Gathering Place | Public Radio Tulsa

Transit Authority Approves Funds for Gathering Place Shuttle

By Elizabeth Caldwell • Apr 28, 2021

A Gathering Place shuttle is tentatively set to resume service on Memorial Day weekend. The Tulsa Transit Authority yesterday approved a shuttle contract with First Transit.

Naaja Jefferies, Director of Contracted Services, said attendance at The Gathering Place has exceeded expectations since its September 2018 opening.

"For 2021 there is even less parking available on site. Further, people without access to personal transportation need access to the park," said Jefferies.

Gathering Place Named Best City Park In USA Today Awards

By Matt Trotter • Feb 26, 2021

The Gathering Place added another award to its trophy case on Friday: USA Today’s 2021 Best City Park.

The riverfront park beat out 19 other contenders from across the country in the outlet's 10Best reader’s choice awards.

At a news conference announcing the award, Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell said the Gathering Place isn’t just a great tourist draw.

Existing Arkansas River Pedestrian Bridge Must Be Demolished Before Replacement, Engineers Say

By Chris Polansky • Jan 28, 2021

The Tulsa City Council's public works committee heard from multiple engineers Wednesday as councilors questioned whether it was possible to preserve the existing Arkansas River pedestrian bridge even as a replacement is constructed.

"We as Oklahomans tend to tear things down and regret it later," said Councilor Kara Joy McKee, who along with Councilors Jeannie Cue and Crista Patrick brought the agenda item before the committee. "And we've got this lovely old bridge that so many people have enjoyed."

Tulsa City Council Takes Issue with Pared-Down New Arkansas River Pedestrian Bridge

By Matt Trotter • Oct 14, 2020

Tulsa City Councilors are less than thrilled with the new Arkansas River pedestrian bridge after their latest look at it.

The Gateway Bridge will replace the old railroad bridge at Zink Dam. Previous renderings showed a structure built on a $35 million budget. That’s since been pared down to a design based on just the $27.4 million in public funds available.

At a presentation Wednesday, Councilor Crista Patrick quickly complained about the absence of shade.

Project Manager: Tulsa's New Arkansas River Pedestrian Bridge Now Closer to Budget

By Matt Trotter • May 28, 2020

The man managing replacement of Tulsa’s Arkansas River pedestrian bridge told a board that oversees sales tax–funded projects its estimated cost has fallen closer in line with its $27 million budget.

Original estimates for the Gateway Bridge, which will connect the west bank River Parks trails with the Gathering Place along Zink Dam, put the cost as high as $35 million.