Sales Tax Oversight committee reports progress on parks, transportation and Route 66 projects; asks council to monitor hold status

The Sales Tax Overview Committee told the Tulsa City Council on Wednesday that several park and transportation projects funded with sales tax proceeds are underway, but committee members asked the council to continue monitoring timelines and funding as some projects are on hold.

Mister Webb, reporting for the committee, said the Chamberlain Park pool reconstruction carries roughly $3.7 million in aggregated funding and is “on track” to be ready by Memorial Day. The committee also reported completion of ancillary work related to the McClure Park pool project — a new shelter and shade structure — after long delays. Committee members said third‑party foundations helped pay for lifeguard training and certification.

On transportation the committee noted progress on the 90 First Street expansion from Memorial Drive; the presenter said the project’s current anticipated completion date was Feb. 27 (staff noted the date as a project milestone). The Gilcrease Museum widening project — described as a multi‑stage work program — is expected to go to bid in May with an estimated two‑year construction timeline and potential completion late 2026 or early 2027.

The committee also raised the status of the former Route 66 Experience (now described in committee materials as the 815 South Riverside Drive project). Committee members said the project is on hold following department reorganizations and asked the council to continue monitoring the project so that funding from prior capital packages be used effectively for Centennial‑related deadlines.

Committee members asked staff to keep council offices updated as public‑facing timelines change. Councilors suggested the committee relay timelines to the mayor’s office as well; the committee said it would do so. The committee also noted recent membership changes and one vacancy on the panel.

Public comment on the report included praise for Oxley Nature Center and other park assets; John Huffines, a frequent meeting speaker, described Oxley as “a great place to walk, to hike” and thanked volunteers and staff.

What’s next: Committee members said they would continue to update council committees and requested more regular coordination with the mayor’s office about projects that are on hold or face timing sensitivity.