So Tulsa continues to flounder on development.Well, I could be wrong. I'll have to dig up the link, but I swore I saw somewhere that they were creating a buffer zone around the park so development wouldn't happen, but if someone knows otherwise, please correct me. In the meantime, I'll see if I can track down where I read that, but it was earlier this year, so it might take me a minute,

What kind of development is going to be catalyzed around this site? Tulsa has limited growth opportunities...

Well there are existing historic neighborhoods to the north and east, and the river to the west. Downtown is two miles to the north and will be directly connected to the park via the Midland Valley trail, which is popular with joggers and bikers since it connects downtown, Cherry Street and midtown neighborhoods to the river trails. The area around the trail just north of 21st Street will be ripe for new development, similar to how the Katy Trail has spurred new projects and restaurants in Dallas.

The area that is targeted for new higher density residential development is at the south end along Crow Creek. There will be a new trail along the creek that connects this development to the Brookside corridor a half mile to the east.
http://www.mvvainc.com/media/files/b43b639ba5e71aec335d223935b0e0ee.jpg

The park will be located next to the Pedestrian Bridge where the Midland Valley trail crosses the river.
http://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/tulsaworld.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/1b/c1b51b68-cef2-50e9-9112-58a2ed4576ec/52c523d7007e2.image.jpg

That photo compresses the view and kind of makes it look closer to downtown than it will be, doesn't it?

The area to the immediate east is pretty established modest single family housing is it not? Also, isn't pretty immediately across the river a refinery?

While this could be a great park, it isn't ideal for easy access to much of Tulsa and isn't in a particularly dense area.

Are they damming up the river as part of this? Otherwise, the riverbed is exposed alot. Would be much prettier with good low water dam system.

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That photo compresses the view and kind of makes it look closer to downtown than it will be, doesn't it?

The area to the immediate east is pretty established modest single family housing is it not? Also, isn't pretty immediately across the river a refinery?

While this could be a great park, it isn't ideal for easy access to much of Tulsa and isn't in a particularly dense area.

Are they damming up the river as part of this? Otherwise, the riverbed is exposed alot. Would be much prettier with good low water dam system.

9462

I think they did finally work a deal, though I think it was separate from this to fix the dam, I want to say TIF but not totally sure.

I think they did finally work a deal, though I think it was separate from this to fix the dam, I want to say TIF but not totally sure.

Fixing the dam is a separate project that is currently underway. The larger river proposal that some Tulsa city leaders are trying to levy support for involves building two new dams, one in Sand Springs and one in Jenks as well as raising the height of the current dam (by this park) and building a whitewater park there. Those would be part of a MAPS-like vote and not part of this privately funded project.

How big is the area between the park and 21st Street? I know that a few years ago there was some urban condo development happening on the south side of 21st toward this park...

How big is the area between the park and 21st Street? I know that a few years ago there was some urban condo development happening on the south side of 21st toward this park...

Half mile north to 21st Street. Those rowhomes are on 22nd. There are a few other urban townhomes in that area. think the area between 21st & Boston to 18th & Boston (where there is a small commercial area with a coffee shop, a few bars and restaurants and the best BBQ in the state :) ) will see more development once the park is finished since it will be directly linked to it by the MV trail. The area along Crow Creek will also see more high density residential which connects to Brookside.

The larger river proposal that some Tulsa city leaders are trying to levy support for involves building two new dams, one in Sand Springs and one in Jenks as well as raising the height of the current dam (by this park) and building a whitewater park there. Those would be part of a MAPS-like vote and not part of this privately funded project.

Hmm. I wonder why they would have ever thought about building a whitewater park? LOL

Hmm. I wonder why they would have ever thought about building a whitewater park? LOL

The white water section has been talked about for many years. It was even part of the river package that was voted down back in 2007.

That photo compresses the view and kind of makes it look closer to downtown than it will be, doesn't it?

The area to the immediate east is pretty established modest single family housing is it not? Also, isn't pretty immediately across the river a refinery?

While this could be a great park, it isn't ideal for easy access to much of Tulsa and isn't in a particularly dense area.

Are they damming up the river as part of this? Otherwise, the riverbed is exposed alot. Would be much prettier with good low water dam system.

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The park site is just a mile south of the downtown loop and the Cherry Street area and has Riverside running through the middle of it. It’s only five blocks from the Brookside area and Utica Square is just a mile to the east. It’s not hard to get to or isolated and it’s in the wealthiest area of the entire state. The immediate neighborhood is Maple Ridge and it is very established and expensive. The houses right around 31st street are smaller, but I wouldn’t call them modest. Even a small 1500 sq ft house will go for over $200k and the home sizes and prices go up the closer you get to 21st street. At the north end of the park houses can go for $750k or more and houses closer to 21st or on the other side of Peoria go up into the multiple millions. The area for future dense development is where the Place One apartments are today along Crow Creek going up to Peoria and the Brookside area. Currently there are denser town house complexes and a high rise condo building about four blocks to the north of the park. Taking out houses for development might be possible right on Riverside or south of 31st but it will be fought hard by the Maple Ridge and Brookside HOAs.

There is the dam currently at 31st Street so most of the park will have a full river all the time anyway. That dam is undergoing repairs now but needs a full rebuild. The cities along the river are looking at ways redo the current dam and build new dams at 106th Street near Jenks, in Sand Springs and maybe in Broken Arrow and Bixby. The plans do not include water in the river in the area south of 31st, that’s the area where the white water park would be done by narrowing the river and feeding the park water from the dam at 31st. Tulsa, Sand Springs and Jenks voted in favor of the 2007 river project bond issue but the vote failed with oppositions in cities not on the river. The idea now is to find other funding (the feds authorized $100 million for Tulsa river projects almost 10 years ago but have never funded it) or hold a vote for taxes only in the impacted cities.

Tulsa, Sand Springs and Jenks voted in favor of the 2007 river project bond issue but the vote failed with oppositions in cities not on the river. The idea now is to find other funding (the feds authorized $100 million for Tulsa river projects almost 10 years ago but have never funded it) or hold a vote for taxes only in the impacted cities.

I think for the Gathering Place to really live up to its potential the river needs to be addressed as well. Hopefully voters will be more accepting of a future proposal. What is the timeline for any kind of vote? It would be great if at least the Zink Dam rebuild could be complete by the time the park is finished or not long after.

West bank development would help with that. I liked the island idea, a la Mud Island.

Cool flyover of the progress!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3-znDSQxfI&feature=youtu.be

Pretty slick, thanks for posting.

The Gathering Place project team has fired Tulsa based Manhattan Construction as the Construction Manager for the project and replaced them with Crossland, reportedly over a disagreement on the timeline to build the park.

$29 million Children's museum to open at The Gathering Place in 2020:
Children's Museum Gets Kaiser Grant | Public Radio Tulsa (http://publicradiotulsa.org/post/childrens-museum-gets-kaiser-grant#stream/0)

There's something else we could have done with the film exchange.... sigh...

It's really hard to gauge progress here, the cams are usually out of date to the tune of anywhere by a few days to a couple weeks from what I've seen.

Of course, they've supposedly been working on the land bridges first and want to get those completed and then complete the rest of phase I (should be done by late 2017) behind the bridges. Phase II isn't as complex, and I think should only take an additional year completing some time in 2018, but that's tentative.

Here's a pic I could get that at least shows the proximity to downtown for perspective:

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Of course the picture comes out small even when you click on it... Anyway, as it's been posted, you can always keep up here: A Gathering Place For Tulsa - Tulsa, OKA Gathering Place For Tulsa | Tulsa, OK (http://agatheringplacefortulsa.com/)

Drone video of the progress in the park

http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/gatheringplace/a-drone-s-look-of-a-gathering-place-construction/article_e6402bf3-73de-5d2e-b106-54f5e66a406f.html?x=9786

A video and interview about progress at the park from The Frontier, warning, it's over 10 minutes long.
https://www.readfrontier.org/multimedia/watch-frontier-check-changes-made-key-parts-gathering-place-tulsa/

I was looking at Google Maps the other day and I'm surprised that they could not incorporate the old with the new...ya know, that they had to rip out the old railroad bridge over Riverside Drive. That area will never have the same feel.

^Isn't the old railroad bridge staying put? Obviously they have to rebuild the park end, but it was included in all the concept art. Looks like it is still there in the construction cams.

^Isn't the old railroad bridge staying put? Obviously they have to rebuild the park end, but it was included in all the concept art. Looks like it is still there in the construction cams.

The bridge that was removed was over Riverside. The bridge over the river is still there. Part of the overall plan for the bridge is to replace that section over the road and deck the top of the bridge over the river. That way bikes would use that and walkers/joggers can use the area below. This $7 million project, funded through the Vision 2025 renewal, also includes upgraded lighting and approach ramps on both sides. I don't know the timeline but assume they would want that done by the time they open the park late next year.

https://scontent-dft4-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/15732664_674492842719428_6428515497229951917_o.jpg ?oh=bc049b842df256e585f7e4411b895980&oe=58F6510B

https://scontent-dft4-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/15732664_674492842719428_6428515497229951917_o.jpg ?oh=bc049b842df256e585f7e4411b895980&oe=58F6510B
I am so looking forward to this! What an incredible park for Tulsa!

I love the way they are capping part of the roadway to bridge the river areas to the main park.

Can't wait to see the final product.

I can't wait to be completely deflated by the pasture Hargreaves designed for us here in OKC.

I can't wait to be completely deflated by the pasture Hargreaves designed for us here in OKC.

Yeah, I give Tulsa much more in the way of props. Tunnels are cool.

Phase I completion is still on track from what I can gather for later this year. Immediately after, phase II begins and completes in 2018.

Then, Tulsa has a world class interactive park that will be a tremendous benefit to the entire area.

Top that with the River Spirit expansion 4 miles South and Riverside will become a full fledged destination. Mayor Bynum has also made it a priority to get studies going for the river. I think he wants the river to be his legacy. We'll see how that goes.

Phase I completion is still on track from what I can gather for later this year. Immediately after, phase II begins and completes in 2018.

Then, Tulsa has a world class interactive park that will be a tremendous benefit to the entire area.

Top that with the River Spirit expansion 4 miles South and Riverside will become a full fledged destination. Mayor Bynum has also made it a priority to get studies going for the river. I think he wants the river to be his legacy. We'll see how that goes.

The second round of ancillary projects will be kicking off as the park nears completion followed by Phase 2 at the southern end of the park:
- Major improvements to Zink Dam by the park includes raising the water level and making the dam safer (part of Vision 2025 renewal)
- $7 million renovation of the adjacent Pedestrian Bridge across the river into a double decker bridge for joggers/walkers on the bottom and bikes on top (part of Vision 2025 renewal)
- Whitewater flume underneath the Ped Bridge on the east side (part of the Vision 2025 renewal)

Phase 2
- $30 million Tulsa Children's Museum at the south end of the park, already in the design phase (partly funded by GKFF, Vision 2025 and local donors)
- Crow Creek Hike/Bike Trail from the park to Brookside (in the planning/fundraising stage)
-Mixed-use residential along Crow Creek (former Crow Creek apartments)

Thanks for the details, I had forgotten what exactly phase II entailed.

Thanks for the details, I had forgotten what exactly phase II entailed.

I rent a home off of 33rd and have the last few crow creek apartment units behind my fence. They are almost completely vacant now, so hopefully they start on the mixed use housing soon.

Speaking of, were there ever any more specific details released on what type of housing would go in?

Speaking of, were there ever any more specific details released on what type of housing would go in?

Nothing has been publicly released but I know it's in the planning stages with Construction not starting until after Phase 1 is complete. From a Tulsa World article:

Phase 1 is expected to be completed in late 2017. Phases 2 and 3 call for an extension of the park, a children’s museum, and mixed-use, mixed-income housing.

https://scontent-dft4-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/16826153_707667549401957_905791344490842328_o.jpg? oh=2ba252e539d610da7d53a376eea5c3fa&oe=59279439

Cool, thanks Swake.

And that's just the northern end for those who don't know. There's another portion South (top of the pic) that I think will *mostly* be included in phase two.

Tulsa voters approved funding for rehabbing the current pedestrian bridge that connects the park to the west bank trails, which is a converted railroad bridge, but that was going to be too expensive and a replacement bridge could be built for the same cost. Here are some of the preliminary proposals:

https://www.readfrontier.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/USE-Network-Tied-2017-03-09-at-2.13.27-PM.png

https://www.readfrontier.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Cable-Stayed-USE-2017-02-22-at-5.42.04-PM.png

https://www.readfrontier.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Deck-Arch-USE-2017-02-23-at-2.59.37-PM.png

https://www.readfrontier.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Extrados-USE-2017-02-22-at-5.44.35-PM.png

https://www.readfrontier.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/USE-Trapezodial-Slab-2017-03-08-at-1.38.05-PM.png

https://www.readfrontier.org/stories/city-to-solicit-design-ideas-for-new-pedestrian-bridge-over-arkansas-river/

That first one is awesome.

That first one is awesome.

+1

Definitely the first one.

I am legit jealous that Tulsa is getting this park.

I am legit jealous that Tulsa is getting this park.

Me too. It's going to be amazing!

They started tearing down the last segment of empty apartments yesterday. These are the ones where the crow creek residential development will go. I know this becauSe they are right behind my house, it's pretty cool to see.

They started tearing down the last segment of empty apartments yesterday. These are the ones where the crow creek residential development will go. I know this becauSe they are right behind my house, it's pretty cool to see.

I hope you own your house, your property value is about to explode.

I hope you own your house, your property value is about to explode.

I wish. My landlord is great though, I don't pay nearly as much as I should. I hope that doesn't change soon.

Play towers have been delievered to the park and will be erected soon. I haven't seen any updates regarding the timeline. I'm assuming phase one is still on schedule to be completed this year (December 1st was the date I heard most recently).

http://m.newson6.com/Story.aspx?story=34973473&catId=112042

The city narrowed down the design concepts for the new pedestrian bridge to four finalists:
#1
https://www.readfrontier.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/ARPB-Finalist-1.jpg
#2
https://www.readfrontier.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/ARPB-Finalist-2.jpg
#3
https://www.readfrontier.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/ARPB-Finalist-3.jpg
#4
https://www.readfrontier.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/ARPB-Finalist-4.jpg

I like the openness of 1 and the weirdness of 4.

Yeah ewwww to 2 and 3. Can't go wrong with 1 or 4.

They picked some damn ugly finalists, but of them, I'd have to go with #4.

I like 1 and 4 as well.

They picked some damn ugly finalists, but of them, I'd have to go with #4.

One of the requirements is that it fit the modest $24.5 million budget for the project.

I like 4 because it appears to have some green areas.

I don't see anything that tops 4. I has an organic yet modern look and it kinda looks like a skeleton!

I'll be the odd guy out. I like 2. Nice simple curves and it appears to have a wide area towards the west end for congregating on the bridge. Be a nice place for benches and to sit and relax.

4.

Options one and four have moved to the next stage. The designers have been asked to take public input on the designs and see how the bridges can be improved based on that input.

The architects will work with project engineers from this point on to make sure the designs meet the $25 million budget. Mayor Bynum has also asked that designers come up with alternate $40 million options on the designs as the city is going to work on getting donors to increase the budget.

http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/local/pedestrian-bridge-finalists-narrowed-to-two-firms-will-use-public/article_b56a12eb-f54d-55bc-83f3-2f4ce7892175.html

The park and Riverside Drive have delayed opening until "late spring or summer 2018". The Children's Playground is supposed to open ahead of everything else in January 2018.

http://www.tulsaworld.com/homepagelatest/riverside-drive-won-t-reopen-for-a-year-but-gathering/article_3aceb06a-5ea7-5abf-936b-2358c23c7eab.html

Phase II and the Tulsa Children's Museum are supposed to break ground in late 2018 and be completed by 2020. That is around the time the low water dam, whitewater flume and new pedestrian bridge should be completed *crosses fingers*

The "Gateway Bridge" is the chosen winner (design #1 above).
Construction will begin in 2018.

More information and renderings:

http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/local/gateway-bridge-is-design-winner-of-new-arkansas-river-pedestrian/article_030c2681-1487-5961-be5d-68fb40f0f426.html

Amazing progress


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ6PyI8nlaY

That park will be waaaay better than scissortail.

That park will be waaaay better than scissortail.

Yeah but it's still Tulsa