Situated in the middle of the thriving SoSA neighborhood (also known as the Cottage District), Red Andrews Park is set to receive a complete makeover.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/andrews2.jpg

The project will be conducted in two phases and is being funded with a combination of public and private funds.

Plans have been submitted to the Urban Design Commission to remove the large surface parking lot and redo all the landscaping while saving 10 mature trees.

A gymnasium that sits in the middle of the park will be addressed in a subsequent phase.


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

New on-street angled and parallel parking will be added on the surrounding streets.

New ADA sidewalks will replace the existing walkways and other additions include, picnic tables, bike racks, bench seating and lighting.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/andrews10.jpg

Currently the park is dominated by the parking lot on the north half of the block and long, winding sidewalks and the large north to south slope on the property. The new plans call for much more green space and reworking the sidewalks in a more integrated way.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/andrews4.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/andrews5.jpg

This is great. I've wanted this park addressed for a while.

With SoSA really filling in all around it, this park could become a gathering place much like Mesta Park to the north.

If you've seen the current state of things, it's mainly a huge parking lot that rarely gets used and then these series of crazy long ADA sidewalks with railings.

The skyline views from here are awesome as it sits at the top of the considerable slope on Shartel, so this will really be a great spot once revamped.

The City used to run one of its basketball leagues here... the parking lot filled up for that, but only that. Are they still doing so?

This is more great news. This park should see a lot more consistent use with these renovations.

Glad they arent mowing down the mature tress like we did at the Civic Center lawn...

Glad they arent mowing down the mature tress like we did at the Civic Center lawn...

I really like what they did with the Civic Center park, but in this neighborhood park, I'm with you. Glad they are making an effort to save some of the mature trees.

Walked by Centennial Park today for the first time since it very first opened and it's already starting to mature nicely.

I was not so sure about all the expense of that project and the removal of beautiful trees, but I have to saw that park is starting to look really good now. In another couple of years I think any hard feelings about the trees will be replaced with how much nicer the park is now.

They just know so much more about landscape architecture these days and it really shows in this project.

I am really glad this park is being addressed. I'd like if OKC could find a way to use this as a model for some nice, low key neighborhood park renovations.. Just use the splash park bond money or whatever tacky idea they'll have next.

I like this a lot, but why do we have to Hargraves-ify every park now?

Just removing that massive, horrible parking lot and creating green space will make a huge difference.

Also, the gym right in the middle is really ugly, especially on the east side where huge mechanical equipment is on full display for the few people who actually use the small bit of playground and 2 benches nearby.

The gym is a monument to the disinvestment this community got from us before gentrification... SoSA may be the only area of OKC where that insidious word actually applies to. Cottage District no more!

(Btw, not all "actual gentrification" is bad. Sometimes you just don't have assets to save.)

One thing that they don't plan to change but should...

There is a siren on the west end of the park that is just yards from SoSA Heights and about level with the top units.

I rent the top eastern unit and I knew darn well that siren was going off at noon on Saturday but the decibel leverl was ear-shattering. Those sirens go on for a while and when it stopped my ears were ringing for a long time, and that was with the windows closed.

There has to be some sort of regulation about having those sirens so close to living units. I'm not exaggerating when I say it could easily harm my hearing.

If they moved it to the top of the gym, at least that way there would be a little distance between it and the nearing homes.

Who do you even talk to to get it moved?

Those sirens go on for a while and when it stopped my ears were ringing for a long time, and that was with the windows closed. [...] I'm not exaggerating when I say it could easily harm my hearing.

If you hear ringing in your ears after it stops, it very well may be damaging your hearing. There are a lot of different causes of tinnitus (hearing ringing in your ears), but when it happens right after being exposed to loud levels of sound, it's almost certainly due to trauma to stereocilia of the hair cells in your inner ear. Your ears will typically recover from mild acoustic trauma like that in a few hours to a couple of days. However, with regular repeated exposure (potentially even a few minutes every Saturday) the risk of death of the hair cells over time is greater. This causes hearing loss.

I mention this to validate your concern about the siren harming your hearing and encourage you to pursue getting the siren moved. Hearing loss caused by hair cell death is permanent.

One thing that they don't plan to change but should...

There is a siren on the west end of the park that is just yards from SoSA Heights and about level with the top units.

I rent the top eastern unit and I knew darn well that siren was going off at noon on Saturday but the decibel leverl was ear-shattering. Those sirens go on for a while and when it stopped my ears were ringing for a long time, and that was with the windows closed.

There has to be some sort of regulation about having those sirens so close to living units. I'm not exaggerating when I say it could easily harm my hearing.

If they moved it to the top of the gym, at least that way there would be a little distance between it and the nearing homes.
Maybe move it to the skyscrapers？could go on top of one or a few and cover all of downtown, no？

I would agree something needs to be done. A few weeks ago my husband and I were walking the south side of the river trail and walked by the siren right at noon. It was not a pleasant experience. There is also one right by the Museum of Art that is unbearable if eating on the patio. I appreciate the sirens and the service they provide but it seems that if they are put in places where people are encouraged to be outside there could be some kind of remedy for potential hearing loss.

Maybe start by contacting COMEA?

http://www.okc.gov/sirens/

^

Thanks! I'm going to contact them.


I understand the importance of the warning system but don't understand why those sirens run for so longer during the Saturday tests.

Also, I'm really concerned about my animals as dogs and cats have much more sensitive hearing than humans.

Oklahoma City's Red Andrews Park, long a trouble spot in its neighborhood, is set to be an asset | News OK (http://newsok.com/oklahoma-citys-red-andrews-park-long-a-trouble-spot-in-its-neighborhood-is-set-to-be-an-asset/article/5453139)

Trouble spot?

Trouble spot?

I'm sure that was a reference to this statement.


Red Andrews Park that for years made headlines for violence than for kids’ activities is being reclaimed by its neighborhood that itself has undergone a transformation.

With this project and the Valir reno and the recent Emerson renvo coupled with all of the on-going construction in SOSA, this area is getting a major face lift.

There are also a ton of small residential projects under construction.

The area is changing very rapidly and of course, prices have skyrocketed.

Trouble spot?

The few times I've taken my kids there I have found it littered with empty (cheap) liquor bottles and cigarettes. I've always been on the lookout for dirty needles lying on the ground (seriously it has that vibe) and, even in the bright sun of the mid-afternoon, I've been made uncomfortable by lingering, loitering intoxicated men.

And please realize I am not some delicate housewife from Deer Creek talking here. I live in the core and am much more comfortable than most when it comes to the realities of city life. Even with that said this park has been nasty.

A big problem -- which is being address through this plan -- is the big surface parking lot.

I look directly out on this park and every single day I see people pulling in there, parking, cranking music and not using the park at all. It all gives of a very shady vibe.

The timing is right to get this park on the right track. Tons of great development and new home owners all around now and there it's the only park in the immediate area.

Any news on this?

Looking at it right now.... Nope! Nothing happening yet. :)

I remember playing basketball there back in the 70s with the triplets, Winford Boynes and some other really good ball players. The place was always packed back in those days.

Looking at it right now.... Nope! Nothing happening yet. :)

Cool yeah I forgot you live right across from here. So I'm guessing you'll let us now when work starts! I drive around all the time and usually take a drive through SOSA and it's really cool at night.

SoSA is really starting to fill in and feel like a neighborhood.

When Sunnyside Diner opens at NW 6th & Classen, I think that will give us a true neighborhood place, although Elemental somewhat serves that purpose now.

Is Elemental the new coffee shop in the Main Street Garage? I went by it the other night and it looks almost done but not completely.

Is Elemental the new coffee shop in the Main Street Garage? I went by it the other night and it looks almost done but not completely.

I believe that is Clarity Coffee. Elemental is on Hudson and 8th.

It looks like they will start work on the gym soon according to OKC's Urban Design meeting.

Yes, been meaning to post this... Just doing a minor remodel and replacing the old painted windows along the top with metal.

Application says the windows produced way too much glare.



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/andrews031616a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/andrews031616b.jpg

Does this mean they will also start work on the park as well?

So who can use this gym? And how would one go about being able to access it, you know, to get their ball on?

They are open from 3:30-8:30 and any adult can use it. Costs $2 to get in. I believe they also rent it out for $20 /hr, like the other OKC rec centers do. They are closing Friday for 6 months for the reno, though.

Just read on Twitter that this park could be under construction before the end of the year.

Is the gym currently under renovation?

Red Andrews Park redo set to start soon (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=384-Red-Andrews-Park-redo-set-to-start-soon)

The City of Oklahoma City is to receive bids in May for remodeling work at Red Andrews Park in the heart of the SoSA / Cottage District.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/redandrewsnew4.jpg


As we were first to report in September of 2015 (http://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=41200&p=910046#post910046), the park will see the large parking lot and labyrinth of ramps removed in favor of angled street parking on NW 8th and a gently slopping terrain.

The existing play area will remain as will the centerpiece gym, although the later will receive aesthetic enhancements including a covered entrance.

Several mature trees will remain and more will be added along with other landscaping.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/redandrewsnew2.jpg


The improvements will be funded by TIF money as well as proceeds from the 2007 General Obligation Bonds. Private donations will help complete the $1 million project.

The remodel comes as scores of new housing has been built in the surrounding area, with much more planned.

Red Andrews is the only city park in the entire Midtown district.

Work should commence this summer after bids are received.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/redandrewsnew1.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/redandrewsnew5.jpg

I'm pretty excited about this. Doing away with that parking lot will open up so much space.

I'd like to learn more about that community gym. There is no mention of it on the City of OKC Parks and Rec website, yet I know I have seen various sports leagues and stuff in there.

This is the gym:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Johnnie-L-Williams-Municipal-Gymnasium/112928495455075


For almost a year, I lived directly west of this park and overlooked it from my home office.

I'd sit there and watch all these really shady characters park in that lot, use their phone, have people show up and leave... Repeat almost every day.

I'm not paranoid but it was hard to sit there and watch that day after day. All facilitated by that huge largely empty lot with ample shade trees where people could park and camp out for hours at a time and nobody bothered them.

Whatever was happening there it was not good for the park or neighborhood.

There will be a groundbreaking 8/1 at 4PM.

Looking forward to this project getting rolling.

From today -- work has started.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/andrews100617.jpg

They renovated the gym before this, correct?

They renovated the gym before this, correct?

Yes, slightly.

They are now in the process of tearing out that terrible asphalt parking lot:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/redandrews101417.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/andrews102517.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/andrews110517.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/andrews122317a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/andrews122317b.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/redandrews011818b.jpg

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhKtKojFnft/?taken-by=fitzsimmonsarchitects

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/redandrews041018a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/redandrews041018b.jpg

Looking good.

Drone shots: Still awesome w/ no signs of wavering.

Drone shots: Still awesome w/ no signs of wavering.

Glad others enjoy them because they just provide such a great perspective on most projects / districts.

They are in the final stages of this project with sod and new trees starting to go in.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/andrews061218a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/andrews061218b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/andrews100617new.jpg

I'm glad they were able to keep most of the trees that were there.

I used to live on the top floor of that building in the lower right of the first photo and that storm siren -- which was about level with my deck and apartment -- was absolutely ear-splitting. As in my ears would ring long after it stopped, even with all my double-paned windows closed.

They really should have moved it more to the center of the park to at least create some distance from residents. I pity the people who live there now.

Also, it's really good that massive parking lot is gone, and not only for appearance.

Urban streetlife has never bothered me but there were a bunch of shady characters who would park there for long periods, always on their cell phones, then others would show up and leave. Not very hard to figure out what was going on but it was unsettling to see it happen in such an open way and so close to a playground.

O’Connor: Partnership brings park to life

By: Cathy O'Connor Guest Columnist July 17, 2018

This Saturday is the unveiling of the newly renovated Red Andrews Park. Located at 720 NW Eighth St., the Midtown park once consisted of a municipal gym, a play area and large parking lot. The unveiling will show a different, more vibrant and interesting park due to a successful public-private partnership.

The idea began several years ago when the city allocated funds to repair the Red Andrews Park parking lot and upgrade the park’s municipal gym. Residents and area businesses began working with the city of Oklahoma City to figure out a way to renew the park in a way that expanded its use and encouraged more people to interact with the space. The question was how to fund the renovations. The answer – a public-private partnership. The $1 million renovation was funded through bond funds, tax increment financing and private donations. Fitzsimmons Architects created the design.

One of the exciting components of the park is that it was redesigned for different interests and uses. It has a volleyball court and a renovated Johnnie Williams Gymnasium, which continues to have an active basketball league. The park also includes a sun lawn, a walking path with mature trees, a public art piece, and new lighting and landscaping to encourage people to get out and enjoy the green space. The new design also includes a covered pavilion that can double as a stage for outdoor concerts. The redesign means more reasons for residents, families and employees of surrounding businesses to gather and host events.

Public-private partnerships for parks are increasing across the country. These partnerships successfully combine the needs, wants and assets of the public and private sectors in a way that improves quality of life, raises property values and gives the surrounding area a sense of ownership of the park.

There are longtime examples of these partnerships, such as Central Park in New York and Balboa Park in San Diego, California, but historically they have been focused on large public areas. Red Andrews Park is a great example of how public-private partnerships can be successful in a more localized area. I expect we will see more opportunities for such partnerships in the future.

Cathy O’Connor is the president of the Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City.