COMMEMORATIVE GRAND OPENING PROGRAM
KINGS OF L E O N
BRONCHO
REPUBLICAN HAIR
MARKUS JAMES & THE WASSONRAI
BILLY JONES
THE OKC PHILHARMONIC
JONATHAN TYLER & THE NORTHER LIGHTS
OUR INCREDIBLE SPONSORS WITHOUT THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS, THIS WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE.
THANK YOU! PRESENTED BY
The Chickasaw Nation Love’s Travel Stops | E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation Insamuch Foundation | Arnall Family Foundation Kirkpatrick Family Fund | American Fidelity Devon Energy | Tyler Media | MidFirst Bank | OG&E Capital Distributing | Coca-Cola | Heartland | Dobson Technologies Tinker Federal Credit Union | Embassy Suites | R.L. Sias Mercedes Benz of Oklahoma City | Bob Howard Urban Farmhouse Designs | Downey Contracting | AT&T | Integris Cox Communications | BancFirst | Delta Dental of Oklahoma ONEGas | Glenna & Dick Tanenbaum | Prodigal Express Employment International | Bank of Oklahoma The Social Order Dining Collective | Flintco | Prairie Wolf Distillery Downtown OKC Initiatives | Center for Economic Development Law SONIC | OnCue | Continental Resources | Choctaw Nation | Republic Services | Kimray Gulfport Energy | Insight Creative Group | Omni Oklahoma City Hotel | McNellie’s Group Bank7 | Gold’s Gym | Panera Bread | PRE Event Resources | Homeland Price Edwards | HeyDay | 21C Museum Hotel | Chick-fil-A | Justice Golf Carts Marathon Oil | Livingston Properties | Lingo Construction | The Balloon Closet Total Beverage Systems | Bliss Electric/H&E Equipment | United Rentals Champion Hotels & Development | Art Moves | The Oklahoma City Thunder
OUR MISSION The Scissortail Park Foundation is an independent not-for-profit organization. The Foundation manages and operates Scissortail Park to the highest standards and encourages and supports charitable giving for the benefit of the park by aligning donor passion and generosity to advance Scissortail Park priorities. The Foundation aspires to enhance the quality and sustain the legacy of Scissortail Park for current and future generations.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CITY OF OKLAHOMA CITY PARK SUBCOMMITTEE
MAPS 3 CITIZEN
Kimberly Lowe, Chairwoman
Chairman Tom McDaniel (At-Large)
Michael Dover, Vice Chairman
Dee Morales (At-Large)
Bill Cameron
Councilman Mark K. Stonecipher
Kari Watkins
Susan J. Hooper (Ward 1)
Anthony McDermid
Michael Dover (Ward 2)
Teresa Rose Crook
Kimberly Lowe (Ward 3)
Mike Mize
Miles Tolbert
Zane Boatright (Ward 4)
Claudia San Pedro
Desmond Mason
Michael G. Adams (Ward 5)
James A. Pickel
Fred Hall
Nathaniel Harding (Ward 6)
Rusty LaForge
Cecilia Robinson-Woods (Ward 7)
Maureen Heffernan
Bob Nelon (Ward 8)
Jim Tolbert – Chair Larry Nichols – Vice Chair Mat Cole – Treasurer Mike Carrier Councilman David Greenwell Blair Humphreys Kim Lowe Steve Mason
Kathy L. Williams
EX-OFFICIO
Maureen Heffernan, CEO Chuck Davis, CFO Debora Morey, Deputy Director Chris Bachmann, COO
ADVISORY BOARD
Jane Jayroe Gamble Photography provided by: Doug Hoke, Carl Shortt, MAPS 3, The Oklahoman, Insight Creative Group, Steve Lackmeyer and Leslie Spears. Program designed by Sean Ball.
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It is most fitting that we will open Scissortail Park with the kind of event that wouldn’t have been possible before its existence – a free community concert welcoming tens of thousands downtown to see OKC legends Kings of Leon. On its very first day, we’ll see the unique potential of this park and we’ll dream big about what it can mean to the city we are building. In the years ahead, the park’s development will continue to unfold. The opening of the southern half and the renovation of Union Station still loom ahead as milestones in the park’s growth. The opening of the convention center and the expected private development to the west will bring us closer to a future that was once little more than a rendering. This is an exciting and historic moment in our city’s history,
A MESSAGE FROM MAYOR DAVID HOLT
Steve Jobs is credited with the modern version of this theory: Sometimes, we must offer the public a product that the public doesn’t yet know that it needs. When I think about the potential of Scissortail Park, I can’t help but think that the Park’s original proponents employed a bit of this approach. When it came time to plan what might fill the space left by the relocation of Interstate 40, any number of ideas could have been adopted. But why a 70-acre park? After all, we already had one relatively large park downtown; surely that was enough? But although Myriad Botanical Gardens is beloved, and shall remain so, the proponents of this new park saw an opportunity to prepare for the city we wished to have 25 years from now, not the city we have today. And perhaps this city of the future would have room in its heart for more green space, more recreational amenities, and a unique great lawn where our community could gather like never before. And perhaps this park could physically link downtown to South OKC and the revitalizing Oklahoma River. Over a decade since the adoption of that vision, we now welcome the opening of this special park’s first phase. After a decade of anticipation, we now long for something we didn’t know we needed – a world class, large, urban park that will bring our city together as ONE OKC.
and we will each count ourselves fortunate to have been alive at this time and in this place. Much gratitude for the accomplishment we now celebrate must be extended to Mayor Mick Cornett, Dave Lopez and all members of the Core to Shore committee that first proposed this park; the Council that joined Mayor Cornett in calling for the park to be included in MAPS 3; the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber and other campaign leadership that advocated for the passage of MAPS 3; the voters who committed to fund it in 2009; Tom McDaniel, Kim Lowe, Jim Couch, Craig Freeman, Eric Wenger, David Todd and all the MAPS 3 advisory board, subcommittee members, city staff, architects, engineers and construction workers who worked to implement the taxpayers’ vision; and Jim Tolbert, Maureen Heffernan and all the Scissortail Park Foundation board members and staff who are taking on the long term task of managing the park. In the days ahead, please enjoy YOUR Scissortail Park and the realization of a vision first articulated over a decade ago. As we again consider our city’s future through MAPS 4, let the success of this endeavor fuel our dreams for what else might be possible. #1OKC
David Holt Mayor of Oklahoma City
W ELCOM E TO SCISSORTAIL PARK A MESSAGE FROM MAPS 3 CITIZENS ADVISORY BOARD PARK SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRWOMAN, KIM LOWE
Some of the greatest memories in my life have been made in city parks and waterways. Los Angeles to Chicago, Albuquerque to Dallas, and Naples to New York City, I’ve experienced the love and laughter of gathering with family and friends, felt the joy of music, and celebrated the gifts of freedom and sunshine. These treasured moments have all guided me in my role as the chair of this all-inclusive MAPS 3 project; fueling my passion to bring the very best park to our city and our community. As we celebrate the grand opening of Scissortail Park, and I look over its great expanse and spectacular features, I am honored and humbled for having been given the privilege to be a part of this great adventure. Over the past 10 years, I have gained an in-depth understanding about the many responsibilities that a city has to its citizens. I’ve learned so much about how parks fill an imperative role by providing viable outdoor spaces where people gather, children play, and safety for all is key. I’ve learned that successful parks aren’t built just for today – but for the many tomorrows ahead – and how achieving that goal requires much foresight and skillful planning. I’ve learned that building this world-class park in Oklahoma City will create a destination that will unify and connect the diverse population of our great city for many decades to come. Like many precious beings, this park has certainly taken a “village” to raise. From the MAPS Department staff to all
and from our city leaders to all the community visionaries: we have come together and created a phenomenal park infrastructure! Just as importantly to that process, we have fostered the development of committees and organizations to ensure its long-term success. Every decision that volunteer members of both the MAPS 3 Parks subcommittee and the MAPS 3 Advisory Board have made has been done so with the future of our bright city in mind, while practicing responsible stewardship of each and every tax-payer’s pennies used to fund this historical undertaking. And, I am proud to say that this village will continue its legacy as we go on to complete the Upper and Lower phases of this park. I will long cherish the many great relationships and lifelong friendships I’ve made along the way. Most of all, I look forward to creating even wonderful memories in this park with all of you…my family, my friends…my fellow OKC citizens, neighbors, and visitors. Let me be among the first to welcome you to Scissortail Park: For Everyone. Make some memories!
the volunteers who serve alongside me, from our expert
Kim Lowe
landscape architects, consultants, and contractors to our park
MAPS 3 Citizens Advisory Board Park
operator and strategic partnerships,
Subcommittee Chairwoman
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The Scissortail Park opening and dedication is the culmination of a decade of planning and implementation. As our community celebrates its opening, there are many people to thank starting with the citizens of Oklahoma City, who in December 2009 voted to authorize the funding of the MAPS 3 development. The team effort that ensued was spearheaded by our mayors and City Council members, joined by City staff, architectural, engineering, and design experts, consultants and contractors, and volunteers who provided citizen oversight. This park “for everyone” epitomizes the original MAPS dream of creating a city where all of us want to live and invest our lives. As you experience the park in the coming days, you will see its varied venues and limitless possibilities. It promises to be the centerpiece of our community for many years to come. As with all MAPS projects it will open free of debt and accessible to all. In a real sense, this is a celebration of all MAPS 3 projects. So, I salute my colleagues on the Citizens Advisory Board and eighty subcommittee members who for the past nine and half
TAKE A BREAK WITH A SHELTERED PINCNIC AT THE PARK
years have contributed their time, ideas, and good judgment
American Fidelity Picnic Shelter
to bring us to this day. Kimberly Lowe is chair of the Park
Along Robinson and across from the new Convention
subcommittee and has devoted her heart and tireless efforts
Center, we’ve created a Food Truck row where a food
to the Scissortail Park project, as has her co-chair, Mike Dover. Some items remain ongoing including the lower park and improvements for Union Station. But for today, we pause to
trucks can park and plug in and be adjacent to three picnic shelters with built in tables, seating and best of all shade for park guests to use.
appreciate what our community has done collectively to create an enduring legacy for the next generations to uphold.
Special thanks to American Fidelity Assurance Company that has named one of the picnic shelters. Their gift helps
Tom McDaniel Chairman, Citizens Advisory Board, MAPS 3
towards annual operating costs and enables the Scissortail Park Foundation to build a permanent endowment for its long term financial stability.
Aided by nationally recognized consultants and guided by a citizen committee, the Oklahoma City Planning Department produced the 2009 Core to Shore framework plan whose centerpiece was a new central park. In December 2009, MAPS 3 was approved by voters. This included $132 million for the new 70-acre park. The internationally recognized landscape and public space designers, Hargreaves and Associates, whose recent work included Olympic Park in London and a large park adjacent to the Kremlin in Moscow, was selected to design the facility. With a new Foundation in place to assume operation of the facility and construction of the 40-acre upper park north of I-40 well underway, it was time to select a name. Who better
A MESSAGE FROM SCISSORTAIL PARK FOUNDATION CHAIR, JIM TOLBERT
to consult than the voters who funded it? In the spring of 2017, the public was solicited to suggest names and more than 5,000 were submitted. Mayor Cornett appointed a committee to boil down the choices to 10. Members of the
Among the last segments of the interstate highway system
community were asked to express their preference through
to be finished, the Crosstown Expressway was intended to
online voting and they chose Scissortail Park.
create an elevated, high-speed path for Interstate 40 through the center of Oklahoma City. It was just way past its prime.
The tagline chosen by Scissortail Park Foundation for the
Regularly, large pieces of the Crosstown support structure
new park is for everyone. It is only fitting that the diverse
crumbled. The lanes were too narrow and it was ugly!
concerts and other activities planned to take place during the grand opening weekend, which includes the appearance by
The Crosstown did serve one important unintended purpose. It defined the southern edge of downtown Oklahoma
Kings of Leon, are free for everyone.
City. So, when it was taken down and its replacement was
Jim Tolbert
constructed several blocks to the south, a jungle of scrap
Chair of Scissortail Park Foundation
yard marginal industrial properties and hub cap shops was revealed stretching all the way to the Oklahoma River. As often happens in Oklahoma City, the sight of this wasteland was a source of inspiration. Newly-elected Mayor Mick Cornett persuaded the Oklahoma City Council to undertake a land use and economic development study which he dubbed Core to Shore.
Kudos to Mayor Holt who dared to dream big by securing a free Kings of Leon concert to celebrate the park opening and OKC’s reinvention of itself as a determined city committed to continuous improvement for all citizens. Raising private funds for the concert, Mayor Holt has created an evening that won’t be forgotten in OKC history. Thank you to all the generous Grand Opening sponsors who enabled us to offer a great mix of free weekend activities and entertainment.. Thanks to everyone who helped plan and promote the opening including our staff, city staff and hundreds of volunteers. We are so appreciative of everyone’s help and involvement.
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A great park, which we aspire to be, has visitors even when nothing ‘special’ is scheduled. The everyday use by many gives a space an organic energy that makes it feel vibrant and interesting at any time. While you won’t want to miss many of our programs, this park has been designed to have a multitude of ‘special events’ built into it for any visit. Special events like: A hill silently beckoning all to run up, roll down or perch at the top enjoying bird-like views; just sitting on benches on the Promenade to take its parade of walkers and bikers or on ones overlooking the lake to take in the show of sun, sky and ducks playing on its surface; the playground with its endlessly fascinating features for kids to be kids and freely climb, run, slide and swing for hours; a prairie-grass inspired fountain plaza that launches overhead sprays of water drenching giggling toddlers while their caretakers also can cool off in its wading pools; shaded picnic shelters for fun alfresco dining anytime; a gorgeous great lawn that dares you not to take your shoes off and walk on it, do summersaults, headstands or play Frisbee, fly a kite, lay on a blanket to sky or star gaze. After more than 10 years gestation, a park is born in all its newborn excitement and promise – it comes wailing
And events like: Strolling down the grand promenade,
into the world with sounds of hammers, machinery,
especially in the evening while passing sculptural light
bulldozers, sweeping brooms and furious round-the-
structures that look like knights in shining armor guarding
clock labor as delivery nears.
the way; always entertaining romping dogs in the dog run; reading a book in an enclosed, private-world lens garden;
Christened Scissortail Park, this 70-acre park was formed
meeting friends after work on the boathouse porch to toast
by visionary city leaders, brilliant designers, dedicated
the sunset or moonrise; browsing through the parterre
MAPS 3 project management and subcommittee teams,
garden to take in native plants blooming in beautifully
skilled builders and paid for by you, citizens of OKC
pattered blocks of rich colors; being mesmerized by a
through the MAPS 3 sales tax.
towering hillside of Mexican feather grass swaying like wild horse manes in the wind... and countless more.
The 36-acre Upper Park is now completed and the MAPS 3 office has handed the management baton off to us, Scissortail
Special events are unfolding all the time and everywhere
Park Foundation, to maintain and operate it. We are honored
at Scissortail Park.
to do so in our public private partnership with the city of Oklahoma City. Working together, we can achieve the vision of
There is so much to do and not to do. Make it your own. Visit
this park as a super nova of a transformative investment in the
often. Tell us what you like or don’t like.
quality of life and continued economic development for OKC. Enjoy your wonderful new park. As part of managing the park, we will be offering programming throughout the year to make the park a cultural and recreational mecca for all to enjoy – as demonstrated in our Grand Opening line up of events. While many days will feature special events, there will be many days where it is ‘just the park’. This allows the park itself and visitors to enjoy a balance of activity with much needed tranquility too.
You made it happen!
Maureen Heffernan
President/CEO, Scissortail Park/Myriad Botanical Gardens
Artist Kris Kanaly.
Children’s Playground Climbing Wall
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WHAT THE PEOPLE OF OKC ASKED FOR IN THEIR NEW PARK
Before starting the design work for Scissortail Park, the park’s design firm, Hargreaves Associates along with the MAPS 3 office, sought input from the public about what they wanted the park to include in its features and programming. As you can see from the survey results returned, the park checks all those boxes and delivered what OKC wanted.
1997
UPPER PARK
2016
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2017
2018
2019
As a part of the MAPS 3 City of Oklahoma City Improvements, a new 70 acre Downtown Public Park is envisioned linking the downtown to the Oklahoma River - “Core to Shore”. Growing out of the voter-approved MAPS program in 2009 and based
Scissortail Park represents the best of Human Nature and
on wide community participation, the Hargreaves Associates
the best of OKC - people coming together, making a park,
design team completed the Downtown Public Park Master
bringing nature right into downtown even though parks
Plan in December 2013 which was subsequently adopted by
only make up a fraction of our cities and take a fraction of
the City of Oklahoma City.
our time. The interplay of earth, water, wind and artifacts, to support plant and animal life and to bring joy to people in the
The Park, now called Scissortail Park, will be the “crown jewel”
outdoors - That’s a park for everyone.
of Oklahoma City’s public realm improvements, a keystone urban open space linking downtown to the riverfront, and
As the first phase of Scissortail Park, the spectacular Upper
a major catalyst for the revitalization of the surrounding
Park features the Oval with its stage and the Boulevard
district over the next 50 years as the front yard for the new
Gardens with its café that creates a dynamic variety of civic-
Convention Center, the Chesapeake Arena and new mixed-
scaled public spaces and a major downtown destination. The
use development. The Park represents an evolving, forward-
Promenade is activated by the Fountain, the Playground, the
looking identity of Oklahoma City, a model for sustainable
Picnic Grove and the Robinson Terrace. In the heart of the
urban development and the transformative capacity of public
Upper Park set in the Woodland, the Lake with its Boathouse
projects to greatly enhance the civic experience and healthy
and fringing wetlands host boating. The south end of the
living for residents and visitors.
Upper Park is anchored by the Dog Park and Union Station.
A Brief Park Timeline
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Boulevard Gardens On the Park’s most visible downtown edge, the 1.2-acre Boulevard Gardens welcomes visitors to the park, with spaces for strolling, seating, and informal programming, all set within a linear garden framework of regionally adapted ornamental perennials, with a focus on color and seasonal change. The café is set as a prominent address along the edge of the Boulevard and its tower acts as a landmark during the day and a lantern at night. The roof extends as a shade structure.
The Great Lawn
(#5 on the Upper Park Map) The Great Lawn and is the Park’s primary civic gathering and event space, capable of hosting a broad range of events and activities. The 7.6-acre open lawn promotes daily activities such as pick-up sports, group exercise, picnicking, sunbathing, and kite flying, while its tree-shaded edges will provide a respite from the mid-day summer sun. Mayor David Holt was the first donor to select a naming opportunity at Scissortail Park. His gift honors his parents at the Mary Ann and Stroud Holt Trellis Garden, located in the northeast corner lens garden area. The stage at the north edge of the Oval is the Park’s primary permanent performance facility, hosting events from several hundred to several thousand and acts as a window to the Park from the Boulevard. The Oval’s hill provides welcome topographic relief allowing dramatic views over the Park, to the setting sun and the downtown skyline.
The Promenade
(#7 on the Upper Park Map) The tree-lined central Promenade extends from the corner of Robinson Ave. and the Boulevard through the Park, over the SkyDance Bridge and southward to the Oklahoma River, creating the primary pedestrian connection between downtown and the river. The Promenade is a shared-use path, wide enough to be shared by casual (slow) bicycle riders, rollerbladers, dog walkers, and strollers. Artist-designed light masts, custom seating, and enhanced paving make the Promenade a destination for people watching as well as a circulation corridor. The corner of Robinson and the Boulevard will be marked by a large public art piece in the near future.
The Fountain
(#17 on the Upper Park Map) The Fountain is for children to have fun and adults to cool off on hot summer days in a safe water-play environment. The water jet effects recall the “sea” of prairie grass stems waving in the wind and it is lit at night to complement the SkyDance Bridge and to reflect the City lights. The Fountain is flanked on the east and west by rows of trees for shade and restrooms are conveniently located across the Promenade in the Playground.
The Woodland The 13 acres of Woodland is the Park’s character defining landscape matrix, unifying the various spaces and amenities within. This woodland landscape provides welcome shade and shelter from persistent winds, while imbuing the Park with the distinct character of eastern Oklahoman Cross Timbers and riparian forest ecosystems. Accent dry gardens and rain gardens provide pockets of colorful flower and foliage display, seasonal interest, and places for rest and relaxation within this woodland landscape.
Artist Kris Kanaly.
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O K L A H O M A
CI TY,
O K
|
EST.
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The Playground
(#12 on the Upper Park Map) Set within the Woodland, the 1-acre Playground is a creative, fun, and adventurous series of play spaces to engage children through their active interaction with the landscape and each other. It features friendly critters from the Cross Timbers woodlands including Penny the Wolf Spider and Rough Greensnake along a small water stream. Shaded seating for caregivers and adjacent restrooms creates a comfortable environment for hours of family recreation. The Playground is complemented by a children’s garden and an adult fitness space overlooking the Lake.
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The Lake
(#16 on the Upper Park Map) The 3.7-acre Lake and wetlands are the heart of the Upper Park. The Lake offers dramatic vistas, a setting for picturesque lakeside walks and seating, recreational paddle/row boating, and cooling from breezes across the lake surface. Multiple lake edge conditions, including a boat dock, waterside lawn, wetlands, and riparian planting provide programmatic and educational opportunities surrounding the lake. A bridge spans the Lake center and offers great photo opportunities. Located immediately adjacent to the lake, the Boathouse includes paddleboat and bike rentals, a food concession and restrooms. Â The Lake is the centerpiece of the water reuse strategy for the Park, acting as a reservoir to store and clean stormwater for irrigation.
Robinson Terrace Robinson Terrace, located along the east edge of the Upper Park adjacent to Robinson Avenue, is defined by staggered shade trees and ornamental perennial gardens featuring grasses. Upon the Terrace between the trees is a shade canopy with views to the lake and to the downtown skyline. The canopy is envisioned to host seasonal recreational activities as well as a great place for functions.
The Dog Run
(#19 on the Upper Park Map) The Dog Run is set within the Woodland and caters for both small and large dogs. A clearing within the Woodlands provides open space for dogs to exercise and play off-leash in a controlled environment under the supervision of their owners. This area is separated from by a low perimeter fence with a gate entry from the Hudson Avenue parking and another gate on the Lake side.
The Gaylord Family Parterre Gardens (#4 on the Upper Park Map)
Thanks to a naming gift from the Gaylord Family Foundation, a rainbow of native plant blooms this extensive and gorgeously colorful geometric Parterre Garden will be well-maintained so its changing palette of colors and fragrances through the seasons will delight guests including visiting birds and butterflies.
Parterre Garden designs by Hargreaves Associates
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Union Station Plaza (#21 on the Upper Park Map)
Union Station, one of Oklahoma City’s most historically significant buildings, sits at the southwest corner of the Upper Park. Built in 1930, Union Station served as one of Oklahoma City’s main passenger train stations until 1967 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Scissortail Park Foundation will use some space for staff offices and equipment storage. Renovation design planning has begun to fully restore the nearly 55,000 sq. ft iconic building.
The completed
renovation would include space for: a Scissortail Park Visitor Center, special event rental space, education classrooms, additional staff offices, arts gallery, gift shop, café and other multi-use programming spaces for community group useage. While renovation funding is not yet fully secured, are confident
we
adequate public and private funds can be
assembled to preserve Union Station as the historical architectural treasure that it is and allow the public to use and enjoy this unique space.
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The Boathouse
(#11 on the Upper Park Map) The Boathouse offers a concession stand, public restrooms and a shaded porch with lovely views over the lake to Union Station. Pedal boats will be available to rent, including ADAaccessible boats, for all to enjoy the 3.7-acre lake.
GREEN FEATURES Remediated Brownfield Site • Remediated former polluted land remediated for intend use.
Encouraged non-motorized transportation and use of public transit • New trail head for cycle network and greenways, • Streetcar station and bus stops within 0.25 mile.
Reduced Heat Island Effects • Un-shaded pavement reduced by 60%.
Reduced Light Pollution • No new light trespass, reduced glare, • Energy-efficient lighting throughout.
Conserved Water & Restored Water Cycle • Managed and harvested all stormwater on site, • Limited impermeable surface area to less than 25% of site, • 100% reduction in potable water use for irrigation.
Restored Habitat & Biodiversity • Increased plant biodiversity by 100%, • Used appropriate non-invasive plants, • 80% of all plants are native.
Conserved Materials • Protected and maintained unique cultural and historic features, • Used regional stone and Forest Stewardship Council certified wood.
Promoted Health and Well-being • Promoted strong community participation, • Promoted equitable site use and access, • Promoted sustainability awareness and education through play, • Provided opportunities for healthy outdoor physical activity including play, • Provided healthy food options for park concessions.
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UPPER PARK STATS Size: 36 acres (10 former city blocks) Construction Budget: $60,000,000 Earth: 205,000 cubic yards moved (24,000 truckloads) Surfacing: Over 3.5 miles of paths and trails, 1/3 mile of bike lanes, 180 parking spaces, Water: 3.7 ac. wetland-fringed lake, all stormwater cleaned & captured, 1/3 ac. 90 jet fountain, non-potable irrigation system, Vegetation: Over 100 species, 980 trees, 85,000 understory plants, 10 ac. of native grassland, Space: can hold one day events, markets or festivals from 500 to 15,000 people, Artifacts: 5 buildings (cafĂŠ, stage, boathouse, play pavilion, shade pavilion), 240-foot-long bridge, 1 ac. adventure playground, custom furnishings, 29 sculptural light masts, 1 public art piece (coming soon), Information: custom wayfinding and interpretive signage, data/Wi-Fi built in, Energy: shade and misting for thermal comfort, energy-efficient lighting, vendor hookups Stewardship: operations & maintenance facilities built in, Documentation: 580 drawings and 1,260 specification pages, Construction: 27 months to build with average work force of 75 peaking at 200
PARK CREDITS Owner: City of Oklahoma City, MAPS Program Program Manager: ADG Park Operator: Scissortail Park Foundation Prime Design Consultant: Hargreaves Associates Supporting Landscape Architecture: LAUD Studio Architecture: Butzer Urbanism Architecture Civil Engineering: Johnson & Associates Ecological Engineering: Sherwood Design Engineers Structural Engineering: Obelisk Engineering MEP Engineering: CEC Fountain MEP: Delta Fountains Irrigation Design: Sweeney + Associates Lighting Design: LAM & Partners Light Mast Design: James Carpenter Design Associates Estimator: Pre-Construction Services Park Management Consulting: ETM Associates Park Financial Consulting: HR&A General Contractor: Downey Contracting L.L.C.
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UPPER PARK SITE MAP P A R K
S I T E S
1. Cafe - Spark (opening 2020) 2. Woodland Gardens 3. Mary Ann & Stroud Holt Garden 4. Gaylord Family Parterre Gardens 5. Love’s Travel Stops Stage & Great Lawn 6. The Hill 7. Promenade 8. Taking Flight (coming soon) 9. Promenade Entrance 10. Wetlands 11. Boathouse 12. Children’s Playground 13. Play Pavilion 14. American Fidelity Picnic Trellis 15. Lake Bridge 16. Scissortail Lake 17. Fountains 18. Robinson Lawn 19. Dog Park 20. Survivor Tree Lawn 21. Union Station 22. South Garden Trellis 23. Event Pavilion 24. Grass Gardens
Mary Margaret Jones is senior principal of Hargreaves Associates and Hargreaves Jones. She is known for her leadership of the firm’s many awardwinning projects around the globe. In her role she oversees the firm’s three offices – in San Francisco, Calif., Cambridge, Mass., and New York City – and serves on juries, lectures widely and is active in the public forum of design
HARGREAVES ASSOCIATES
PA R K D E S I G N E R M A R Y M A R G A R E T J O N E S
Q&A
and development issues. From the earliest discussions of a reimagined downtown, Jones has been a part of the Scissortail Park evolution. The Park is one of the firm’s biggest projects underway at this time. The Grand Opening of the Upper Park signals 11 years of her career spent working in Oklahoma City with many of the Park stakeholders. During a recent visit to check on the progress of the Park, Jones paused to discuss her career and observations of the city. Q: What inspired you to become a landscape architect? A: Growing up in Southeast Texas, I have always had a connection to the landscape. Summertime meant we were out the door in the morning, running around barefoot, making forts, with barely taking time to come home for lunch. While I have always had an interest in architecture I didn’t know if I wanted to spend so much time on a building. When I got to college, I was looking through the course catalogue at Texas A&M University, where I went to school, and thought landscape architecture could be the right thing for me.
Q: How is Scissortail Park different than Myriad Botanical Gardens? A: The Gardens has an intimacy because it is small, and it is mature. While there
are sections of the Park that will be intimate, at 70 acres it is awesome in scale. The perspective is different because it is a large park. With this kind of scale we are able to create the bones of something that will grow and evolve through the years as people adapt and change the way they use parks.
Q: How did you become involved in Scissortail Park?
Q: What trends are you seeing in parks and design?
A: I have been coming to Oklahoma City for 11 years, since
A: We are seeing a couple of things. A lot of cities are taking
there were buildings where the Park is now. Union Station was
infrastructure, reclaiming it and then reframing it. The High Line
there, a hidden jewel that was not being used in any way.
in New York, for example, which converted an abandoned rail
The Core to Shore plan was already a vision when we came
line into a public landscape. We see this happening around
to town. Included in that was a central park to connect
the world where cities are transforming neglected areas to
downtown to the river.
make places that are beautiful.
Cities are reclaiming their riverfronts around the globe and
Parks are about beauty, and joy. We don’t talk about joyfulness.
taking these post light industrial areas like the one that was
That’s what it is. Why else would you build a park? It makes
here and reclaiming them for the public realm and open
people feel good. They are in a natural environment, helps the
space. We saw the same thing could happen here, that this
city and gives people breathing space in an urban environment.
could be a catalyst for development. We worked in two phases. Our firm was first hired six weeks before the vote to
One of the more unfortunate trends we are seeing is that
develop a concept, drawings and a budget for the vote. After
people want to over-program parks. In four acres you could
the vote passed, we had to win the contract again.
find everything to do like you were in Central Park in New York. There is no respite, no refuge. We are losing the value of open
Q: What were the most difficult of figuring out how to
space, of landscape. We as human beings need that. We need
approach this process?
to be able to lose ourselves in nature and yet find the city.
A: Really, it was just wrestling such a complex project to
the ground. The sheer magnitude and complexity of it.
Q: How do you feel now that the Park is going to open?
There were so many factors and entities involved including
A: Unlike architects who finish a building, we believe that we set
utilities, a power station, underground utilities, the Oklahoma
a landscape in motion. The Park will change and grow. I feel a
Department of Transportation and the construction of
sense of exhilaration and joy to see people using it. This area will
Oklahoma City Boulevard. There are so many parts to this
have an evening life with the Omni Hotel and the Convention
project. Then, the other MAPS projects, like the streetcar,
Center coming online. And the development of residential
had to come together to meet, talk about our current plans
areas. I am sure people will come more than many realize.
and point out the pitfalls. We put all these project drawings together to figure out what was dropping through the cracks.
Q: If you could create another park in the downtown
Yet the magnitude of the project, the sheer scale of it, we saw
Oklahoma City area, where do you think it should be?
as the opportunity. This project is a catalyst for change.
A: The levee by the Oklahoma River is old infrastructure
which could be transformed. There is already a concept for Q: How did you come up with concepts for the design of
how this could be reconfigured and connect to a potential
both the upper and lower parks?
river park. We have designed the lower park to envision this
A: This is a place with a lot happening ecologically with plains,
connection. This levee could be reimagined as an ecological
woodlands and a river. The idea of a lake was always there.
and recreational area. And while not a park, a pedestrian link
We looked at photos of postcards of summer in Oklahoma
on Harvey Avenue between the Gardens and Park is a very
City from years ago and they featured leisure and boats
important walkway to envision and create.
on lakes. We knew that as a large park, Scissortail has the opportunity for grand gestures like the lake and the great lawn that is truly a great lawn. Some lawns are just good but truly a great lawn is like this one in the heart of a downtown for large performances. A lake for paddle boats, woodlands, shady woodlands, civic fountains, dog play, children’s play, and pavilions. All of this imbedded in a landscape. When it matures you will have a whole sequences of spaces.
Gavin McMillan’s leadership at Hargreaves Associates is deeply embedded in the firm’s award-winning projects and on-going practice in the United States and abroad. Mr. McMillan has a particular focus in the transformation of post-industrial landscapes, the integration of resilient urban ecology and hydrology into public space, and the application of innovative sustainable design and construction principals.
GAVIN McCMILLAN VP/Senior Principal, FASLA
HARGREAVES ASSOCIATES
He has directed the firm’s innovative planning and sustainable construction of large-scale event landscapes, including the Sydney 2000 Olympics in Australia; and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, UK. He has brought that expertise to Scissortail Park’s design and its engineered features including the natural bio filtration system of the park’s lake that uses a specially designed water channel filled with water plants that help filter and keep the lake water ecosystem healthy and balanced.
CHRIS
BACHMANN Chief Operating Officer, Scissortail Park With an extensive background in facilities and security management, Chris will lead the daily operations to manage the park’s grounds, facilities, security , execution of programming and care of offices and equipment storage at Union Station in the park. Over the last year, Chris has worked closely with the design teams, contractors and MAPS 3 project management to ensure he and his team are prepared to take on all daily and special event operations.
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Hu
ds
on
In te rs ta te I- 4 0
Ro b inso e. n Av
ARCHITECTS HANS AND TORREY BUTZER
The architecture of Scissortail Park is about framing vertical and horizontal vistas that help define the dynamic identity of Oklahoma City. Specially programmed structures consist of a café, performance stage, boathouse, play and picnic pavilion, and multi-purpose shade pavilion. They are designed to invite people from diverse backgrounds and lifestyles. Families, couples, friends, the elderly, children, and individual park visitors can find their special spot under long roof overhangs, green leafy tree canopies, or the sparkling Oklahoma sun. The tectonics of the architecture is inspired by the frames and hides of Plains Tribes’ shelters and the earthen structures of early United States’ pioneers. Material palettes of brick, steel, wood, and glass take on the colors and patterns of the coyote, gray wolf, and deer, and help the park architecture recede into the landscape. By day, long overhangs and lattice tame sun and wind to define places of shade and cool respite for park visitors. Dramatic lighting draws visitors into the park as darkness settles in, recalling images of campfires on those first nights of the Oklahoma Land Run in April 1889.
“At twilight the camp-fires of ten thousand people gleamed on the grassy slopes of the Cimarron Valley, where, the night before, the coyote, the gray wolf, and the deer had roamed undisturbed. ” - THE RUSH TO OKLAHOMA William Willard Howard Harper’s Weekly 33 (May 18, 1889): 391-94.
BUILDING -39-
SC I SS O R TA I L GETTING IT DONE: WIND, RAIN AND DEADLINES. THE CONSTRUCTION OF SCISSORTAIL PARK
Downey Contracting bid this project in early May 2017, and at the end of September 2019 it will have its grand opening. Through those 29 months we had many ups and downs, but it has been a rewarding and successful project. At times the project was hindered by forces outside of our control; as the fall of 2018 and the spring of 2019 were some of the wettest on record. During construction 134,394 cubic yards of soil were removed from site to make way for the new lake and installation of
Larry Downey, Owner
67,000 cubic yards of seven types of blended topsoil. By the end of the project 980 trees, 4,901 shrubs and 79,761 various types of plants were installed. The five buildings, light masts, fountain, playground and
Brandon Downey, Owner Rick Morris, Senior Project Manager Larry Graves, Architectural Project Manager Jay Crawford, Field Project Manger David Vaughan, Quality Control Manager Gerald Kelley, General Field Superintendent
land form areas all have an artistic element, a vision that we
Henry Taylor, Superintendent
enjoyed sharing with the architects and designers.
The opportunity for Downey Contracting to work on the
In the future, our descendants will enjoy the park as it
new Scissortail Park allowed us to showcase our skills on
matures. It is my hope that our children, grandchildren
a project that will become the centerpiece of Downtown.
and many generations to come, will visit the park and
The success we have had on the project can be credited to
know that we participated in its construction for them to
the fantastic team that has worked on this project. A great
enjoy. We are proud to be a part of this living project that
partnership with the MAPS 3 office, Hargreaves and their
will enrich the lives of future generations.
consultants, our subcontractors, suppliers and employees allowed Downey Contracting to deliver the project on time
Rick Morris
for Oklahoma City and its residents.
Senior Project Manager, Downey Contracting LLC
Having been a part of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area prior to the MAPS initiatives, today’s revitalization of the City’s core brings a sense of pride to our company’s work and our place in the community.
LOVE’S TRAVEL STOPS STAGE AND GREAT LAWN
PHILANTHROPY IS IN OUR DNA
Love family members: Lisa Regan Love, Tom Love, Laura Love. Caroline Ikard, Frank Love, Judy Love, Jenny Love Meyers, Greg Love, Mayor David Holt.
Last November, I was in Tulsa for the Hall of Fame celebration
We are all looking forward to the opening concert. One
with former Oklahoma First Lady Cathy Keating and we
of the members of Kings of Leon was best man at our
made a stop at Gathering Place to tour the facility. It was so
granddaughter’s wedding last year. I feel certain that all
spectacular I checked into the naming opportunities for our new Scissortail Park, which I knew was to be open in 2019.
events at the park will be superior.
We chose the grand stage and lawn, now the Love’s Travel
Judy Love
Stops Stage and Great Lawn, for our naming gift because
Love’s Travel Stops
we felt it was the premier opportunity for the entire area. In comparison with Gathering Place, which holds a total of 5,000 people for events, our Park will hold 15,000 folk and this part of the space is a truly fantastic area. As a family, we feel every naming opportunity available in the Park is noteworthy and hope that many other people and groups will help with their financial support. They, like us, will feel a great deal of civic pride, as will their descendants, in seeing their name marking the different venues inside the Park. Philanthropy is something my husband Tom and I sincerely hope we have installed in the DNA of our children and grandchildren, and that it will continue beyond them in our future family. We feel very strongly about giving back – to whom much is given, much is required.
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Those who will learn to enjoy this park have a lot of people to thank. First, the many members of the 2005 Core to Shore Planning Committee. Thanks for your vision. Also a round of appreciation to the 2009 City Council which collectively put their heart and soul into supporting a variety of MAPS 3 projects that altered the course of Oklahoma City. From there, thank you to the voters, the citizen oversight committees, the city staff, and the hundreds of men and women hired to design and construct the park. It is our gift to the future residents and visitors of our great city.
Mick Cornett
David Todd, Program Manager MAPS (right)
A Maps 3 Landmark Park
A Tree To Remember
There aren’t many opportunities to work on a project that will have the kind of lasting legacy Scissortail Park will have in Oklahoma City. A landmark park like this will be enjoyed by generations of people. It’s also a major part of the ongoing renaissance downtown and across our community.
Scissortail Park is now home to a living symbol of remembrance
Former Oklahoma City Mayor, 2005-20018
It’s an honor to lead a group of City staff, industry professionals and volunteers working on such a transformative project. Scissortail Park was designed by people who care not only about doing a job right, but investing in our community’s future. It’s exciting to know that the Upper Park alone is enough to be a game changer in the downtown area, but it’s only part of the Scissortail Park story. Construction will start soon on the Lower Park, getting us one step closer to seeing the full picture. We’re only beginning to see the way the park will change Oklahoma City forever. We hope the people of Oklahoma City are as proud as we are of the new crown jewel of our park system. Scissortail Park is for everyone, and we’re confident you’ll feel like it’s for you when you walk through it for the first time.
David E. Todd, P.E. Program Manager, MAPS
Tim Jones, MAPS 3 Program Manager (left)
descended from the Oklahoma City National Memorial Survivor Tree, the 110-year-old American elm that survived the Murrah Federal Building bombing on April 19, 1995. Its seedlings have been planted throughout the United States but the Scissortail Park tree is one of fewer than a dozen clones. The Park clone was planted on the 24th anniversary of that day. “On this important day, we plant this Survivor Tree clone knowing that someday it may take the place of the original Survivor Tree that stands guard over the Memorial today,” said National Memorial Executive Director Kari Watkins. “This tree has long stood as a symbol of our city’s strength and resilience, and it is only fitting we plant one in the new Scissortail Park marking this important history and connection between these two major gathering places in the heart of our city.” The tree is near Union Station and will ensure future generations can share the experience of the original tree as it ages. Thanks to Gennie and Bob Johnson who donated this Survivor Tree which came from their home landscape.
GRAND OPENING
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH
5:00pm Doors Open 6:00-6:30pm Official Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting and Dedication Love’s Travel Stops Stage and Great Lawn presented by City of Oklahoma City 6:30-11:00pm Kings of Leon Concert with BRONCHO and Republican Hair Love’s Travel Stops Stage and Great Lawn presented by The Chickasaw Nation 11:00pm Fireworks - Scissortail Lake
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH
8:00-9:00am Yoga - Robinson Lawn presented by Gold’s Gym 9:00-10:00am Zumba! - Robinson Lawn presented by Gold’s Gym 9:00am-7:00pm Boat Rentals - Scissortail Lake and Boathouse 11:00am-10:00pm Food Trucks - Robinson Street 10:00am-6:00pm Family Day - Robinson Lawn and Stage presented by Express Employment Int. Thunder Drummers & Rumble DJ Tangerine Spaghetti Eddie Sugar Free Allstars 411 Band Stephen Salewon Race Dance Company Edgar Cruz Ken Pomeroy and the Corduroys Carter Sampson Band
11:00am-6:00pm Scissortail Park KidZone Playground and Play Pavilion Face Painting ($$) Make & Take Crafts Bilingual Story Time Oklahoma Children’s Theatre Mister Puppet Show 12:00pm-4:00pm Community Art Installations with local artists Tony Thunder, Amanda Zoey, and the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center staff Various locations presented in partnership with the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center 1:00-4:30pm Live Local Music - Love’s Travel Stops Stage and Great Lawn presented by Downtown OKC Partnership Central Plains Dancers Cavern Company Redmen Blues Band 5:00-5:30pm Scissortail Park OKCPS Art Contest Awards Love’s Travel Stops Stage and Great Lawn presented by SONIC 6:00-11:00pm Premier Starry Night Concert Love’s Travel Stops Stage and Great Lawn presented by Heartland Jonathan Tyler & the Northern Lights Billy Jones Band Markus James and the Wassonrai 11:00pm Fireworks - Scissortail Lake
11:00am-7:00pm Game Zone! - East Lake Lawn presented in partnership with OKC Energy FC and OKC Dodgers 11:00am-6:00pm Acoustic Musicians - Lake and Boathouse MARKUS JAMES AND THE WASSONRAI
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH 11:00am-7:00pm Boat Rentals - Scissortail Lake and Boathouse 11:00am-8:00pm Food Trucks - Robinson Street 11:00am-7:00pm Game Zone! - East Lake Lawn presented in partnership with HeyDay 11:00am-5:30pm Neighborhood Showcase - Robinson Lawn presented by Downtown OKC Partnership El Sistema McTeggart Irish Dancers of Oklahoma Nritya-Arpan Indian Folk Dance Yumare Folklorico Dance Peter Markes Capitol Hill Alumni Choir OK City Chorus of Sweet Adelines Ambassador Choir KINGS OF LEON 11:00am-6:00pm Acoustic Musicians - Lake and Boathouse 11:00am-6:00pm Scissortail Park KidZone Playground and Play Pavilion Face Painting ($$) Make & Take Crafts Bilingual Story Time OKC Improv Anansi the Spider Storytelling with Basically Bostick RAICES, Kids Dance Troupe Oklahoma Children’s Theatre 12:00-4:00pm Community Art Installations with local artists Tony Thunder, Amanda Zoey, and the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center staff Various locations presented in partnership with the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center BILLY JONES 5:00-5:30pm The Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band Love’s Travel Stops Stage and Great Lawn 6:00-7:30pm OKC Philharmonic Concert Love’s Travel Stops Stage and Great Lawn presented by R.L. Sias 7:30pm Fireworks - Love’s Travel Stops Stage and Great Lawn
*Event times & location subject to change.
OKCPHIL
OKCPHIL THE
SOUNDS OF NATURE
MUSICAL SELECTIONS FEATURED NATURE THEMES AND GUEST VOCALISTS COURTNEY CROUSE AND KELLY HOLST
Capping three days of celebration, OKCPHIL created a set list comprising a variety of classic pieces for everyone to enjoy on the Love’s Travel Stops Stage on Sunday, September 29 beginning at 7 p.m. Many of the works performed during this free concert were nature-themed including Lark Ascending by Vaughn Williams, Waltz of the Flowers from the Nutcracker,
CONCERT PROGRAM
by Tchaikovsky, and Firebird Finale, by Stravinsky. “The OKCPHIL and Maestro Mickelthwate welcomes everyone to the Grand Opening celebration of Scissortail Park when the OKCPHIL will perform a family-friendly night of wonderful music in the open air,” said Susan Webb, director of marketing and public relations for OKCPHIL. “We have an exciting program planned with several favorites including Aaron Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man and Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain. We look forward to sharing this grand opening experience, which we think everyone will enjoy, with our Oklahoma City community.”
Dvorak
Slavonic Dance op. 46 # 8 Smetana
The Moldau Dvorak
Slavonic Dance op 46 # 1 Vaughan Williams
Lark Ascending Gregory Lee, violin
Berlioz
Tracing its roots back to the city’s first professional orchestra in 1924, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic formed in 1988 under the musical direction of Joel Levine with the help of dedicated civic leaders and corporations. In 2018, Alexander Mickelthwate was named the second music director of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. Throughout the years, the orchestra has performed a diverse selection of music with many different stars. Guest artists have included Itzhak Perlman, Amy Grant, Yo Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, Tony Bennett, Olivia Newton-John, Bebe Neuwirth, Sir James Galway, Chris Botti, Renee Fleming and most recently Kristin Chenoweth, Kelli O’Hara, Pink Martini, and Ben Folds. “I can’t think of a better way to conclude the Grand Opening weekend than sitting in the Park listening to the Philharmonic playing,” said Maureen Heffernan, CEO and president of Scissortail Park Foundation. “We are fortunate to have such an accomplished orchestra in our city dedicated to supporting the community in this way. Many of the naturethemed selections will be richly enjoyed in our park setting.
Roman Carnival Overture
INTERMISSION Copland
Fanfare for the Common Man Mussorgsky (Rimsky-Korsakov)
Night on Bald Mountain Dvorak
Song to the Moon from Rusalka Courtney Crouse, vocalist
Delibes
Flower Duet from Lakme
Kelly Holst and Courtney Crouse, vocalists
Tchaikovsky
Waltz of the Flowers from The Nutcracker Stravinsky
Firebird Finale
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CULTIVATING S P A C E This space is so much more than a park. It’s a living laboratory just waiting to be explored. Scissortail Park is unlike any Oklahoma City park that has been imagined since the turn of the 20th century. The gardens will greet many generations to come. My hope is that the trees planted now will provide plenty of shade for future visit and pioneers in public garden management. The gardens of the Park feature a wide range of landscapes and garden spaces. The common theme of the plantings chosen for the park represent our Oklahoma botanical heritage, native plants built to thrive in central Oklahoma. They have a strong will to carve out a place on the prairie and can withstand the demanding environmental conditions. They are strong and resilient. Oak trees and native grasses thoughtfully line this landscape under a wide and open spacious land. These plantings set the scene for a truly unmatched native botanical experience and are symbols of our Cross Timber ecosystem heritage. These trees and grasses are built to survive here, and in the landscape plantings of Scissortail Park is an abundance of both. Visit often to watch them grow!
Lance Swearingin
Director of Horticulture and Grounds, Scissortail Park
Once in a lifetime an Oklahoma gardener gets the opportunity to plant something like Scissortail Park. This long-awaited botanical oasis in the heart of downtown connects the city’s core to the Oklahoma river shore, but it’s really a lot more than a bridge connecting two parts of the city. This park symbolizes the connection of our hearts to nature and civic pride. It’s the creation of a green space where everyone can gather together and celebrate the foundation of our trajectory as a community. And, it’s an enormous backyard that we all share as one, a place where everyone can come together and belong to the growing community and positive energy surrounding a re-emerging downtown lifestyle. Scissortail Park is the link that connects the city parks system together, and it’s this cornerstone that is bringing our park planning into its maturity.
Almost 1,000 trees have been planted in the Upper Park’s 36 acres and with water and time, they will create a leafy canopy of shade, beauty and homes for wildlife. A dream team of Oklahoma tree experts, were tapped as consultants to rigorously help vet the final list of trees to be planted in the park. The park’s collection of trees can also serve an educational value for homeowners or others looking for select trees that do well in our challenging growing conditions.
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TREE LIST A LIST OF TREES BY SPECIES
Acer truncatum Celtis occidentalis Cercis texensis Cotinus cogigryia Cupressus arizonica Diospyros virginiana Gymnocladus dioicus Ilex decidua Ilex vomitoria Juniperus virgininana Koelreuteria panniculata Lagerstromia indica Liquidamber styraciflua Maclura pomifera Magnolia grandiflora Magnolia Litte Gem Magnollia x soulangiana Malus spp. Nyssa sylvatica Pinus taeda Pistachia chinensis Platanus X acerifolia Prunus mexicana Quecus stellata Quercus accutisima Quercus bicolor Quercus fusiformis Quercus macrocarpa Quercus marilandica Quercus muehlenbergii Quercus nigra Quercus rubur Quercus shumardii Quercus virginiana Saphora japonica Sapindus drumundii Taxodium distichum Ulmus americana Ulmus parvifolia Taxodium ascendens Viburnum rufidulum Zelkova serrata
MAPLE ‘SHANTUNG’ HACKBERRY ‘PRAIRIE PRIDE’ REDBUD ‘OKLAHOMA’ SMOKE TREE ‘ROYAL PURPLE’ CYPRESS ARIZONA ‘COOKS PEAK’ PERSIMMON ‘NATIVE’ KENTUCKY COFFEE TREE HOLLY ‘DECIDUOUS’ YAUPON HOLLY ‘PRIDE OF HOUSTON’ JUNIPER ‘CANARTI’ ERC GOLDEN RAIN TREE CRAPE MYRTLE ‘TUSCARORA’ SWEETGUM OSAGE ORANGE MAGNOLIA ‘JANE’ MAGNOLIA ‘LITTLE GEM’ MAGNOLIA ‘SAUCER’ CRABAPPLE ‘PRAIRIE FIRE’ BLACKGUM ‘WILDFIRE’ PINE ‘LOBLOLLY’ CHINESE PISTACHE LONDON PLANE MEXICAN PLUM OAK ‘POST’ OAK ‘SAWTOOTH’ OAK ‘SWAMP WHITE’ OAK ‘LIVE’ QUARTZ MNT OAK ‘BUR’ OAK ‘BLACK JACK’ OAK ‘CHINQUAPIN’ OAK ‘WATER’ OAK ‘TEXAS RED’ OAK ‘SHUMARD’ LIVE OAK ‘EMPIRE’ JAPANESE PAGODA TREE WESTERN SOAPBERRY BALD CYPRESS ‘SHAWNEE BRAVE’ ELM ‘PRINCETON’ ELM ‘ALLEE’ POND CYPRESS ‘DEBONAIRE’ VIBURNUM ‘BLACKHAW ZELKOVA
ART IN THE PARK It’s been a huge honor collaborating with Scissortail Park to produce a body of artwork celebrating the grand opening of the park. I was inspired by the idea of connecting our city to nature — creating an oasis where urban dwellers have a place to meander, to play, to think amongst the native flowers and grasses of our lands. A place where kids chase the butterflies through the prairie flowers and friends gather to stroll down the tree-lined promenade. A place where lovers will propose to each other near the Buffalo grass and their future weddings will unfold within the historic walls of Union Station. This park was created for the people and it was made by the people through their generous penny sales tax contributions. It is a sanctuary where all are welcome, no matter age, color, gender, or income — where all will come together to celebrate the fragrance of flowers, the vast open sky, our vibrant city and the red dirt beneath our feet. My challenge was to time travel to the future and imagine what it would be like to run through the fountains, to paddle under the bridge and to climb the hill surrounded by towers of glass and steel. When I envision visiting the park, it’s a relaxed spontaneous approach, choosing to follow this path and get lost down the next. I tried to capture this innocence and extemporization through fast brush strokes, abstract shapes, hints at movement and liberal use of bold colors. Using a lot of whitespace provides a sense of freshness and serves as a metaphor for the untrodden pathway. Sometimes it was best to paint with eyes closed, and sometimes it was best to focus on detail. Other times, a quick stab or slap at the canvas with the brush yielded the best result as I tried to mimic the unexpected chaos of nature and play. Hopefully, this body of work will get you excited about visiting our new park. A park made by everyone, for everyone.
Kris Kanaly OKC Artist and Scissortail Park logo designer
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TAKING FLIGHT A 20-ton orb is the centerpiece designed specifically for Scissortail Park
Standing 19 feet tall, Taking Flight will suspend a sphere from
Award-winning architecture and design firm STUDIOKCA
angled columns that stretch from the ground up, and around,
Architects was chosen by a selection committee led by
the sphere. It is made from 643,648 highly polished discs (to
Kienzle, which also included former Mayor Mick Cornett,
represent Oklahoma City’s population) and colored to echo
former Councilwoman and current Myriad Botanical
the coppery hue of Oklahoma’s soil and the penny MAPS tax
Gardens Community Board Member Meg Salyer, Park
that provided funds to build the park. The sculpture is also
Designer Mary Margaret Jones and Scissortail Park
designed to allow light to shine through the orb at night.
Foundation CEO and President Maureen Heffernan, along with several civic leaders and city officials involved
Robbie Kienzle, arts and cultural affairs liaison and program
in planning for the Park.
planner for the City of Oklahoma City, said Taking Flight will hang 19 feet in the air with beams suggesting an orb in
STUDIOKCA Architects is an award-winning architecture
flight, matching the height of the Love’s Travel Stops Stage
and design firm led by Jason Klimoski and Lesley Chang
and Spark Café built on each side of its location. The piece
based in Brooklyn, New York with projects ranging in
will be installed along the northeast corner of the Park. This
scale and complexity from lighting fixtures and interiors
sculpture was included in the Park project as a part of the
to public installations, sculptures and buildings in New
City of Oklahoma City’s 1 Percent for Art ordinance.
York, Vermont, Nevada, Wisconsin, Brazil, Taiwan and Papua New Guinea.
SUPPORT
SCISSORTAIL
LEAVING A LEGACY Park Naming Opportunities There are a range of major naming opportunities available at Scissortail Park. From buildings to artwork and from garden
The Scissortail Park Foundation is a 501(c) nonprofit
areas to endowments, your major gift makes a difference
organization that manages and operates Scissortail Park.
for us to be able to create and sustain a world class park.
Our mission is to maintain Scissortail Park in a first-rate
Our Development department is happy to share with you
manner so it is kept beautiful, clean, safe and active. While
information on these opportunities for how you can leave a
the Foundation receives the majority of its support from the
lasting legacy for your family or company at Scissortail Park.
City of Oklahoma City to manage the park, the Foundation is committed to growing its earned and philanthropic revenues, and build a permanent endowment.
Bench Sponsorships A range of bench styles and locations are available for
These funds will enable us to continually enhance the park
sponsorship. It is a meaningful way to support the park while
site as well as offer many free or low-cost programs and
honoring or memorializing a friend, family, company, alma
events so they are accessible to all in our community.
mater, not-for-profit or other entity you would like to recognize.
WAYS TO SUPPORT Make an on-line donation at Scissortail.org to our annual fund.
A personalized plaque with your choice of wording will be affixed to your bench. Bench plaques start at $5,000 and can be paid in installments.
Please contact our Development department at 405.445.6263
The annual fund helps supports all general operating
for more information or to make an appointment to discuss
expenses including park maintenance and the ability to
a gift to the park.
offer free programming.
Sponsor one or more park programs and special events. There are a range of programs and events, from concerts to kite flying, that need sponsorships to defray their costs. For your support, we can offer customizable marketing benefits for your company on-site and on-line.
Become a volunteer at the park. Volunteers are needed to help with many activities from horticultural work to park programs,
fundraising events and more.
Contact our Volunteer Department at 405.445.6277 or visit our website for more information on volunteering.
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THANK YOU! Scissortail Park Foundation would like to thank and recognize Social Order’s significant contributions to helping plan our Grand Opening. Special thanks to Graham Colton, who worked closely with Mayor Holt, to secure the Kings and Leon and for On behalf of the entire team at The Social Order Dining Collective, I am delighted to share a few words about our
his service as music producer for this concert and others during the Grand Opening.
partnership with the Scissortail Park Foundation. We are so grateful to become a fixture of the beautiful downtown park which is sure to be a beloved destination for all of the residents of Oklahoma City and beyond. It truly will be a park for Everyone! At SPARK we hope to serve our diverse community of park goers offering nostalgic favorites as well as lifestyle items for our active park goers. SPARK will be a place to ignite memories with your family, friends and neighbors. We look forward to serving you in the Spring of 2020. Until then please follow our progress on social media @eatatspark
Brian Bogert Founder, The Social Order
Thanks also to Brian Bogert for all of his many hours of planning for concessionaire sales at our Grand Opening – a portion of which helps benefit Scissortail Park Foundation.
Bravo!
to the Oklahoma City police, fire and EMSA
leaders who have helped us plan our Grand Opening celebrations, especially all the security needs for the Kings of Leon concert. We look forward to a strong partnership with them in keeping Scissortail Park welcoming and safe for all. We hope to see Harley as a frequent guest in our dog park. Chief Wade Gourley
Sergeant Del Frazier
Dept. Chief Paco Balderamma
Sergeant Steve Johnson
Lt. Audrea George
Sergeant Scott Nelson
Major Pat Stewart
Sergeant Scott Sanders
Sergeant Jesse Butts
German Shepherd police dog, Harley
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MAPS3 PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAM
MAPS 3 TEAM
Honored to Serve
Jarrod Hohweiler
Gerald Kelley
Matthew Janda
Lucas McClung
Dalton McCaskill
Kathy Caffey
Larry Graves
Mike Ward
Brad Reynolds
Chris Bachmann
John Parsley
Paul Harrell
Rick Morris
Mike Sottong
Brent Wall
Lance Swearengin
standards of practices and care in stewarding the park’s
David Vaughan
Torrey Butzer
growth and development.
Wayne Courville
Chris Savage
Tony Ochoa
Tim Jones
Thank you MAPS 3 team for your dedicated and careful project management of planning Scissortail Park over the last ten years. We are honored to take on the responsibility of managing and operating the new park. We will strive to live up to the highest
With sincere appreciation, Scissortail Park Foundation Staff
SCISSORTAIL PARK FOUNDATION STAFF
From concerts to community theater, class reunions to cocktail hours, weddings to quinceaĂąeras, make your event a memorable one The Yale is a state-of-the-art event center, designed to scale easily from intimate gatherings to live productions. The multi-million dollar renovation resulted in a completely new interior, with period-appropriate finishes, intricate architectural detail, a fully apportioned catering kitchen and a newly built mezzanine for two-tier flfloor space. Audio and visuals systems are top of the line, with a 16 ft presentation screen, theater quality sound and customizable lighting.
Visit theyaleokc.com or call (405) 249-6859 for more information.
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We see OKC from up here and it’s looking so good!
HELLO FROM ONE PARK TO ANOTHER Welcome to more great places for everyone!
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UNI_19-OKC-024 Experience Unexpected_4-5x11.indd 1
9/13/19 4:29 PM
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Congratulations to the City of Oklahoma City on the Grand Opening of Scissortail Park. We are thrilled to have been a part of the creation of this wonderful space.
Scissortail Park Foundation salutes the City of Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department, led by Parks Director Doug Kupper, for maintaing and stewarding all of the many wonderful and diverse park spaces throughout Oklahoma City. We are excited to join them as fellow park stewards because great parks make life better. For Everyone.
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MARY ANN AND STROUD HOLT TRELLIS GARDEN