“Imagine a park that offers amazing attractions and world-class programming for all ages with no entry fee. This dream was built into reality at Gathering Place: Tulsa’s Riverfront Park.”
Located 98 miles from Oklahoma Christian University’s campus, Gathering Place offers students and faculty members a place to rest and recharge from the stress of their daily lives. The $465 million, 100-acre stretch of park along the Arkansas River officially opened Sept. 8, with more than 300,000 visitors coming through its doors during its first month of operation.
“Gathering Place aims to serve as a cornerstone for our vibrant community while improving social, economic and environmental sustainability,” Gathering Place’s website said. “Our wish is for all Tulsans to enjoy this space. A park that reflects the unique culture and spirit of our city. A park that will continue to inspire imagination. A park like none other.”
Ranked one of the “15 Coolest Playgrounds in the United States” by Mommy Nearest, children visiting Gathering Place’s five-acre adventure playground can explore seven different realms, from Land of the River Giants and fairytale houses to riding the slides of the Blue Herons and climbing around the Paddlefish. The playground also features “gigantic towers and bridges to brave, a ship to play aboard and water features for hot summer days.”
Oklahoma Christian sophomore Lena Shiplet, who decided to visit Gathering Place in September, said the park is not only for younger children. Gathering Place also offers a skate park, boathouse, wilderness lodge and sports courts, along with various walking trails, ponds, lawns and gardens.
“My first thought before going there was, ‘Wow, this would be a cool place to bring the kids I babysit,’ but after going, I remember thinking all ages would love this,” Shiplet said. “My favorite part was that it is not just for younger kids. I am 21 and I was playing on the playground equipment. This is somewhere I would go over and over.”
To celebrate its grand opening, Gathering Place is also offering a variety of activities during its first 100 days. Upcoming events and performances feature Dan & Claudia, Bryon Berline and Friends featuring Sam Bush, A Tribe Called Red, Silent Disco and Funkmaster Flex and NOLA-Fest. A full list of events can be found on Gathering Place’s website.
“Obviously I wanted to do everything, but we mainly stayed on the north side of the park, had a picnic and played on the equipment there,” Shiplet said. “If you are into taking pictures, I would bring your camera and wearing tennis shoes is a good idea, because the park is huge and it is a lot of walking.”
According to Gathering Place Executive Director Tony Moore, Gathering Place will be open over the holidays, including Thanksgiving and Christmas, and he hopes the park will become part of Tulsans’ celebrations of those important traditions. In addition, Moore said a new Vista at the Boathouse restaurant is set to open around the new year, which he anticipates will create even more buzz around the park.
“The community engagement for this park has been unlike any other opening that I have ever been a part of in just the sense of appreciation,” Moore said. “We hear constantly, ‘Well worth the wait.’ It’s like the three W’s.”
With 365 days full of programming, Oklahoma Christian students also have the opportunity to volunteer at Gathering Place, individually or with their campus organizations and social service clubs.
“From the everyday events to festivals and concerts, there is something for everyone,” Gathering Place’s volunteer page said. “Find your niche and help us share once in a lifetime experiences that only Gathering Place can provide. Big or small, volunteering at Gathering Place is the perfect way to show your pride for the Park and the Tulsa community.”
Gathering Place is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Admission is free but equipment rentals will cost.
“I would definitely encourage an OC student, or any student, to visit the Gathering Place because it is so fun,” Shiplet said. “There is nothing else like it.”
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