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Thread: OKC opens new park in 20 years

  1. #1
    Patrick Guest

    Default OKC opens new park in 20 years

    I thought this was really great news when I read it yesterday. Now, I just hope that a MAPS III will focus on improving the parks we already have. Many of them need new playground equipment, better landscaping, jogging trails, better lighting, etc. I just don't understand why all the rich suburban areas in town always get the nicest things. It just isn't right.

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    "New park marks city's first in 20 years


    By Karen Klinka
    The Oklahoman

    Wanted: Children of all sizes -- and families, too. Grand opening
    What: South Lakes Regional Park.

    When: 2 p.m. Tuesday.

    Where: 4210 SW 119.

    Information: Call 297-2211 or 297-2756 for events center rental.

    They're the missing ingredients needed for the opening of South Lakes Regional Park, Oklahoma City's first new park in 20 years.

    The 158-acre park, 4210 SW 119, will have its grand opening Tuesday.

    Wendel Whisenhunt, director of the Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department, said the city is getting calls from people who want to hold gatherings in the park.

    "South Lakes is a park where people will be able to come and spend a whole day," Whisenhunt said during a tour of the park. "It's very well-designed."

    The park has a large, colorful children's playground, with a special "Pirate Ship" play area for toddlers, a 1¼-mile walking trail, three picnic pavilions, two ponds, eight half-court basketball courts and 11 full-size soccer fields.

    There also is a 3,000-square-foot events center, with a fully equipped kitchen, that individuals and groups can rent, Whisenhunt said.

    Funding for the $5.9 million park was provided by 1995 and 2000 general obligation bond issues, he said.

    Whisenhunt said one of the reasons the parks department bought the land was because of the two large, scenic farm ponds on the site.

    "All the changes in topography there add to the beauty of the property," Whisenhunt said.


    Ponds being stocked
    Fishing is not allowed at the two large ponds that are being stocked with bass, catfish and crappie. Both ponds are expected to open for fishing in 2005, when the fish are large enough for anglers to catch, Whisenhunt said.

    When funds become available, the parks department plans to add a skate park and an arboretum at South Lakes, Whisenhunt said.

    "But we still plan to leave a lot of the park undeveloped and natural so people can just roam outdoors on the beautiful grounds," he said.

    Whisenhunt said the parks department is partnering with the South Lakes Soccer Club, which will handle the scheduling, management and maintenance for all the soccer fields.

    "This partnership will mean that the city doesn't have to hire some additional employees to do all that work," Whisenhunt said.

    Work is continuing on five additional fields, which will give the park 16 soccer fields, Whisenhunt said.

    When all are completed, the park will be eligible to hold regional tournaments that could draw as many as 160 teams for a week of competition, Whisenhunt said.

    "If we're successful in being chosen for a regional tournament a few years from now, that could provide a significant economic boost for the restaurants, motels and businesses in that part of our city," Whisenhunt said. "

  2. Default Re: OKC opens new park in 20 years

    The South Side of OKC just became a lot more appealing to residents. It will be awesome.
    Continue the Renaissance

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