515@N06/5559669212/sizes/l/ Wow.. I didn't even notice the bridge.. Cool! Thunder 03-27-2011, 01:59 AM I hope they make the surroundings of the pond more natural than that. soonerguru 03-27-2011, 03:16 AM It's been a long time since I've seen renderings, but are they going to plant more trees? It seems barren compared to its former self. This city has really hated trees for some time; just wondering if that's a continuance of that 40-year trend. rcjunkie 03-27-2011, 04:59 AM It's been a long time since I've seen renderings, but are they going to plant more trees? It seems barren compared to its former self. This city has really hated trees for some time; just wondering if that's a continuance of that 40-year trend. They sure do, that's why they've had a tree planting program for the past 15 plus years. Rover 03-27-2011, 10:31 AM It's been a long time since I've seen renderings, but are they going to plant more trees? It seems barren compared to its former self. This city has really hated trees for some time; just wondering if that's a continuance of that 40-year trend. Where in the world do you get this idea from? The city has been very active in planting trees. And, just planting a glob of trees isn't landscaping, its forestation. The park is being landscaped to promote specific purposes and create a specific environment. If you look at ALL the pictures available, they seem to be doing a spectacular job. Also, you can't judge landscaping all the day it is planted. Trees and other lanscaping matures and improves if done correctly. Landscape designers have to have vision. Critics only are required to have an opinion. Rover 03-27-2011, 10:33 AM I hope they make the surroundings of the pond more natural than that. I'm guessing you haven't looked at ALL the available pictures or the renderings of how it will look when mature. Thunder 03-27-2011, 11:07 AM I'm guessing you haven't looked at ALL the available pictures or the renderings of how it will look when mature. I did look at them. Look at the pictures again and you will see how they poured in too much concrete surrounding the pond. Snowman 03-27-2011, 01:05 PM I did look at them. Look at the pictures again and you will see how they poured in too much concrete surrounding the pond. They clearly placed as much concrete as they intended, either the plans changed since you had seen them or you disagree with the style. It is a balancing act between making it accessible, maintainable, building materials and event capability vs natural landscaping. No building project is ever going to be perfect but overall the work here seems quite good and it needed renovation and that brings with it modern building and accessibility codes. Kerry 03-27-2011, 01:15 PM Thunder - don't you keep fish in a glass tank with plastic plants? Thunder 03-27-2011, 01:15 PM Yeah. It will be better seeing it in person. The waiting to feed the fish is very painful. FritterGirl 03-27-2011, 02:19 PM Forgive my brevity (and typos), but I'm typing via mobile. Just wanted to address a few items. TREES: They are not nearly done with the tree planting. Many, many more will be planted before opening. I don't recall the exact number off of the top of my head, but I know that there will be a net gain in the number of trees in the Gardens than there were prior to the redevelopment. Keep in mind that many of the trees you see in the picture are: 1) not leafed out yet, 2) still young. Prior to demolition, the MBG manager worked with the landscapers as well as tree consultants to work out a full inventory of trees. The majority of trees removed were those that had either reached the end of their natural trees lives and weren't very viable to begin with, or were trees that had been damaged in the 2007 ice storm and were not really coming back. Some trees were also transplnted to other areas of the Gardens. As a note, approx 64,000 new plants are be planted in the Gardens. Some may take a year or two to fill out, so the first few years will still look kind of sparse in places. POND: In response to Thunder's query, the pond is not nearly finished filling, and there are areas on the sides of the pond that were put in specifically to plant native water grasses that that will serve as natural barriers and filtration systems and provide protection and oxygenation for the fish. They're just not planted yet. As I noted before, it will likely be a few months before the koi are relocated back into the pond since they want to ensure the water is biologically able to sustain aquatic life. Hope this helps! soonerguru 03-27-2011, 06:18 PM Forgive my brevity (and typos), but I'm typing via mobile. Just wanted to address a few items. TREES: They are not nearly done with the tree planting. Many, many more will be planted before opening. I don't recall the exact number off of the top of my head, but I know that there will be a net gain in the number of trees in the Gardens than there were prior to the redevelopment. Keep in mind that many of the trees you see in the picture are: 1) not leafed out yet, 2) still young. Prior to demolition, the MBG manager worked with the landscapers as well as tree consultants to work out a full inventory of trees. The majority of trees removed were those that had either reached the end of their natural trees lives and weren't very viable to begin with, or were trees that had been damaged in the 2007 ice storm and were not really coming back. Some trees were also transplnted to other areas of the Gardens. As a note, approx 64,000 new plants are be planted in the Gardens. Some may take a year or two to fill out, so the first few years will still look kind of sparse in places. POND: In response to Thunder's query, the pond is not nearly finished filling, and there are areas on the sides of the pond that were put in specifically to plant native water grasses that that will serve as natural barriers and filtration systems and provide protection and oxygenation for the fish. They're just not planted yet. As I noted before, it will likely be a few months before the koi are relocated back into the pond since they want to ensure the water is biologically able to sustain aquatic life. Hope this helps! Outstanding! This is great news, and thanks, you've answered my question. For some reason, I thought the designs called for a lot more trees, but I wasn't sure. Larry OKC 03-28-2011, 12:09 AM Soonerguru's post reminded me of the flack I got (may have even been in this thread) about the "barren" look to other pics of the MG (before reno). The point then was that they were Google earth pictures and are typically taken when there is less tree canapy (to get in the way). Of course that makes since but lends to the barren look (and grass being brown). After living in the Disneyworld area for 10+ years (back in my high school/college days) I got spoiled. When they landscaped something it rarely looked "new". They didn't have saplings and the like that will take years (or decades) to look good. They would bring in a mature trees etc so it looked like it had been there all along. Frittergirl has mentioned that the reno will be a combo of sorts with new plantings (that we see in the above pics) and established (but possibly relocated) inventory as well. Doug Loudenback 03-28-2011, 08:56 AM Forgive my brevity (and typos), but I'm typing via mobile. Just wanted to address a few items. TREES: They are not nearly done with the tree planting. Many, many more will be planted before opening. I don't recall the exact number off of the top of my head, but I know that there will be a net gain in the number of trees in the Gardens than there were prior to the redevelopment. Keep in mind that many of the trees you see in the picture are: 1) not leafed out yet, 2) still young. Prior to demolition, the MBG manager worked with the landscapers as well as tree consultants to work out a full inventory of trees. The majority of trees removed were those that had either reached the end of their natural trees lives and weren't very viable to begin with, or were trees that had been damaged in the 2007 ice storm and were not really coming back. Some trees were also transplnted to other areas of the Gardens. As a note, approx 64,000 new plants are be planted in the Gardens. Some may take a year or two to fill out, so the first few years will still look kind of sparse in places. POND: In response to Thunder's query, the pond is not nearly finished filling, and there are areas on the sides of the pond that were put in specifically to plant native water grasses that that will serve as natural barriers and filtration systems and provide protection and oxygenation for the fish. They're just not planted yet. As I noted before, it will likely be a few months before the koi are relocated back into the pond since they want to ensure the water is biologically able to sustain aquatic life. Hope this helps! Frittergirl, I just want to say that I think that you guys are doing an absolutely outstanding job and in a very small amount of time. When done, it will simply be stunning for both residents and visitors. One thing I'm not clear about ... where will the ice skating rink be located? I suppose that I could be less lazy and look for a drawing ... but if you could zone in on one of the photos in the recent (or other) photoshoots that show it, that would be great. FritterGirl 03-28-2011, 09:48 AM Hey Doug, Here's a link (http://twitdoc.com/view.asp?id=5774&sid=4GE&ext=PDF&lcl=MBGspaces.pdf&usr=okcparks&doc=51716312&key=key-2jwfijmd0v9laef30sxi) to a pdf rendering of where all of the Garens' features will be. Feel free to grab it for your archives, if you'd like. Essentially, the ice skating rink will be on the All Season's Plaza just north of the restaurant, and south of the Meinders Garden on the Gardens' east edge, across from the Cox Convention Center. The plaza will be an outdoor eating plaza in the summer and will feature a small reflecting pond. In the winter, an ice skating rink will be placed on top of the area. That area was still very much under demo when we walked by the other day. In fact, when the Gardens reopen in April, the majority of the East side (east of the East lake) will still be closed off for construction. FritterGirl 03-28-2011, 10:10 AM Comments on some of the photos (and I'm just adding flickr links since I'm notoriously bad at uploading photos here): Northeast Entrance: This will be a --> grand entry portal (http://www.flickr.com/photos/50408515@N06/5559736318/)on the Northeast Corner of the Gardens. All of the stone there is taken from natural water areas in and around Northeastern Oklahoma, Western Arkansas, so is very much reflective of the topography and landscape of that part of the state. The plant materials in this area (Meinders Garden / Meinders Meadow) will also be reflective of this part of the state. The landscape architect who did this part of the work (Murase and Associates) hand picked these stones and measured them out to create this structure. An entry portal sign will go around here somewhere, and the rocks themselves are a water feature, so water will cascade down them and go into runnels that will run to other parts of the Gardens. The sandstone walls that you see are also a --> water feature (http://www.flickr.com/photos/50408515@N06/5559737532/). Water will trickle down from slats in the walls and flow down into runnels (you can see one at the bottom of the wall in this photo). The runnels will run in several places through the Gardens and will flow into larger stream-like features that will empty into the Meinders Gardens pond, or the main MBG lake. This photo is of the --> WAVE FOUNTAIN (http://www.flickr.com/photos/50408515@N06/5559141319/)that I mentioned in an earlier post. Each of the individual pieces of granite were hand cut, numbered, and then put in place like a puzzle. The water in this fountain is dispersed via a computerized ultrasonic pressure that causes the water to create "shapes" in the top of the pool. The water will then run down the sides and collect for filtration and recirculation. Shapes can be anything, really, that we want them to be. This is another stone --> WATER FEATURE (http://www.flickr.com/photos/50408515@N06/5559131321/)that is on the north border of the East Lake. Water from the main entry portal, as well as the runnels from the walls, will collect here and run into the lake from this water fall feature, tying the two together. Lastly, in --> THIS PHOTO (http://www.flickr.com/photos/50408515@N06/5559133475/)I want to point out two things. First: the tan, sand-looking material in the tree beds is actually a material called decomposed granite. It's has a heavy sand quality to it, retains moisture well, and is heavy enough not to dust up during our wind storms. Plus, it creates and attractive color, that when viewed in multiple beds, gives an architectural shape and dimension to the Gardens. Second: You can clearly see in this photo some of the areas where we will plant natural grasses and water plants to help create filtration and barrier areas for the lake. These are the curved areas that are carved into the ponds. They will be filled with grasses and other materials, and pretty much surround the lake. Hope this provides some answers to questions you may not have even thought of yet. I thought the information was interesting, so thought I'd share. Doug Loudenback 03-28-2011, 10:25 AM Thanks for the update and additional information, and for showing me that the skating rink is on the east side, near Robinson, and, fashioning an an east/west line that runs along the north side of the botanical tube, along the north side of that line just described, more or less. BoulderSooner 03-28-2011, 10:40 AM thanks for the great update .. Dustin 03-28-2011, 02:48 PM The sandstone walls that you see are also a --> water feature (http://www.flickr.com/photos/50408515@N06/5559737532/). Water will trickle down from slats in the walls and flow down into runnels (you can see one at the bottom of the wall in this photo). The runnels will run in several places through the Gardens and will flow into larger stream-like features that will empty into the Meinders Gardens pond, or the main MBG lake. Wow! That is really cool. Wasn't expecting that. This place is going to look amazing! Great update FritterGirl jbrown84 04-02-2011, 12:50 AM "Children's interactive fountain. This state-of-the-art fountain will cycle through a "thunderstorm" with "thunder" sound effects, mist and light before it "rains." The circles in the ground are fountains that burst up in the shape of flowers." That's going to be incredible! Everything about this is looking so great. Reminds me very much of the Getty Center gardens here in LA, which is what I envisioned when the renovations were first announced. They did a great job! Watson410 04-06-2011, 09:50 AM They opened up Reno just South of the gardens and removed the contruction boards/fence between the street and the gardens.. You can see the transformation that has been taking place for the past year and I have one thing to say.. WOW!!! Check it out if your going to the game tonight. I can't wait for it to be done!!! UnFrSaKn 04-06-2011, 11:06 AM Here's a photo of the Myriad Gardens map from the pdf. http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/myriadgardensrenovationmap.jpg J. Pitman 04-06-2011, 11:23 AM Good lookin David Pollard 04-06-2011, 02:37 PM Did I read correctly several months ago that the Pavilion in the South Western corner will not be built? therondo 04-06-2011, 02:37 PM FritterGirl, do you know what enhancements won't be done for the Festival of the Arts? FritterGirl 04-06-2011, 02:57 PM This map (http://twitdoc.com/view.asp?id=6656&sid=54W&ext=PDF&lcl=MBGspacesFOA.pdf&usr=okcparks&doc=52439151&key=key-yp4fav2adxoz7onf2p2)provides a general idea of those areas still closed (all areas within the blue lines). As you can see, the majority of the features will be open available to the public, including the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory. Several of the areas, such as the Grand Event Lawn, the west "event area," and the Water Stage will be used for Festival events and exhibits. Other areas in various stages of completion, but there are still plenty of areas to walk around and look through so you can see a good idea of what everything will look like upon its completion. We also anticipate the northeast entry water feature and wave pool will be operational. I'll be taking more tours soon. Anything you'd specifically like photos of? G.Walker 04-06-2011, 03:01 PM With everything done to Myriad Gardens, was anything done to The Stage Center next door? Renovations? Upgrades? Anything? With all the construction going on around The Stage Center, it sure looks like they are getting left out... UnFrSaKn 04-06-2011, 03:04 PM What time is the tour? Any chance I can get video from inside? FritterGirl 04-06-2011, 03:10 PM With everything done to Myriad Gardens, was anything done to The Stage Center next door? Renovations? Upgrades? Anything? With all the construction going on around The Stage Center, it sure looks like they are getting left out... Not as part of Project 180. Stage Center will have to find independent funding, or be included in another tax-based iniaitive. Latest estimates were approx. $30 million really bring it up to date (redo all interiors, lighting, bathrooms, ADA compliance, HVAC (which are a MESS BTW), stairs, etc. The floods from last summer pretty much killed the entire electric system, so just to get the electric back up and have the building be minimally operational would be approximately $9 million. It's in the hands of the Arts Council now. As architecturally interesting as it is (I love that building), from a functionality standpoint, it's never been very practical; lots and lots of building flaws. What time is the tour? Any chance I can get video from inside? Appreciate the interest, but the tour is really for staff only at this juncture as the grounds are still considered a construction / hardhat site and the entire site is under OSHA regulations. I will definitely take some video and will do what I can to post it where you all can see. The Gardens will NOT be open to the public until the first day of Festival, which is Tuesday, April 26, 2011. Larry OKC 04-06-2011, 05:54 PM Frittergirl: Thanks for the map! This was a very ambitious schedule and slate of improvements. Not surprising that some things won't quite be ready for the Festival. Am disappointed that the children's area won't be done yet. But am looking forward to attending and seeing everything that has been accomplished! therondo 04-06-2011, 06:04 PM I'd love to see pics of the the NE and SE corners by the OKC Arena and the Cox center, and the Meinders Garden, if you don't mind :-) Appreciate all the updates, info, and pics. Love being able to look at the pics on the Project 180 Facebook page! rondvu 04-06-2011, 06:47 PM I want to thank Frittergirl for posting her inside info as as well as pics and maps. Thanks for the sharing your valuable time with us. I know we all would give you a bushel and a peck along with a hug around your neck. :bow: metro 04-06-2011, 10:37 PM I'd love to see pics of the the NE and SE corners by the OKC Arena and the Cox center, and the Meinders Garden, if you don't mind :-) Appreciate all the updates, info, and pics. Love being able to look at the pics on the Project 180 Facebook page! And more of the grand Lawn would be nice. ljbab728 04-07-2011, 12:25 AM 821820 Did I read correctly several months ago that the Pavilion in the South Western corner will not be built? FritterGirl 04-07-2011, 10:05 AM Am disappointed that the children's area won't be done yet. But am looking forward to attending and seeing everything that has been accomplished! You will still be able to see much of the Children's Garden since it will be surrounded by its new permanent fencing and not construction fence. The site construction of the area is complete, but they are still working on all of the details that comprise the individual elements. You'll certainly get a good look at the area, just can't go in. We'll have an opening celebration later in the Summer when this element of the Gardens is complete. Did I read correctly several months ago that the Pavilion in the South Western corner will not be built? You are probably thinking of when it was announced the cafe would not be put in, based upon the findings of the consultant group. The steering committte, however, decided to keep the structure, albeit change it to an "open" structure, so it can now be rented for birthday parties and /or other events. It's my understanding the Arts Council has a use for it during Festival so it will be open then. It will NOT be glassed in, nor have a fully-furnished interior per the original cafe plans. David Pollard 04-07-2011, 12:54 PM Thanks for the clarification about the Pavilion FritterGirl. Personally I think that a cafe would have been a huge benefit to the long-term viability of the Gardens, but at least the structure is there. I assume it can also be converted to the original plans if so desired. NWOKCGuy 04-07-2011, 03:10 PM Sorry to hear that about the cafe. Went to one of the downtown parks in STL that had an outdoor cafe and was pretty excited about getting one in OKC. :Smiley099 FritterGirl 04-07-2011, 03:31 PM Keep in mind, the restaurant will still be there. The cafe, which was to be a smaller, "come and go" kind of facility, was considered a poor fit AT THIS JUNCTURE. Once future development and population density in the general area rises, there may be opportunities to convert it back at some point down the road, which is why they chose to go ahead and build the exterior structure per the original specifications. Getting ready to load up today's photos, and a few videos. Will post when they're up. NWOKCGuy 04-07-2011, 03:33 PM That's understandable. I guess I misread the earlier posts. FritterGirl 04-07-2011, 04:04 PM Here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/50408515@N06/) is the link to today's flickr photostream. Videos coming soon(ish?). okclee 04-07-2011, 04:13 PM Think you could send a few of those worker guys over to my house for a few hours this weekend? I need a little rework on my landscaping too. Consider it just a small extra in the project 180 budget. Thanks. FritterGirl 04-07-2011, 04:32 PM Only after they come and do mine! ;-) UnFrSaKn 04-07-2011, 05:09 PM Glad you waited until the clouds thinned out. I was actually going to go down early this morning for video, but the cloud cover kept me at home. I've spent all day working on video from late last night that's up now in the Devon thread. Video takes so much more work and time to put together. Dustin 04-07-2011, 05:32 PM Thanks for the pictures Frittergirl! OKCisOK4me 04-07-2011, 06:34 PM Awesome pics! I love the sculpture and I know it's so basic but I can't wait to see the runnels in action. I'm like a little kid when it comes to this kind of stuff! |