On the east bank of the river, adjacent to
Riverside Drive, the trail stretches from 11th to 101st Streets.
At 97th Street and Riverside trail users can cross the river to
Jenks or connect with the Creek Turnpike Trail and travel to Hunter
Park and further east to Memorial Drive. At 11th Street, trail users
can go north or west, connecting to the M. K. & T. Tulsa-Sand
Springs Trail on the former railroad right-of-way. The Authority's
maintenance ends at Adams Road in Sand Springs, but the trail continues
west to Highway 97 and south across the Arkansas River. On the west
bank, the trail runs from the 11th Street Bridge to the area just
south of I-44. The asphalt-surfaced trails range from eight to ten
feet in width and are open for non-motorized use by pedestrians,
bicyclists and for roller sports. Most areas of the trail are lighted.
The Arkansas River at Zink Dam is a popular spot to fish for catfish
and Striped Bass. Wading in the river channel is allowed, but fishing
piers on the south face of the Pedestrian Bridge offer a safe location
during high water flows in the river. Fishing is allowed in most
areas of the park except those specifically posted with "No
Fishing" signs, such as the concrete promenade area around
the Blair Fountain. Warning lights on the south side of the Pedestrian
Bridge indicate rising water, but anyone fishing in the channel
needs to stay alert to water levels which can fluctuate rapidly.
The Tulsa Rowing Club is located on the west bank of the river at
2100 South Jackson. Rowing activities occur on Zink Lake year-round
and club members regularly compete in regattas around the country,
as well as host such activities here in Tulsa. The Club also assists
in training for local high school teams and is affiliated with the
University of Tulsa Women's Varsity Rowing Crew which competes in
NCAA-sanctioned events. Kayaking is popular on the west bank of
the river south of Zink Dam in an area of whitewater that is created
by a rock jetty. Non-motorized boating is allowed on Zink Lake.
A public boat ramp is located on the west bank of the river at 2100
South Jackson. For more information about the Tulsa Rowing Club,
visit www.tulsarowingclub.org.
The Wilderness Area consists of over 300 acres of undeveloped property
on the west bank of the river bounded by the 61st Street section
line and 71st Street on the north and south, and the river and Elwood
Avenue on the east and west. Although the summit is a modest 300
feet above the Arkansas River, it offers a panoramic view of Tulsa.
The park is heavily wooded and has two large ponds; there is no
water or electricity. Dirt trails wind throughout the property for
hiking, mountain biking and the Wilderness Area is the only portion
of River Parks that allows horseback riding. The public parking
lot at 69th and Elwood includes space for horse trailers.
The Rivers Edge at 19th and Riverside Dr. is open year-round, weather
permitting, serving a menu of salads, sandwiches, pastas and beverages
in an outdoor sidewalk café atmosphere. Live music is sometimes
featured on weekend evenings. For additional information, call 918.583.4422.
River Parks is home to the city's largest collection of outdoor
wildlife bronze sculptures. The nine sculptures are gifts to the
citizens of Tulsa from NatureWorks, Inc., a local organization which
promotes wildlife conservation and education projects in the community.
Several other sculptures are located throughout the park system
including Blair Fountain, the massive sculpture/fountain located
in the river channel just north of the Pedestrian Bridge. In 2002
the Bank of Oklahoma and NatureWorks joined forces to fund the BOk
Plaza featuring a native Oklahoma black bear mother playing in a
waterfall with her three cubs.
Trees and brush along the river banks offer habitat for a variety
of small animals including fox, raccoon, possum and beaver. The
Arkansas is also a popular nesting area for the Interior Least Tern,
an endangered species that is federally protected. The terns arrive
in the area in April and nest on exposed sandbars in the river channel
and the islands in Zink Lake. These areas are off-limits for people
until the birds leave in August. As winter approaches, Bald Eagles
arrive in nesting areas located upriver near Keystone Dam. The eagles
are frequently seen hunting during the day along the river corridor.
Fields of wildflowers, including Indian Paint
Brush and Purple Cone Flower, blanket areas of the park west of
Riverside near the Pedestrian Bridge and in the 47th and Riverside
area in the early spring. Much of the riverbank is lined with mature
trees and the park's landscape management includes the regular planting
of new trees. Brush along the riverbank is maintained to provide
erosion control and wildlife habitat.
Picnic areas are located throughout the park system, most in proximity
to parking lots and restrooms. Many of the picnic areas have grills.
All picnic areas, playgrounds, parking lots and restroom buildings
are accessible for persons with disabilities. Playgrounds are located
at 19th, 41st and 96th Streets on the east bank and south of the
21st Street Bridge on the west bank. Soft drink machines are located
near most restroom buildings throughout the park. Please see "Maps"
for detailed park facilities.
This new recreation facility is located adjacent to River Parks
property, south of 21st Street on the west bank. This facility is
owned by the City of Tulsa and operated through its Tulsa Parks
division. The fenced and lighted facilities feature steel jumps
and ramps and a spectator seating area. For information about lessons,
exhibitions and operations at The River SkatePark, call Tulsa Parks
at 918.596.2527 or 918.596.7275.
River Parks' focal point is often considered the Pedestrian Bridge,
located adjacent to Zink Dam near 29th and Riverside Drive. The
Pedestrian Bridge, formerly a bridge for the Midland Valley Railroad,
was donated to the City of Tulsa and converted for pedestrian use
in the 1970's. The wooden-deck bridge is 1,400 feet long and offers
a relaxing spot for viewing the downtown skyline and the river.
It is also a popular fishing spot.
An 18-hole frisbee golf course is located on the east bank near
41st and Riverside. The Tulsa Rugby Football Club subleases and
maintains a field for its matches at 38th and Riverside. A remnant
of Tulsa's early petroleum industry has been restored on the east
bank near 65th and Riverside. Tanks used for separating water and
oil remain on the site of a once-active oil well. A granite monument
at 41st and Riverside explains geological formations as they relate
to drilling for oil.
|
