The Creation of River Parks Authority
The River Parks Authority, created by the City of Tulsa and Tulsa County, soon began transforming the riverfront with over $2 million in federal urban renewal funds. The agency’s first project was the conversion of a former railroad bridge at 29th and Riverside into the Pedestrian Bridge, linking the east and west banks of the river. Next came construction of the early phases of the park’s asphalt-surfaced recreation trail with related amenities. To encourage support and use of the new park facilities, public events, such as fireworks and festivals, were introduced to draw people to River Parks to see its potential.
River Parks now includes over 800 acres of land stretching along miles of the Arkansas River. The focal point of the park is its trail system, weaving through open lawns and tree-lined picnic areas, past bronze wildlife sculptures and the seasonal color of native trees and wildflowers. Public events are centered primarily at the River West Festival Park with its amphitheatre and the Reynolds floating stage. Zink Dam and Lake, completed in 1983, have made the river a popular spot for fishing and rowing, while kayaking the “Tulsa Wave” on the river’s west bank is also a popular water sport. Further south, the untamed beauty of the Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area rises above the riverbed, offering rugged hiking and equestrian trails, as well as a panoramic view of the city from its summit.