Jenks District Adds Strength to County
By KELSY LORIN TAYLOR
Web Editor and Feature Writer
WORKING FOR JENKS: Jenks Mayor Vic Vreeland and Jenks Chamber of Commerce President Annette Bowles are working hard for the quality development and growth of the City of Jenks, which enhances the overall lifestyle of the Jenks School District. The photo was taken at the popular Jenks RiverWalk.
KELSY LORIN TAYLOR for GTR Newspapers
The Jenks School District is one of the most significant economic areas in the state and nation, encompassing south Tulsa and the vibrant city of Jenks.
The city of Jenks, home of Jenks High School, has become a growing and noteworthy community that many businesses and individuals have been proud to call home. With previous accomplishments and future plans, the community boasts success with its energetic Mayor Vic Vreeland, who Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett, during the recent opening of the Tulsa Convention Center Ballroom, referred to as “the mayor of South Tulsa County.”
Mayor Vreeland and Chamber of Commerce President Annette Bowles are looking forward to what the New Year will bring.
Jenks is always in motion and positive changes abound throughout the community. “We are building new roads, fixing old roads, improving our schools, building new churches and homes. Commercial developments from the river’s edge through town are going upright,” exclaims Bowles.
On the south Tulsa side of the district, Tulsa City Councilor Bill Christianson is enthusiastic about the quality growth of the area.
In the city of Jenks, a bond issue will be up for consideration on Feb. 9, which will set a number of road projects into motion, says Vreeland. “We have worked very hard to obtain this option for the community. The passage of the bond issue is critical for improvements of roadways.”
There were a number of additions to the city of Jenks last year that have already made an impact on economic development and anticipation. The Village on Main, which is a 20-acre development along side of the Arkansas River, was proposed and is now being planned to begin soon. Bowles adds that “not only will Village on Main present Jenks residents with a mixed use lifestyle option; it will also create daytime traffic which attracts new retail and brings in sales tax dollars.”
The completion of the new Reasor’s has already brought convenience to the community. There is a full restaurant within the store, which provides a great place to grab lunch while shopping. “There is not another grocery store like it in the state, it is really impressive,” notes Vreeland.
One of the most exciting plans that Jenks will undertake will be the creation of a logo to represent the area. This will bring together the community, as everyone will have the opportunity to contribute their ideas.
There are several exciting events that will be held in Jenks. “In April the Jenks Garden Club will hold one of the largest herb festivals in the state. This year’s event will be no exception. It will be held the last Saturday in April in downtown Jenks and draws vendors from a three state region,” says Bowles.
In May, the Perryman Ranch in Jenks will host the first live auction fundraising event for the Chamber of Commerce. “Appropriately named Buckskin, Boots and , the Chamber is hoping this event will become a yearly fun event for the entire community while raising funds for the great work it does in the community,” adds Bowles.
Downtown Jenks will host the 7th annual Art on Main Oct. 9. Last year, the festival was honored with the Outstanding Community Improvement Initiative award by the Oklahoma Community Institute.
Both Vreeland and Bowles believe that Jenks will remain successful while retaining small town charm. They also look forward to the preservation of Main Street, quality of neighborhoods, closeness of the community and excellent schools.
Updated 02-10-2010
READER COMMENTS
About Post Author
