Tulsa River Parks

Tulsa river parks is the name I’ve always associated with the miles of publicly accessible river back that runs the length of Tulsa north to south from Sand Springs to Jenks. Miraculously preserved as green space, during my four decades the sandy Arkansas river bank has been transformed from a wilderness of dirt paths and fishing spots to some of the most nicely designed public parks system I’ve seen around the country. There have been some growing pains. A huge tussle over a mall at turkey mountain (once an abandoned dumping ground where high schoolers went to party without supervision, now a mountain bikers paradise) seems to be still in the balance. Similarly, the end result of current construction from 21−41^st that is messing with the East side’s previously dreamy north/​south commute remains a mystery. It will be two years before the verdict but meanwhile the west side and N/​S of that section is open for your enjoyment & is a pipeline of open air fun.
This is literally the heart of Tulsa & a true artery of green space– no disrespect to the east side of town or Chandler or redwood valley, go there too, but if you live here, or just pass through, and don’t hit the miles of newly paved bike or pedestrian trails, stop on a bridge and admire the egrets, beyond, ducks, cotton woods, skyline, and your fellow nature users, you have not met this town.