Construction booms at Tulsa Parks

TULSA - Tulsa parks have taken a hit the last few years due to the economy, but now construction is booming across the city.

Tough times for the city of Tulsa meant tough times for city parks. The parks department watched its budget fall from $20 million in 2002 to $9 million in 2010.

"So we've really been taking a hit, and therefore so have the citizens of Tulsa, said Bob Hendrick with Tulsa Parks. "So we're really lucky and excited to bring these facilities back."

Tulsa Parks is using $13 million in 2001 and 2006 sales tax, along with Vision 2025 funding for more than a dozen projects across the city. Construction is underway to expand the WaterWorks Art Center in Newblock Park.

"We're excited to re-purpose this whole building and make it really not just a work of art," Hendrick said. "But a whole lot of artists will come here and learn and be in the studio."

Playground improvements are underway at Florence, Maxwell and Darlington parks. Residents say many city parks need the upgrades.

"Lots of kids have been playing on the older stuff, and there was never enough for them," said Diane Reed, who lives across the street from Florence Park. "Now it looks like there are a whole bunch more places for them to enjoy themselves."

Safety Surface contracted out of Oklahoma City spent Saturday installing impact resistant surfacing around new playground equipment at Darlington Park.

"They're not falling on concrete, asphalt or even compacted ground," said owner Gary Caskey. They're actually falling on a cushion."

Gaskey says they're working on four parks right now and have five more scheduled in April.

"It's just great to work on parks," Gaskey said. "There's always a pleasant atmosphere and everybody's happy when you're done."

Taxpayers voted for improvement funds. The money can only be used for specific construction projects around Tulsa.