Beautiful area along the river! I loved that walking paths and bike paths were separate. It would be nice if the river could be fuller. I understand there is a dam somewhere up river that perhaps they could open a bit more.
With a picturesque view of downtown Tulsa, this park is beautiful. I visited during Scotfest and was so impressed by how clean the staff kept the park during the entire three day event. The trash was never overflowing and the seating areas were kept clean. A commendable feat given the amount of people attending the festival. My only complaint (and why I didn't give 5 stars) was the lighting in the bathrooms that led to some unclean habits by park guests. Such a shame that the beauty of this park was marred by bathrooms that smelled like pit toilets by day two of Scotfest because you could barely see in the bathroom stalls. But at least there was always toilet paper, soap, and water!
Tulsa River Parks have come a long way since I moved here 9 years ago. The city has followed through on improving the paths and there are miles of walking and biking trails. Nature is good for the body and soul. These parks and trails are a treasure for Tulsans and visitors to get out and enjoy. Improvements are still needed in keeping water levels up and allowing water recreation like kayaking and canoeing, but overall these parks make Tulsa more attractive and healthy.
It really depends where you are in the park system as to how your experience will rate. There are some excellent amenities along the trails, and there are some areas that are a bit rough.
Tulsa has preserved much of the Arkansas River course through the city as forested parkland, well designed for walking, biking, and other activities. It is a fantastic amenity right in the middle of the city. If you are visiting the city, take a break and enjoy this lovely "linear park."
I have ran riverside river parks every weekend for almost two years now. With a comprehensive 14 mile paved loop, it has it all. With an off shoot to south tulsa at 71st, and split foot and bike paths... there's nothing short of perfect. Things to watch out for: Dont run at night alone. Dont run on the west side at night alone. Watch out for the bums/druggies under the 71st bridge.
Whether I am walking down there or I am listening to music and smoking a nice cigar while people watching, Tulsa's River Parks is the place to be.
The parks trails continue to improve. If you are passing through and need to stretch, pull up to a parking place and take a walk along the paved trails. Very relaxing.
The River Parks follow the banks of the Arkansas river for miles! There are biking trails, walking trails, disc golf courses, beautiful statues and fountains, lighted parking, restroom facilities, and lush greenery (in spring and summer). It is so big that hundreds can be enjoying it at one time without feeling crowded.
Our River Park area just continues to grow and attract so many activities...I drive by there daily and have yet to see it idle...we are so fortunate for those visions from years past who germinated the idea AND MORE IMPORTANTLY Mr. George Kaiser et al who are advancing it to new heights...now if we could only keep the water level constant...