Myriad Gardens

[warreng88]

Information &Latest News

Links

Myriad Gardens Website
Doug Loudenback History Article
Gallery

[Steve]

Oklahoma City's Myriad Gardens to receive makeover

Devon CEO builds on legacy of Dean A. McGee in efforts to develop downtown Oklahoma City

BY STEVE LACKMEYER
Published: October 9, 2009

Larry Nichols can show a visitor just about everything that’s right — and wrong — at the Myriad Gardens.

But unlike others who have yearned to make improvements at the downtown attraction, Nichols is helping launch a $35 million fulfillment of a public wish list that will add a restaurant, cafe, kiosks for renting model boats and bicycles, a children’s play area, an ice skating rink and what he hopes will become an iconic amphitheater and grand lawn.

Read the full article at:

NewsOK



thanks Warren. FYI - the paper did a beautiful large display of what I consider to be the best rendering of the project. This may be a day where you may want to pick up a copy of the paper rather than just going to NewsOK. A computer screen can't capture this image like the paper did.

[okcpulse]

thanks Warren. FYI - the paper did a beautiful large display of what I consider to be the best rendering of the project. This may be a day where you may want to pick up a copy of the paper rather than just going to NewsOK. A computer screen can't capture this image like the paper did.

I'll just have to have the relatives mail me a paper copy Steve, let me know of a good time to talk. I know you're busy (we both are), so whenever is most convenient for you.

[mugofbeer]

Very cool! Why did they build it with the berm? To keep the wind down?

[Decious]

Wow! Very cool. Thanks Steve.

[Steve]

The berms actually were much more pronounced with a steel wall facing the streets when it was first built. I'm not sure, Frittergirl may know better, but yes, I suspect the idea was to combat the wind.

[FritterGirl]

The berms actually were much more pronounced with a steel wall facing the streets when it was first built. I'm not sure, Frittergirl may know better, but yes, I suspect the idea was to combat the wind.

Partially true!

The real intent of the berms was to create a sense of intimacy and quiet within the Gardens by cutting down on traffic noise. The original berms as constructed in 1977 were higher than they are now, but were deemed too high and were cut down circa 1980-80.

There will still be some berm structures in the new plans, but they will be greatly diminished overall, allowing for more street views and entry points throughout the Gardens. In addition, much of the curbing along the outside of the Gardens will be removed (particularly on the West side), allowing for completely open access from the Festival plaza area and Hudson.

As Steve very deftly pointed out in the article, the steering committee is working very hard to create a balance between creating a fully-realized "park" while maintaining the heavy botanical elements found in a traditional botanical gardens.

For all intents and purposes, we will continue to brand this as a Gardens - in fact, will play up the "Gardens" theme in our future branding and marketing. There will also be no name change as has earlier been mentioned. The Myriad Botanical Gardens will remain the Myriad Botanical Gardens.

A few points of clarification regarding the article:

Dog Park:This will NOT be a dog park in the traditional sense, a la PAW Park at Lake Hefner, which spans several acres and has its own large/small dog enclosures. This will be a smaller, enclosed dog relief area with its own unique entry point. It will be available to visitors who need a space for dogs to take care of business and get a bit of exercise. There is still ongoing discussion as to whether dogs will be allowed in the remainder of the Gardens.

Childrens' Area: While the area will have what can be deemed as "traditional" play elements, the intent of this area is to create a botanical discovery or sensory garden, where children can learn about the natural world and ecology. See the Atlanta Botanical Gardens for an idea of the general concepts under consideration. (They also have a really cool website!)

Keep in mind, what is being presented at this juncture are concepts and ideas that the committee has agreed upon. Several details of these structures are still under discussion. Final plans will not be realized for several more weeks.

And for the love of all things sacred, please don't call the Crystal Bridge "the TUBE!!!!!!!!"

[phinzup]

Partially true!


And for the love of all things sacred, please don't call the Crystal Bridge "the TUBE!!!!!!!!"

For my money, calling it the "tube' is being very nice. Never been in it, never will be in it. Too many historical properties were destroyed so we could have a tube!

Urban renewal was a disaster, IMO.

[kevinpate]

but, but, but, it's a really nice tube!

And it's lovely inside the tube too.

All hail the tube!

Hmmm, wonder if Steve could finagle a second webcam and mount it on the tiipytop of the north end of the tube once the risers start going up across the way.

[Patrick]

For my money, calling it the "tube' is being very nice. Never been in it, never will be in it. Too many historical properties were destroyed so we could have a tube!

Urban renewal was a disaster, IMO.

In all honesty, the Crystal Bridge is a pretty nice facility and one of the city's better tourist attractions. And in all honesty most of the structures that were where Myriad Gardens is now weren't very significant. Urban Renewal had its negatives but it wasn't all bad. A lot of the structures removed by Urban Renewal were pretty blighted at the end of their lives. All people seem to remember is what these structures were like in their hey day. Take The Criterion Theatre for example, it may had been nice at one time (those are the only pictures most see of it) but when it was removed it was pretty run down and deteriorating. Just look at the shape the Belle Isle Powerplant was in when it was removed. Many downtown buildings were in similar conditions.

[ronronnie1]

For my money, calling it the "tube' is being very nice. Never been in it, never will be in it. Too many historical properties were destroyed so we could have a tube!

Urban renewal was a disaster, IMO.

Yes, I'd much rather have the Biltmore highrise and that whole block of buildings back then have that stupid tube thing.

[Steve]

For my money, calling it the "tube' is being very nice. Never been in it, never will be in it. Too many historical properties were destroyed so we could have a tube!

Urban renewal was a disaster, IMO.

Forgive me, but this is a comment that falls more into urban mythology than factual history. I don't blame you for thinking this - it's what I was raised to believe as well.
Many sins can be pinned to the legacy of Urban Renewal - the destruction of the Baum Building, the Warner theater and Criterion were needless travesties where structures of far less consequence were built in their place.
BUT.....
I don't know of any significant historic properties torn down to make way for the Myriad Gardens. The only truly historic property on that block was the Biltmore (the rest of it was low-rise used furniture stores and pawn shops). Drawings by I.M. Pei called for the Biltmore to be an integral part of the gardens. You can see evidence of this in my book OKC Second Time Around. The Biltmore was a victim of being owned by out-of-state interests who gave up on it being a viable ongoing business.
After much research into this matter, I will tell you that even today renovation of such a structure, with low floor to ceiling heights and reinforced concrete construction, would be very very daunting and expensive. And should it have survived, I could argue the odds would have higher against the Skirvin being revived (split up resources, the Skirvin wouldn't have been so unique, etc).
I say all this to argue the following: the Crystal Bridge, in my opinion as a historian of downtown, is one of Urban Renewal's triumphs, and not a failure. I don't think it's fair to let Urban Renewal's sins cast a shadow on this iconic landmark's legacy or its long-term potential.

[metro]

For my money, calling it the "tube' is being very nice. Never been in it, never will be in it. Too many historical properties were destroyed so we could have a tube!

Urban renewal was a disaster, IMO.

That's the good ole boy mindset that lead to things like Urban Renewal, etc. We all agree Urban Renewal was a disaster for Oklahoma City, and most American cities for that matter. No one is debating that. That isn't a reason not to support the amenties we do have as a city. Those structures wore torn down because they had fallen into disrepair for many years, and no one cared enough about them to save them. If everyone had this attitude towards the Myriad Gardens, would the same be done, and just have a vacant park downtown? It's already vacant enough almost any day of the week. Thankfully, Devon is generous enough to revive and overhaul the park.

Forgive me, but this is a comment that falls more into urban mythology than factual history. I don't blame you for thinking this - it's what I was raised to believe as well.
Many sins can be pinned to the legacy of Urban Renewal - the destruction of the Baum Building, the Warner theater and Criterion were needless travesties where structures of far less consequence were built in their place.
BUT.....
I don't know of any significant historic properties torn down to make way for the Myriad Gardens. The only truly historic property on that block was the Biltmore (the rest of it was low-rise used furniture stores and pawn shops). Drawings by I.M. Pei called for the Biltmore to be an integral part of the gardens. You can see evidence of this in my book OKC Second Time Around. The Biltmore was a victim of being owned by out-of-state interests who gave up on it being a viable ongoing business.
After much research into this matter, I will tell you that even today renovation of such a structure, with low floor to ceiling heights and reinforced concrete construction, would be very very daunting and expensive. And should it have survived, I could argue the odds would have higher against the Skirvin being revived (split up resources, the Skirvin wouldn't have been so unique, etc).
I say all this to argue the following: the Crystal Bridge, in my opinion as a historian of downtown, is one of Urban Renewal's triumphs, and not a failure. I don't think it's fair to let Urban Renewal's sins cast a shadow on this iconic landmark's legacy or its long-term potential.

Exactly!

[Steve]

Fritter, tube was used in quotes by Larry. Can't help that.

[FritterGirl]

Fritter, tube was used in quotes by Larry. Can't help that.

I know - but others call it that, as well. Old habits die hard, I suppose.

Getting really good feedback on the article. Glad everyone is excited. Great job, thanks!

[metro]

Plans call for a fountain, children’s area and cafe to be located by the water stage in the southwest corner of the Myriad Gardens. Rendering by The Office of James Burnett


Plans for the Myriad Gardens makeover include a new south grand entryway facing Reno Avenue where there is an unsightly parking lot and loading area.Provided by Oklahoma City Parks Department


A view of the planned water plaza outside that will be converted into an ice rink every winter. Provided by Oklahoma City Parks Department


Plans call for a water plaza to be built in front of a restaurant in that will be converted into an ice rink every winter. Rendering by The Office of James Burnett


Fireworks explode over an amphitheater and grand lawn to be added to the Myriad Gardens with a new Devon tower shown to the left. Rendering by The Office of James Burnett


Aerial of park (courtesy of OKC Central) - notice Devon Tower

[metro]

If all stays on track, by 2014, we WILL be a first class, Tier 2 City.

[kevinpate]

sweet!

[warreng88]

Steve, any clue as to where Shakespeare in the Park is going to be held or will it be cancelled next year?

[Steve]

Good question on Shakespeare - I'll ask. OKC Pulse, sorry I've not been available. Can you call me 4:30 p.m. cst today?

[okcpulse]

Good question on Shakespeare - I'll ask. OKC Pulse, sorry I've not been available. Can you call me 4:30 p.m. cst today?

That's quite alright, Steve. I'll be in transit when 4:30PM rolls around, but I will still give you a call. Don't worry, I take the bus Can you PM your number as I have a new cell phone and none of my contacts.

I leave work at 4PM and I arrive at my house at almost 6PM. Gotta love Houston traffic!

[metro]

Good question on Shakespeare - I'll ask. OKC Pulse, sorry I've not been available. Can you call me 4:30 p.m. cst today?

Just to clarify, Houston and OKC have the same time zone........ I kid, I kid.

[Steve]

I thought OKCPulse was living in the west coast, not Houston. I was wrong.

[metro]

Steve, no harm intended, just being onry.

[Steve]

That's cool. It seems like there are few big time OKC boosters on this site living in Seattle and I had it in my head OKC Pulse was one of them.