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No time like the present; No
side like the river
By Becky Castle
A
moonlit stroll on a wooden bridge with your special someone. An
evening picnic in a gazebo with friends. Biking on a shaded path
beside a lazily drifting river. Sound like a great vacation spot?
Even better-all that and more sits right around the corner from
ORU.
The River Parks next to the Arkansas River house some of the best
recreation ideas in Tulsa.
Perhaps the most visible aspect of the park system is the 20 miles
of asphalt paths. They run along Riverside Drive (the east bank
of the river) from 101st Street to 11th Street and along the west
bank from 36th Street to 11th Street. The eight- to 10-feet wide
trails are perfect for biking, roller skating, walking and jogging-even
at night, since most sections of the paths are lighted.
Exercising in the River Parks area breaks the routine of earning
aerobics points on campus. Freshman Hannah Barton biked 10 miles
toward downtown while a friend roller-bladed-and earned 25 aerobics
points for the adventure.
"It was really invigorating," she said. "It fills you with a sense
of energy to be out in the fresh air, out in the open."
For those who prefer a more natural surface than asphalt, explore
the Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness area on the west bank between
71st and 61st. Dirt trails through the woods are perfect for mountain
biking, hiking and horseback riding (this is the only area of the
park in which horseback riding is allowed). You'll find ponds, heavy
woods and a panoramic lookout over Tulsa.
For animal lovers, River Parks is a refuge in the middle of the
city where observing cute critters like foxes and beavers is an
option. Endangered species also make homes there-Interior Least
Terns in the summer and Bald Eagles when the weather turns colder.
On the Pedestrian Bridge near 29th Street, you can watch the Terns
as well as people. Kids zoom past on bikes, their training wheels
spinning, as mom and dad trail them slowly, strolling hand-in-hand.
Young adults cruise by on roller-blades and grandmas shuffle along,
gazing at the Tulsa skyline. A busy place during the day, the former
railroad bridge becomes a tranquil spot for a 1400 foot long walk
when the sun goes down.
If you prefer to be more active, you can put in a round of frisbee
golf at the 18-hole course near 41st Street. The Tulsa Rugby Club
subleases a field for matches.
Many water activities are also available: fishing, boating, kayaking
and rowing. The Tulsa Rowing Club is located at 2100 South Jackson,
as is a public access boat ramp. Kayaking is available by Zink Dam,
near 31st Street.
Fishing is possible everywhere along the river except where signs
say otherwise. The Pedestrian Bridge is an especially popular fishing
spot. On a hot day, people of all ages, races and social classes
crowd together on the south side of the bridge to fish.
If you want to combine water and land activities, check out the
playground and fountains on Riverside between 81st Street and 71st
Street. One of the most delightful days I experienced this year
involved a Sunday afternoon picnic at the playground followed by
a romp in the fountains (in my Sunday clothes, no less!) and a walk
along the river to dry off.
Let your inner child come out and play at one of the playgrounds.
Restrooms are usually adjacent to the playgrounds.
The River Parks Authority maintains the parks and facilities. This
public trust authority has been in existence since 1974, when the
river area first began to be developed.
Have I thoroughly convinced you to explore your options at the River
Parks yet? If not, close your eyes. Feel the sun gently and steadily
warm your face. Hear the stirring of the breeze as it lifts your
hair. Smell the wildflowers along the river.
As the weather warms this spring, head out to the River Parks and
enjoy life. Listen! I think I hear the river calling your name…
For more information and maps of the parks, go to www.riverparks.org
or call 918-596-2001.
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