Blair Humphreys recently posted an entry at his blog ImagiNATIVEAmerica on the "top 10 must haves" for our new downtown central park. I thought it was a very worthwile discussion worth bringing up here.

imagiNATIVEamerica » Ten Must-Haves for OKC’s Downtown Park

Here is the abbreviated list:

#10 Model Sailboats
#9 Ice Rink
#8 Flower Garden
#7 A Great Lawn
#6 Beautiful Bridges
#5 The Crumrine Carousel
#4 Public Art
#3 Outdoor Concert Venue
#2 World Class Fountain
#1 The Oklahoma Land Run Monument

That last one is somewhat controversial, so I will post his thoughts.

This massive bronze sculpture by Norman artist Paul Moore depicts Oklahoma’s most famous moment. The monument is located south of I-40, near the Bass Pro Shop and spanning the most southern portion of the canal. The current location falls far short of ideal. We need to move this incredible work to a prominent location in our new park where it can get the attention it deserves. The pictures shown are from Doug Loudenback’s extensive overview of the project - worth checking out if you would like to learn more.

I think it's a very good list. I think we do need to be careful to not look like we are just ripping of NYC's Central Park directly. Sailboats, Bandshell, Carousel, etc. I'm not too worried about that though.

We also need to keep in mind that the Myriad Gardens will be undergoing significant renovations, likely much sooner than when the central park comes to be. Some of these elements can and should go in the Myriad Gardens.

Here's my lists:

Top 10 Must-Haves for Redbud Park (new central park)

1. Monumental Arch

This would work great as a grand entrance on the south side of the boulevard.

2. World Class Fountains

Multiple fountains in classical style of different sizes.

3. Great Lawn with Bandshell
This is an obvious choice because of the multitude of uses.

4. Public Art/Classical Statues
A good start would be a statue of Ralph Ellison, a literary giant who has nothing significant in his honor in his native OKC.

5. A Hedge Maze

This is something that as far as I know, would be very unique for the region. There is a very cool one at Leeds Castle in England that has an underground grotto at the center when you complete the maze. It connects to a "secret" tunnel that takes you back outside the maze.

6. Formal Gardens
This would have to be careful to not "step on the toes" of the Myriad Gardens, but this could work if it's actually more formal, like the gardens at Philbrook.

7. Redbud Grove

These would look great when in bloom, and especially if they the water similar to the cherry trees on the Tidal Pool in D.C. This is our state tree and there is no place that has them in mass.

8. Duck Pond with Paddle Boats
This would be just one more activity for visitors. My favorite park growing up in Salt Lake City, Liberty Park, had these.

9. Museum/Restaurant in Union Station
The building is large enough to house a museum as well as a restaurant with some outdoor seating--sort of a cross between the Met and Tavern on the Green. Perhaps the OKCMOA could move its more classical art here and use the current building for modern and contemporary art.

10. "Natural" Area

I would like to see something like The Ramble in Central Park, which contains meandering paths, thick forest, and natural stone, all designed to appear natural. Our park may be too small for this to fit, however.


Top 10 Must-Haves for the new Myriad Gardens

1. More Actual Gardens
The NE corner is the only section that really feels like a garden, and that was only created about 10 years ago. One idea that would be cool is some kind of terraced area on the steep hill/bowl east of the Crystal Bridge.



2. Replace Dated Signage
There is a lot of signage that has become very dated, both aesthetically and the actual information on it.

3. Replace Rusty Metal Elements
There are several places where metal was used as walls to hold up hills. It's now rusted and looks cheap and tacky. I'd suggest replacing these elements, as well as some of the concrete walls with white travertine, since there is already a white theme.


4. Modern Architecture
See above. The Getty Center is a good example of something that is modern but wont look dated in 20 years. Replace all the "grand entranceways" and get rid of the tacky neon.

5. Modern Style Water Features

Something that includes a wading pool that people can actually get in would be really great.

6. Outdoor Cafes
This would attract downtown workers on lunch and visitors to linger in the gardens longer.

7. Expanded/Renovated Ampitheatre for OSP
I believe this is already happening thanks to Devon.

8. Close Hudson on West Side
Close Hudson on the west side to traffic, but leave it paved. Soften the edges of the garden as well as the block on the other side. This way the park kind of continues across the street to Festival Plaza. Place the outdoor cafes near here and use this paved area for outdoor seating.


9. Better Lighting
Self Explanatory. People should not be afraid to be there after dark.

10. Reopen Underground Areas
These areas, especially the smaller bridge, should be reopened if possible.


As far as the Land Run Monument goes, I can see the argument for moving it to the central park, but I think it is a good anchor for the south canal, and will see more traffic as the tunnel and canal extension under I-40 opens. I think the monument needs to be accompanied by some sort of museum about the land run, one of our most unique historical events. The parking lot there is a good place for this.

Also, I'm torn about whether the ice rink should move to the central park or stay where it is. Should we share the wealth by spreading some of these things throughout downtown?