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Parks department outlines multiple capital projects: Woodward Park, animal shelter, zoo, Gilcrease and gateway signage among highlights
Summary
Parks, Culture and Recreation staff provided an update on dozens of capital projects including Woodward Park pond and landscaping work, Fred Johnson Park going to bid, animal shelter construction, Tulsa Zoo expansions, Greenwood Cultural Center permitting and the near completion of Gilcrease Museum building work.
Parks, Culture and Recreation staff presented a wide-ranging capital program update to the council, summarizing progress on parks, cultural facilities and museum projects across the city.
Highlights included: - Woodward Park: major landscaping and pond excavation underway; storm pipe work and retaining wall foundations in progress; construction likely to continue about another year. - Fred Johnson Park: staff had just received 100% drawings; plan to send documents for interdepartmental review and to bid next month; construction planned to begin by year end with approximately one year of construction and a public opening targeted in 2027. - Citywide court and recreation facility rehabilitations: resurfacing and refinishing work is underway at multiple sites; a full list was provided in the packet. - Hill Park and Dreamkeepers Park: design consultants selected (PDG for Hill Park; TSW for Dreamkeepers) and contracting in progress; community engagement to follow when design agreements are in place. - Outdoor play amenities: playground replacements underway or recently completed at several parks; a larger replacement list was included in the backup materials. - Animal shelter: building slab pour underway; east half poured with west half scheduled pending weather; construction advancing. - Tulsa Performing Arts Center: IOT 3 renovation design has started and construction manager interviews are underway. - Greenwood Cultural Center: project submitted for permitting and expected to go out to bid this fall. - Public Safety Center: staff are meeting weekly on phasing and budget to keep the project within budget while managing demolition sequencing. - Tulsa Zoo: carnivores/African Wilds construction started and is scheduled for substantial completion in May 2027; HVAC and electrical upgrades planned for the Rainforest exhibit. - Gilcrease Museum: building work nearing completion after long lead times for panels and stairs; staff expect substantial completion in September, exhibit installation through 2026 and museum opening in early 2027. - Route 66 gateway signage: staff are coordinating with ODOT on two gateway signs and site locations that meet ODOT safety and access standards.
Staff also mentioned an active conversation about locating the Crybaby Hill (Melancholy Child) statue along Route 66, possibly on Riverside Drive in East Tulsa, and said final placement had not been determined.
Ending
Councilors asked for follow‑up on project schedules and community engagement timelines; Parks staff offered additional briefings and packet materials for council districts.
