Tulsa River Parks

Running by the water, count me IN!I couldn't capture the beauty of running here if I wanted to. This water...this art...this nature....this ambiance is so motivating. It felt soothing, peaceful. It's so RAW.....The trail connects to Midland Valley Trail, Maple Park, and The Gathering Place. Acres and acres of trail - yeeeessssssBring water or hydration if you plan to go far. There are water points but i find them to be spread out too far (if you are going far).See you on the trails!!!!!

On the east bank of the Arkansas River, is this wonderful River Parks, which encompasses over 26 miles of paved trails, hundreds of acres of open and wooded areas, and activities for young and old alike. It is the place to recreate in Tulsa and a great example of how an urban city should design and maintain it's riverfront area.I enjoyed a drive along the Park this week and stopped several times to check out the beautiful views. I found the Arkansas River to be kind of muddy-looking and was told the fishing is not the greatest along the river banks.However, nature is in full display at this riverside Park. Large trees and brush along the river banks offer habitat for a variety of small animals including fox, raccoon, possum and beaver. In winter, Bald Eagles arrive in nesting areas located upriver near Keystone Dam and elsewhere in the river corridor. These majestic birds can be seen hunting along the river corridor.Fields of wildflowers colorfully blanket areas of the park near the Pedestrian Bridge and in the 47th and Riverside area in the early spring. Much of the riverbank is lined with some big trees that go right up to the water's edge and this helps to provide park erosion control and safe wildlife habitat.While at River Parks, I noticed plenty of picnic areas and several well-utilized playgrounds located throughout the area, most in close proximity (thankfully) to parking lots and restrooms. Playgrounds are located at 19th, 41st and 96th Streets on the east bank. Drinking fountains are located near most restroom buildings throughout the park. There were lots of kids with parents and / or teachers supervising playtime.This waterfront area is very nice, appears to be safe and well-maintained. I did visit a Park restroom that had water leaking onto the floor, through a wall. Perhaps recent rain might have leaked in but the city should definitely try harder to keep those floors not slippery. Otherwise, 5 YELP STARS for this fine waterfront River Parks.

'I feel like I swallowed the sun' is something I utter at least 17 times a day in Tulsa summers. Add carrying around a 30 pound baby and even my belly button is sweating.Thank you, Tulsa for this park! Between the splash pad, fun park equipment, easy parking and rubber ground this is a place where my mister baby and I find joy and coolness.

Tulsa river parks is the name I've always associated with the miles of publicly accessible river back that runs the length of Tulsa north to south from Sand Springs to Jenks. Miraculously preserved as green space, during my four decades the sandy Arkansas river bank has been transformed from a wilderness of dirt paths and fishing spots to some of the most nicely designed public parks system I've seen around the country. There have been some growing pains. A huge tussle over a mall at turkey mountain ( once an abandoned dumping ground where high schoolers went to party without supervision, now a mountain bikers paradise) seems to be still in the balance. Similarly, the end result of current construction from 21-41st that is messing with the East side's previously dreamy north/ south commute remains a mystery. It will be two years before the verdict but meanwhile the west side and N/S of that section is open for your enjoyment & is a pipeline of open air fun.This is literally the heart of Tulsa & a true artery of green space- no disrespect to the east side of town or Chandler or redwood valley, go there too, but if you live here, or just pass through, and don't hit the miles of newly paved bike or pedestrian trails, stop on a bridge and admire the egrets, beyond, ducks, cotton woods, skyline, and your fellow nature users, you have not met this town.

Park system that runs from 11th street down to about 91st along the Arkansas. Bike, jogging, walking trails. There is some trail in the West side of the river too. Areas with playgrounds, parking areas, seating areas, fishing, fountains, outdoor sculpture and a couple of restaurants. There is a pedestrian bridge across the river, about 31st street. Nice addition to Tulsa.

As someone from the East Coast who had never been to Oklahoma before moving here, I was worried that it would be all farm fields and tornados. If I had realized what it meant for Tulsa to be in "Green Country", the outdoorsy person in me would have been so much more excited. Tulsa River Parks along with Turkey Mountain (and now The Gathering Place) have been my saving grace over the years when I needed to get moving and get outside. I love that there are separate paved pathways for pedestrians and bikers. The new electric scooters from Lime and Bird are clearly a hit, and we haven't even seen them in the spring or summer yet! The east side of the river is the perfect place to catch a famous Oklahoma sunset with the colors reflecting off the Arkansas River. If you are looking for a longer loop, you can bike the whole way to Turkey Mountain and loop back on the opposite side of the river. Tulsans also love to gather at the River Parks for various runs, Crybaby Hill, and the 4th of July Fireworks display.

The Riverside trail is so great for Tulsa. It is always very well maintained. Right now there is some construction because of the Gathering Place project, but you can still get out and enjoy a majority of the trail.

Meh. Tulsa tries too hard. This construction throughout the whole city is ridiculous. Tearing down the old drillers stadium for a BMX park, have riverside closed for years. All of it is dumb.