Tulsa’s Gathering Place, located in the heart of Oklahoma along the scenic Arkansas River, is widely regarded as America’s best new park.
This remarkable 66.5-acre transformation represents more than just green space; it embodies a community’s vision, unprecedented philanthropy, and innovative design that has reimagined what a public park can be in 21st-century America.
Named “Best New Attraction” by USA Today and receiving accolades from National Geographic and Time Magazine, the story behind this extraordinary achievement deserves to be told.
This guide will explore how Tulsa created America’s best new park and the key elements that make Gathering Place a revolutionary public space.
1. George Kaiser Family Foundation – The Visionary Force Behind the Park
The Gathering Place began with a simple yet ambitious vision from philanthropist George Kaiser. As head of the George Kaiser Family Foundation (GKFF), he dreamed of creating a space that would bring together Tulsans of all backgrounds, ages, and socioeconomic statuses—a proper “gathering place” for a city historically divided by race and class.
Unprecedented Philanthropy
What sets the Gathering Place apart from other urban renewal projects is the unprecedented level of private funding that made it possible. The $465 million project represents the most significant private donation to a public park in American history, with the George Kaiser Family Foundation contributing the lion’s share of $200 million.
Community-Centered Development
The vision took its first concrete step in 2009 when Kaiser acquired 55 acres along Riverside Drive. What followed was years of community engagement, with the design team hosting more than 2,000 community meetings to ensure the park would authentically reflect the needs and desires of Tulsans.
2. Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates – World-Class Design with Local Character
To bring this ambitious vision to life, Kaiser and the foundation turned to Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA), a landscape architecture firm with a portfolio including Brooklyn Bridge Park and portions of Chicago’s Millennium Park.
Transformative Landscape Architecture
Van Valkenburgh embraced the challenge of creating a park that celebrates Tulsa’s natural landscape and provides innovative recreational spaces. His team transformed the site’s topography, creating hills and valleys in previously flat terrain and incorporating over 6,000 trees and 100 plant species.
Distinctive Features and Attractions
The result is breathtaking: five distinct gardens, numerous sports courts, a two-acre adventure playground called Chapman Adventure Playground, the magnificent Williams Lodge visitor center, a boathouse, and wetlands that help manage stormwater while providing habitat for wildlife.
3. Williams Lodge – The Heart of Hospitality
The Williams Lodge is the park’s primary welcome center and a stunning architectural achievement that blends natural materials with contemporary design.
Architectural Marvel
Designed to resemble a traditional Oklahoman lodge, this 25,000-square-foot structure features massive timber beams, locally sourced stone, and a three-story fireplace that serves as a community gathering point year-round.
Community Living Room
More than just an information center, the Williams Lodge functions as Tulsa’s living room, offering free Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and spaces where visitors can relax regardless of the weather. Its inclusive design welcomes everyone from business professionals taking lunch breaks to families seeking shelter during a sudden rainstorm.
4. Chapman Adventure Playground – Reimagining Play for All Ages
Perhaps the Gathering Place’s most celebrated feature is its revolutionary approach to children’s play areas, particularly the Chapman Adventure Playground.
Beyond Traditional Playgrounds
Unlike typical playgrounds, this five-acre wonderland features handcrafted wooden structures, sensory gardens, water features, and climbing towers that encourage imaginative play and physical development.
Accessibility as Priority
Every element of the playground was designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring children of all physical abilities can participate together. From wheelchair-accessible tree houses to sensory-rich experiences for children with autism, the playground exemplifies inclusive design.
The playground’s popularity crosses generational lines, with adults often joining children in exploration—creating a truly multigenerational play experience rare in modern parks.
5. ONEOK Boathouse – Connecting Tulsans to Their River
The sleek ONEOK Boathouse represents the park’s commitment to reconnecting Tulsa with its most important natural feature—the Arkansas River.
Water Recreation for All
This architectural gem offers affordable boat and kayak rentals, making water recreation accessible to all Tulsans regardless of income. Its wraparound deck provides stunning river views and has become a favorite spot for community gatherings.
Culinary Destination
The boathouse houses the park’s premier restaurant and serves locally sourced food at reasonable prices. This is part of the park’s commitment to ensuring everyone can enjoy quality experiences regardless of budget.
6. Lakeview Lawn – Community’s Outdoor Venue
The vast Lakeview Lawn serves as Tulsa’s premier outdoor event space, hosting everything from concerts to cultural festivals, movie nights, and fitness classes.
Programming for Everyone
This expansive green space accommodates crowds of up to 10,000 people for major events and provides intimate settings for smaller gatherings. The park’s programming team ensures a diverse calendar that reflects Tulsa’s multicultural population.
Free Events and Accessibility
Perhaps most importantly, most events held here are free to the public—reinforcing the Gathering Place’s commitment to economic accessibility and community building across socio economic divides.
7. Wetland Gardens – Ecological Innovation
The park’s wetland gardens represent cutting-edge ecological design while providing some of its most serene spaces.
Environmental Education
These carefully constructed wetlands serve as living classrooms for environmental education, teaching visitors about native plants, water conservation, and ecological restoration.
Stormwater Management
Beyond their beauty, these wetlands serve a crucial function in the park’s sustainability plan—capturing and filtering stormwater before it enters the Arkansas River, demonstrating how public spaces can address environmental challenges.
8. Sports Courts and Active Spaces – Promoting Health and Connection
Recognizing the importance of active recreation, the Gathering Place includes numerous sports courts, fields, and fitness areas.
Diverse Recreational Options
These spaces cater to diverse interests and skill levels, from basketball and volleyball courts to soccer fields and skateparks. Free equipment loans ensure that economic barriers don’t prevent participation.
Programming for Wellness
Regular fitness classes, sports leagues, and health initiatives utilize these spaces to promote community wellness, particularly in underserved populations who might otherwise lack access to quality recreational facilities.
9. Cultural and Educational Programming – Beyond Physical Space
What distinguishes the Gathering Place is its intentional focus on community building through extensive programming.
Year-Round Events
The park hosts over 300 free events annually, ranging from cultural festivals to educational workshops, ensuring there’s always a reason to visit and connect with fellow community members.
Community Partners
By collaborating with local schools, arts organizations, and community groups, the park extends its impact beyond its physical boundaries—becoming a platform for citywide engagement and cultural exchange.
10. Economic Impact – Transforming Tulsa’s Future
Beyond its social benefits, the Gathering Place has become a powerful economic engine for Tulsa.
Tourism and Recognition
Since opening in September 2018, the park has attracted over five million visitors, many from outside Oklahoma. This boosts tourism and elevates Tulsa’s national profile on “must-visit” lists.
Property Values and Development
Property values in surrounding neighborhoods have increased, and new businesses have opened to serve the influx of visitors. The park has become a significant factor in talent recruitment, with companies like WPX Energy citing the Gathering Place as an asset in attracting employees to Tulsa.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Tulsa’s Gathering Place
Q1: How was the Gathering Place funded?
A: The $465 million project represents American history’s most significant private donation to a public park. The George Kaiser Family Foundation contributed $200 million, with over 80 corporate and community philanthropists joining the cause. The City of Tulsa invested in infrastructure improvements surrounding the park.
Q2: Is there an admission fee to enter the Gathering Place?
A: No. Despite the significant private investment, the Gathering Place is free to visit and enjoys all amenities except boat rentals and food purchases. This commitment to free access was a foundational principle from the beginning.
Q3: How many people visit the Gathering Place annually?
A: Since opening in September 2018, the park has welcomed over five million visitors, far exceeding initial projections and demonstrating its broad appeal beyond Tulsa.
Q4: What makes the Gathering Place different from other urban parks?
A: Several factors set it apart: the unprecedented scale of private investment, the extensive community input in its design, the diversity of its attractions, and its commitment to programming that brings together people from all backgrounds.
Q5: Can the Gathering Place model be replicated in other cities?
A: While the specific funding model might be unique to Tulsa, many aspects of Gathering Place’s community-centered design process and commitment to inclusivity can be adapted elsewhere. Several cities are already studying the Gathering Place as they plan their public space projects.
Q6: How does the park maintain its facilities and programming?
A: An endowment was established alongside construction funding to ensure the park’s long-term maintenance and programming without requiring city tax dollars. This sustainable funding model helps ensure the park will remain world-class for generations.
Conclusion: A New Model for American Public Space
From unprecedented philanthropy and world-class design to inclusive programming and economic impact, the Gathering Place represents a revolutionary approach to creating public spaces in 21st-century America. Its success serves as both inspiration and a blueprint for other cities seeking to create transformative community assets.
Next time you’re in Tulsa, visit this remarkable park at 2650 S John Williams Way. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (with seasonal variations), the Gathering Place welcomes everyone—living up to its name as a proper gathering place for all.
