They have started renovation; that is Capitol Hill at the top center:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wileypost030121a.jpg

Are there any renderings show what the final product is supposed to look like?

It is a great news.
This park had an unfinished feel to it. Except the East part with the playground and other amenities, you were dealing with an empty and underused space.

These are some conceptual renderings and plans; I know the north side of the river isn't currently budgeted and neither is the pedestrian bridge.

I'm not sure how much of the Wiley Post part is being done at this point.

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Good news on Wiley Post Park, again thanks Pete.

Wiley Post & Wheeler Parks.

Wiley Post has a very nice layout, when they closed off the south exit/entrance crossing the tracks it allowed police to enter the park and get a grip on the illegal drug activity that went on for years b/c you had to enter and exit the park from Robinson Avenue.

Wheeler Park looks nice, especially with the Ferris Wheel in the backdrop.

Occasionally, when I visit Coney Island in Capitol Hill, often visit Wiley Post & Wheeler Parks on my way home. Nice to see the family gatherings and activities taking place like basketball, dog walking and bike riding throughout. The city's jogging track on both sides of the Oklahoma River is accessible from Wiley Post Park.

Much improved area around Wheeler Park, Little Flower Catholic Church, Latino Development Agency and what's left of historic Hud Cap Alley. Now is the best time to complete construction on Lower Scissortail Park.

Pete, are you sure the north side of the river isn't funded? I remember there being some talk about money that had been set aside to finish the core to shore idea.

I believe councilman Cooper asked if the funds could be moved from the north shore budget to the lower sissortail budget in order to get more of the amenities orginally planned for the lower park.

The answer he revived was, that the money could not be used because it was a separate funding source than the MAPS funds. I could be wrong.

Also I agree the bridge isn't currently funded.

^

Yes, I'm sure because that information was included in the presentation that included the renderings and plans I posted. It's all just conceptual at this point.

What a suprise. I must have missed this. What a change from days of playing softball there.

Would be neat to see that bridge finished someday, along with the abandoned railroad bridge between Exchange and Western.

The bridge between Exchange and Western is scheduled for winter of 2022. It was funded by Better Streets Safer City funds.

The bridge between Exchange and Western is scheduled for winter of 2022. It was funded by Better Streets Safer City funds.

Nice! Love to hear that, thanks for letting me know.

I really am not sure what they've been working on here but it seems to be taking a long time. You can see from Pete's aerial from early March that they've come in and dug up all the asphalt. That's a good thing, especially the giant parking lot in the middle - that thing was bad news. But it's been slow going otherwise.

To be honest, if the north shore improvements aren't funded that would kind of be okay? Especially if you have a more "programmed" area on the south bank via Wiley Post (plus the Scissortail Parks). Wiley Post Park has (or had, prior to its closure) a playground, basketball court, workout equipment, etc. And it got a ton of use. It will be even better if all they do is just plant grass where the asphalt used to be. The north bank of the river is a nice open lawn and I don't think there are too many parks in the area with that sort of space, especially along the OK River. And the segment between Walker and Robinson is the only spot far enough away from I-40 that you don't have to deal with nearly as much highway noise. So it's kind of a nice space, as is.

I'll take some new photos this weekend.

I know part of what they are doing is creating ingress/egress from Walker to the west; previously all the traffic was funneled from Robinson.

That's a good improvement. Turning out from the park onto Robinson could be pretty dangerous especially when the tractor-trailers were lined up waiting to get into the Cargill plant there by the railroad tracks. Bad visibility in those situations.

I didn't read up-thread but l see the need for a cool iconic pedestrian/fishing bridge over the river to tie it all together.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wileypost052221a.jpg

I didn't read up-thread but l see the need for a cool iconic pedestrian/fishing bridge over the river to tie it all together.

A pedestrian bridge is planned (and as I understand it, funded) for this area.

I haven't heard of a planned construction date yet.

A pedestrian bridge is planned (and as I understand it, funded) for this area.

I haven't heard of a planned construction date yet.

Also, in reviewing the City's capital plan, it looks like an addition $5,000,000 is allocated for FY '23 (2022-2023).

This is in addition to the $3,600,000 allocated (and being spent) for the current improvements underway.

I can't find much on how the $5m will be spent, but I imagine that level of funding will allow the City to make headway on the Wiley Post master plan.

A pedestrian bridge is planned (and as I understand it, funded) for this area.

I haven't heard of a planned construction date yet.

I hope they end up with a really good looking bridge to go over the river. Maybe it is a bit irrational, but it drives me crazy that our city's most iconic bridge is used to cross over a highway

I hope they end up with a really good looking bridge to go over the river. Maybe it is a bit irrational, but it drives me crazy that our city's most iconic bridge is used to cross over a highway

The city is currently soliciting proposals for the pedestrian bridge which will convert an old rail bridge near the Wheeler District.

I know at least two prominent architecture firms will be submitting ideas, so we should get something creative. I'm sure the same process will be used for any future pedestrian bridges.

The city is currently soliciting proposals for the pedestrian bridge which will convert an old rail bridge near the Wheeler District.

I know at least two prominent architecture firms will be submitting ideas, so we should get something creative. I'm sure the same process will be used for any future pedestrian bridges.

I can't wait for that to potentially happen and It sure would be something if there ended up being several uniquely artistic bridges crossing over throughout

^

Just remember, the city sets a budget and it's usually pretty constraining.

Only so much you can do; it's why the Skydance Bridge was radically changed from the original concept.

^

Just remember, the city sets a budget and it's usually pretty constraining.

Only so much you can do; it's why the Skydance Bridge was radically changed from the original concept.

yes. but I could imagine a scenario where some could be set up relatively bland, but as blank canvases for local artist to put their own touches to - like we've seen in so many other areas in the core more recently. Individually they might not end up being terribly iconic, but together it'd be quite nice

Was always under the impression that ODOT was the reason that the Skydance design was changed?

Was always under the impression that ODOT was the reason that the Skydance design was changed?

that was for sure part of the issue ..... ODOT required the bridge to have heavier load capacity .. (but that was not the only reason )

https://www.okgazette.com/oklahoma/the-oklahoma-city-council-is-amending-the-skydance-bridge-design-after-cost-projections-doubled/Content?oid=2956474

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wileypost070221a.jpg

With this park closed for so long and with the height of construction across the river at Scissortail, this (or perhaps starting this winter) would have been the absolute best time to be building a pedestrian bridge here, especially since the bridge touches down in the middle of this park (e.g. goes over the trail on both sides, which would thusly have to be closed for a bit). Also, not sure how the proposed one lines up, but it should essentially connect to the scissortail promenade, so you could continuously walk from the boulevard, all the way into this park (Ideally the Scissortail promenade would connect in a contiguous way to the north to a pedestrian connection so you could promenade from MBG all the way down to Wiley Post), without much diversion or needing any wayfinding (maybe it does or is close enough already in design, just hard to tell for me conceptually). Instead, both lower scissortail and this park will get done and be beautiful and popular, and a year or two in we'll tear things up again to build this logically needed bridge.

I am always supportive of additional pedestrian infrastructure but I wonder why they don't look at making the current Robinson and Walker crossings more pedestrian friendly instead of adding a new bridge. They already put in bike lanes and reduced S Walker Ave to 2 through lanes through this corridor but Robinson still has 4 (which is really unnecessary through here) through traffic lanes. You'd have to deal with the elevation differences between the bridges and the trails but it would be a great opportunity to rethink the landscaping under and around the bridges as they go over the trails and the Oklahoma River. Right now the "under-bridge" sections are the ugliest parts of the river trail network: there's no landscaping and the bridge runoff just splashes onto and around the trails so the areas turn to mud and muck anytime it rains, plus they collect trash and debris of all kinds. Also, on the north side, it would be an opportunity to rethink the turnarounds under the Robinson and Walker bridges.

It would be awesome if they terraced the areas under and next to the bridge approaches, like the Riverwalk in San Antonio. You could have ramps, stairs, terraces, and/or elevators to make it accessible. It would really connect the new lower park to the redone Wiley Post Park, and make the connectivity between the Mat Hoffman Action Sports Park and Wiley Post Park better. I have no idea if this would be cheaper than a dedicated pedestrian bridge but it would certainly make the whole area much more pleasant.

I would be completely down for that (all the things you said) in addition addition to (and in the interim) rather than instead of adding pedestrian bridges... the grade separation is still a non-trivial barrier. Also, as someone that has been zipped by many times while in those bike lanes, it's just plain not fun being on those bridges with cars zooming by (usually at up to 50mph). I'm not sure how much that can be helped short of also reducing car speeds. What a way to ruin a nice walk (having to go over those car bridges) IMO...

totally agree with all of those suggestions. As someone who uses the river trails quite frequently for running and biking it is so frustrating how hard it is to get from one side of the river to the other. It seems like updating the existing bridges would be so much cheaper than building an entirely new bridge. I wouldn't complain about a dedicated pedestrian bridge or two but in the meantime just let me get across easier now. The Scissortail bridge used to be my access to the river from the north but until the south piece of the park is finished that access is blocked off. Walker is great with the dedicated bike lanes until you want to actually get on the River Trails. Robinson has a nice access via the skate park but you are taking your life in your hands getting from the upper park to the river access. And Western has access on the east side on the river bridge only and just scares me to death with the amount of car traffic being so close to the sidewalk with no barrier. The other option is at the Boulevard to the Land Run monument under the I-40 bridge to the River Trails which adds a few miles. That is great if you are training for a marathon or on a bike but not so great for a leisurely stroll. Most often, I am just stuck on the side of the river from which I started my journey. I hope that the city is getting the input of people like Rifles and Shawn when decisions are being made instead of the engineers that don't care about pedestrians. The Trails are too nice of a commodity to not be used to their potential.

Yeah, the lack of appropriate river crossings as part of the trail system is almost scandalous, and those that are actually marked as crossings (Robinson, Western, and Portland, I think) are complete disasters anyway in terms of both wayfinding and safety. Plus, you can copy and paste the drainage/landscaping problems from Robinson and Walker to basically every other trail underpass on either bank of the river. The worst might be Penn Ave. on the south bank; weeks-old standing water in peak mosquito season is bad news!

This graphic shows the re-do of the ingress/egress and parking.

I believe those are the major changes in this Phase I.

You can see SE 17th will now go all the way through to both Robinson and Walker.

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wileypost082021a.jpg

That is awesome they are increasing street connectivity. One thing that would be better than just simply adding more lanes to all roads is to increase alternative routes. Edmond is the worst culprit having these subdivisions back right up to each other with no connections.

Drove south on Robinson Avenue yesterday passed the park headed to Coney Island in Capitol Hill, the gate was open to WPP and a few dirt haul trucks were going in and out. Strange, there were three long big rig diesels parked along Robinson Avenue pointed south. Don't know what this is all about other than being used to park and sleep off a long drive.

Took the same route north on R. Ave., and drove the mini-circle as you come upon our beautiful convention center and Omni. Really looks nice. Every time I take that route usually around 12 noon - 1 p.m., there is convention activity going on. Once the facility gets fully operational--our convention center will be awesome. The streetcar looks nice; wish there were more people making use of the streetcar.

Again, Wiley Post park is slowly coming along. They don't seem to be rushed (for whatever reason) to get this park open and in full swing. Same with the Lower Scissortail Park, work seems to be at a snails pace. They are clearing some debris across from where the old abandoned muffler & parts shops still stand out as you travel north on Robinson--a real eye sore.

Warning: Stay away from this area after 9 p.m., (S.E. 15th & Robinson) it's a total nightmare drive with youngsters (apparently bored) hot rod driving this route--more of a noisy distraction. Let's get these youngsters off the streets--get something open to occupy their time.

Drove south on Robinson Avenue yesterday passed the park headed to Coney Island in Capitol Hill, the gate was open to WPP and a few dirt haul trucks were going in and out. Strange, there were three long big rig diesels parked along Robinson Avenue pointed south. Don't know what this is all about other than being used to park and sleep off a long drive.

Took the same route north on R. Ave., and drove the mini-circle as you come upon our beautiful convention center and Omni. Really looks nice. Every time I take that route usually around 12 noon - 1 p.m., there is convention activity going on. Once the facility gets fully operational--our convention center will be awesome. The streetcar looks nice; wish there were more people making use of the streetcar.

Again, Wiley Post park is slowly coming along. They don't seem to be rushed (for whatever reason) to get this park open and in full swing. Same with the Lower Scissortail Park, work seems to be at a snails pace. They are clearing some debris across from where the old abandoned muffler & parts shops still stand out as you travel north on Robinson--a real eye sore.

Warning: Stay away from this area after 9 p.m., (S.E. 15th & Robinson) it's a total nightmare drive with youngsters (apparently bored) hot rod driving this route--more of a noisy distraction. Let's get these youngsters off the streets--get something open to occupy their time.

The only way you are getting them off the street is if the city opens a few drag strips to the public.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wileypost082921a.jpg

I am really eager for them to get this reopened. This park always had a lot of use in the evenings and during construction, of course, that's all gone. Will be a major improvement to be rid of the giant parking lot that was at center-right of Pete's pic above ^.

Yes, the biggest change is that all vehicles will be confined to the southern third of the park, leaving lots more recreational space.

glad to finally see noticeable movement, seemed relatively stagnant for months

Taken Sunday around noon:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wileypost101721a.jpg

Improving access from both sides was the best part of this project.

^^^ agreed!

Also, this needs to be done at every single street that crosses the river trail, both on the north and the south.

17160

Also, this needs to be done at every single street that crosses the river trail, both on the north and the south.

17160

I agree so much. Adding this connectivity all along the trail would (almost) take the place of a pedestrian/cycling bridge.

But also you shouldn't have to think about those few places you have to go to in order to access the trail. You should be like hey there it is, I'm going down there.

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Pete, ever think there is a chance of a pedestrian bridge over the river to connect wiley post park with the lower scissortail park?

Pete, ever think there is a chance of a pedestrian bridge over the river to connect wiley post park with the lower scissortail park?

There are conceptual plans for that, but no funding identified as of yet.

I rode my bike through the park last week. It looks really nice. The Walker bridge has become the go-to river crossover for me on my bike. I appreciate the protected bike lanes on Walker. I feel much safer here than on Western, especially at rush hour.

From today, accessing the trail from Robinson via the new ramp:

https://youtu.be/HPJ8Exn4RlI

Nice. A few weeks ago I used the Walker entrance. So needed.

Shawn - is that an electric bike you’re on?

Yes

Yes
What kind?

Nice. A few weeks ago I used the Walker entrance. So needed.

Agree. Want the city to install these for all intersecting roads/bridges and won't shut up about it.
https://twitter.com/shawn_dubs/status/1471348664413179909

What kind?

Trek Verve+

Very impressed with how this turned out (and it's not even done yet)! I think the biggest improvement was breaking up the absolutely enormous parking lot that used to take up the whole middle of the park, and moving the vehicular traffic south to the "back" of the park and away from the riverfront, where it acted to divide the park from the Oklahoma River Trail. This park got a tremendous amount of use prior to the construction and I'm very excited to see active once again when spring arrives.

Agree. Want the city to install these for all intersecting roads/bridges and won't shut up about it.
https://twitter.com/shawn_dubs/status/1471348664413179909

Completely agree. I'm sure money is the issue but the Robinson and Walker crossings would be so easy: they have parkland on both banks and plenty of room. I could see trouble with something like the north riverbank and Penn or Agnew where the Interstate is right up against the trail but these should be done, like, yesterday.

The park has now completely reopened.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wileypost013022a.jpg