Action Continues Downtown with Dedication
BEAUTIFICATION ENTHUSIASTS: Mayor Taylor, center, present at the dedication of the H. A. Chapman Memorial Green with local dignitaries and officials from Land Legacy and the Oklahoma Centennial Commission.
Downtown Tulsa continues its revitalization with the recent dedication of the H.A. Chapman Centennial Green Park, which was dedicated recently by Mayor Kathy Taylor, together with officials from Land Legacy and the Oklahoma Centennial Commemoration Com-mission. The downtown park is located on the south side of Sixth Street between Main Street and Boston Avenue. Land Legacy is a nonprofit organization that spearheaded the project in partnership with the City and private donors.
The Park is among positive developments for downtown that have occurred this year, including the opening of the BOK Center, the revitalization of the Crown Plaza Hotel, national interest in Tulsa’s art deco architecture, the improved downtown streets, interest in downtown living, the John Hope Franklin Park and the finalization of plans for the downtown baseball park among many other positives.
Mayor Taylor and Arvest Bank President Don Walker, who is chairman of the Centennial Committee and Land Legacy, gave awards to several donors who supported the park financially. These donors who contributed a total of more than $2.2 million included the H.A. and Mary K. Chapman Charitable Trust, the Walton Family Foundation, the Helmerich Foundation, the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and the Oklahoma Centennial Commemoration Commission.
“Thanks to this unique partnership including the City, Land Legacy, and the philanthropic community, downtown Tulsa now has a wonderful new public amenity,” Mayor Taylor said. “The H.A. Chapman Centennial Green is a crown jewel in our ongoing efforts to revitalize downtown Tulsa.”
The park features an oval green lawn, a Red Oak Centennial Tree, and brick-like concrete pavers surrounding the grassy area. The park is named “H.A. Chapman Centennial Green,” and the lawn is named the “Walton Family Lawn.” H.A. Chapman and the Walton Family assisted Land Legacy in acquisition of the property and pledged funds toward its development.
A fountain was built at one end of the park, and a small amphitheater was built at the other end. Features to be added soon include a fountain sculpture and an amphitheater wall. Tulsa architect and artist Shane Fernandez spoke at the dedication and unveiled a model of a sculpture to be placed atop the park’s fountain. The sculpture, to be constructed of steel and glass, is an artistic representation of an oil derrick, paying tribute to Tulsa’s “oil capital” history.
A Vision 2025 project celebrating Oklahoma’s Centennial, the H.A. Chapman Centennial Green has opened just in time for Tulsa Parks’ 100th year in 2009. Events already scheduled at the park in April include the March of Dimes’ “March for Babies” and the Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless’ “Lyrics on the Lawn.” In May, it will be the site for the Mayfest KidZone.
Vision 2025 funding for the park included $378,000 for design, $3.8 million for construction, and $1.2 million for land purchased from Land Legacy. Land Legacy bought the property for $2.4 million and sold it to the City of Tulsa for half price.
Updated 11-24-2008
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