A Gathering Place Groundbreaking a Momentous Day
GROUNDBREAKING GATHERING: Construction on the $350 million A Gathering Place park officially began Sept.20 with the groundbreaking. The picnic-style event was open to the public and featured food trucks, live music and activities for children and families, as well as a formal ceremony at noon and was graced with remarks by Governor Mary Fallin, Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett and County Commissioner Ron Peters.
GTR Newspapers photos
Tulsans gathered together Sept. 20 to celebrate the groundbreaking held in honor of Tulsa’s future park, A Gathering Place. The picnic-style event was open to the public and featured food trucks, live music and activities for children and families, as well as a formal ceremony at noon. The ceremony was graced with remarks by Governor Mary Fallin, Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett and County Commissioner Ron Peters. The celebration marked a memorable day for the state, county and community.
“This park is on its way to becoming a reality thanks to the combined efforts of George Kaiser Family Foundation, local corporations, foundations and individuals,” said Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin. “A Gathering Place will provide social and economic growth to Tulsa and the entire state of Oklahoma. I was honored to celebrate the groundbreaking of what will be a beautiful destination for Oklahoma, regional and national visitors alike.”
A Gathering Place is being constructed as a result of a combined $350 million in donated funds and property. Announced last month, George Kaiser Family Foundation formally gave the park to the Tulsa River Parks Authority. The gift is believed to be the largest gift to a public park in United States history.
“This is nothing short of a tremendous gift to our great city. The generosity of George Kaiser Family Foundation and other donors made this an exciting groundbreaking event,” said Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett. “In the coming years we get to watch our community continue to grow along with A Gathering Place. This access to the Arkansas River like never before will provide immediate and ongoing social and economic growth to Tulsa.”
Attendees to the celebration had the opportunity to walk the future park site for the first time and enjoy the grounds before the official start of construction.
“It was very special to have our community with us as we broke ground on this major project,” said Jeff Stava, executive director of Tulsa’s Gathering Place, . “The next time the public walks on these grounds they will be surrounded by a landscape designed for social gatherings and recreation. We want children, families and others to play, learn and grow with each visit to A Gathering Place.”
A major attraction was the Park Pod, which gave visitors a virtual tour of the park and many of its features in a 270-degree view experience. The inflatable dome was just one of the many activities taking place. The Red Dirt Rangers showcased their children’s musical set, DJ Spencer LG and Full Flava Kings also provided guests with live music offerings. The Tulsa Marching Band and Union Renegade Regiment also performed at the groundbreaking ceremony. Children had the opportunity to participate in the ceremony at noon with their own mini shovels.
“I’m excited on behalf of all Tulsa County citizens for A Gathering Place to be completed, “said Ron Peters, Tulsa County commissioner chairman. “Tulsa County extends into all of our suburbs and this park will be easily accessible for all area citizens to enjoy, it was truly a remarkable day to celebrate the magnitude of the generosity being shown through this project.”
Local Tulsa food trucks lined the site for attendees to enjoy. Large renderings were also displayed on stanchions around the site giving guests visual highlights of major park features. Among the park feature illustrations on display was the Williams Companies Lodge.
“Williams is proud to be a part of such a memorable day for Tulsa,” said Alison Anthony, president of Williams Foundation. “It was exciting to be on the park site with the Williams Family and see the future Lodge that will hold the namesake of our company. A Gathering Place will be an amenity that helps companies like Williams attract and retain the best employees who see Tulsa as an exciting and vibrant place to live with their families.”
Other special guests in attendance included George Kaiser Family Foundation, Manhattan Construction, and landscape architect for the park, Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates. Many Tulsa organizations including the Tulsa City-County Library, Tulsa Children’s Museum, the Tulsa Zoo, the and many more provided activities for children and families such as sing-alongs, hula hooping, art projects and more.
To follow the latest news, updates and information about the project during the construction phase, please visit www.agatheringplacefortulsa.com.
Updated 10-28-2014
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