Scissortail Park is managed by Scissortail Park Foundation under a public-private partnership with the City of Oklahoma City. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that manages and operates the Park. The Foundation is also responsible for raising funds to support the Park’s operating costs through donations, sponsorships, earned revenue, and by growing a permanent endowment for the Park’s long-term future.
Tailwinds Editorial Staff Director of Marketing and Communications
Stacey Aldridge
Creative Direction and Design
Sean Ball
Cover Photo by Stacey Aldridge
Right Photo by Jesse Edgar
Dear Members and Supporters,
As the temperatures lift, so do our spirits and the first few cooler breezes promise rejuvenation.
This last quarter of the year at Scissortail, we have many events to lift your spirits – from flowers and butterflies to concerts, sports, and holiday festivities.
I am looking forward to watching Monarch butterflies fueling up on native flowers in our new Monarch Garden sponsored by OG&E. This extensive area, next to our boathouse, is filled with flowering perennial plants that sustain Monarchs and other pollinators in all life stages. Monarch populations have been dwindling due to habitat decline and widespread pesticide use. Our Monarch Garden will help sustain them as well as motivate homeowners and other landowners to create “Monarch strips” too.
Stop by this garden and take an information sheet from our new Monarch Mailbox. It explains how everyone can play a part in helping Monarchs and pollinators by planting a pollinator garden in pots or plots of any size.
Another way we are making the Park wildlife-friendly is the launching of three new floating habitat islands. They are planted with grasses and native plants to create safe habitats for bird nests and perching. The island plants’ roots grow directly into the water which helps balance the lake ecosystem. Watch for several new turtle ramps near the boathouse area that allow turtles to climb out of the water to get safely on the shore.
Thanks to the Oklahoma City Community Foundation that funded the islands, turtle ramps, interpretive signage, birdhouses, and plantings to make the water weir areas more wildlife friendly.
On October 14, we are thrilled to be partnering with OKC area credit unions to present country music star, Chris Young. Local credit unions pooled resources to offer our community this major concert event at the Park. Scissortail Park has been such an incredible gathering place for the community since opening in the fall of 2019. We love it when companies and community groups help us shape and mold the Park in big and small ways to make it a vibrant destination.
A new and improved ScaryTale Park Halloween Trick-or-Treat event is scheduled for October 2628. If you have young children, you will not want to miss this experience! Your membership provides free admission too.
One of the most exciting projects we are now working on, in coordination with the MAPS 3 office and GBS Architects, is the renovation of Union Station. In about two years from now, it will reopen with all its public spaces renovated for a wide range of public programming and community use. A renovated Union Station adds so many exciting opportunities for how its updated spaces can be used for Park programs and by the community.
From Monarchs to Music, Sports to Solidago, and from Halloween to the Holidays, there is much to discover and celebrate over the next months at Scissortail Park.
Special events are unfolding all the time and everywhere at Scissortail Park.
Maureen Heffernan President & CEO Scissortail Park Foundation
P.S. Our Gala in the Park, scheduled for September 22, will start out with a cocktail hour in Union Station. Purchase your ticket now for a fun behindthe-scenes look at the station before construction starts later in the year. Tickets are $150 and can be purchased on our website – scissortailpark.org
TAKING FLIGHT
Lesley Chang
and Jason
Klimoski, Artists
The 31-foot-high, 14,000-pound sculpture made possible by the “1% for the Arts” city ordinance resembles a feather floating to the ground that was inspired by a sense of whimsy and play. The artwork welcomes visitors to Scissortail Park at the corner of Oklahoma City Boulevard and South Robinson Avenue. The piece is dedicated to the late City of Oklahoma City Arts & Cultural Affairs Liaison, Robbie Kienzle who devoted her career to public art strategies that improve the vitality of public life and transform communities.
Photo by Jesse Edgar
September 27, 2019 – July 31, 2023
As Scissortail Park approaches its 4th anniversary as one of downtown Oklahoma City’s most popular destinations, it’s impressive to look back on the incredible impact our urban oasis has made on the community. From maintaining our beautiful seasonal plantings and collection of trees, to hosting programs and events including concerts, markets, wellness classes, family activities, Park Ranger and nature education programs, field trips, seasonal roller skating, boat rentals, sports programming, and community partner events, Scissortail Park has made its mark in OKC!
Average visitors per year
Boats rented
Kids have participated in Ranger Programs and Nature Classes (Fishing, Beekeeping, Outdoor Preparedness, Field Trips, Storytelling)
17 Night Markets attracting over 85,000 shoppers
Including performances by:
Kings of Leon – Grand Opening Concert
Drive By Truckers
LeAnn Rimes
Amythyst Kiah
Jerry Douglas Band
John Fullbright
Oklahoma City Philharmonic
Jabee
Jimmy ‘Duck’ Holmes
David Beck’s Tejano Weekend
Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers
Summer of Soul
Scintillating Sounds of India
Community Partner Events attracting over 350,000 guests, supporting organizations including:
Oklahoma City Philharmonic
Oklahoma City Ballet
Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon
Unite the People Pow Wow
OKC PrideFest
DeadCenter Film Fest
Greater OKC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Oklahoma City Thunder
First Americans Museum
OKC Dia de los Muertos
WORKlahoma Community Job Fair
USO
United Way
FoodieFest
Charity Walks
Cultural Celebrations
104 Farmers Market events. Largest in OKC!
Daffodils
Tulips
Of wild flowers planted
Sports courts rented
Roller skaters
-7-
Tress Planted
Since the day Scissortail Park opened to historic crowds in September 2019, The Chickasaw Nation has been instrumental in our success in providing an amazing space for the community to gather in downtown Oklahoma City. As the presenting sponsor for our two Grand Opening celebrations for the Upper Park and Lower Park, as well as this year’s presenting Gala in the Park sponsor, The Chickasaw Nation has been a key supporter of the Scissortail Park Foundation.
April 1, 2022 - July 31, 2023
$100,000 - $500,000
Chickasaw Nation
E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation
Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores
United States Department of Agriculture
$50,000 - $99,999
American Fidelity
Devon Energy Corporation
First Fidelity Bank
Richard & Glenna Tanenbaum
$10,000 - $49,999
Ad Astra Foundation
Bank of Oklahoma
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma
Express Employment International
First United Bank
Flight Agency
Griffin Media
Heartland
Homeland Security
OG&E
Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits
Oklahoma City Community Foundation
Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
Oklahoma Shirt Company
Omni Hotels & Resorts
OU Health Stephensen Cancer Center
SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital
Tyler Media
$1,000 - $9,999
American Academy of Dermatology Association
Michael Anderson
Arts Council Oklahoma City
Arvest
BancFirst
Bar Cicchetti
BC Clark Jewelers
Benjamin Lee Bison
Crowe & Dunlevy
Downtown OKC Partnership
Florence’s Restaurant
George H.W. Bush Vamos a Pescar Education Fund
GSB Inc.
Christina Holman
Inasmuch Foundation
INSURICA
Integris Health
Jasco
Tim Johnson
JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA
Kam’s Kookery
Steve Mason
Mercy Hospital
Miller Pro AVL
Milo
MUSE Downtown Apartments
Myka Naylor
New Horizons Foundation Inc.
Oklahoma Arts Council
Ron & Alyce Page
Paris Limousine
Renewal by Andersen
Patricia Salame
Claudia San Pedro
Barbara Schweitzer
Richard L. Sias
Seth Skaggs
Southwestern Stationery & Bank Supply
Strawberry Fields LLC
The Ann Lacy Foundation
The Flower Truck
Tinker Federal Credit Union
James R. Tolbert
Toucan Productions
True Sky Credit Union
Walker Companies
Kari Watkins
Wynn Construction Zebco
$100 - $999
Lyn Adams
Richard Alliss
Tyler Bahner
Allison Bailey
Mateo Baisden
Van Barber
Julie Blankenship
Andy Bogert
Richard Bogert
Bone Dog Boutique & Self-Serve Dog Wash
Lindsey Brock
Sarah Bytyqi
Amanda Carpenter
Dennis Clowers
Clubby Seltzers
Colleen Costello
Jason Cotton
Daisy Dames Garden Club
Kristin Davis
Percy Day
Freda Deskin
EightTwenty Energy
First Liberty Bank
Fitzsimmons Architects
Jane Jayroe Gamble & Gerald Gamble
Michael Gulikers
Katy Gustafson
Aimee & David Harlow
Maureen Heffernan
Kathy Hewitt
Hideaway 2, Inc.
Timothy Higgins
Charles Hladik
Home Creations
Gail Huneryager
Jennifer Hutchinson
Jewish Federation of Greater Oklahoma City
Rich & Lauren Johnson
Mary Ellen Kilpatrick
Michael Laird
Lisa Loos
David Luza
Magic Bait Co, Inc.
Tanya Marical
Ozshane Matlock
Anthony McDermid
Mia Miles-Dunn
Angela Miller
Michael A. Mize
Thuan Nguyen
Patricia Oglesby
Oklahoma Engineering Foundation
OnCue Express
Charles Oppenheim
Susan Phillips
Julia Reza
Charmaine Riley
Lynn Robberson
Claire Robison
Jahkia Robinson
Rock Creek Distillery
Lezel Safi
Christopher Salyer
Meg Salyer
Paul Sechrist
Sonic Foundation
Joyce Sterling
Eric Stricklan
Tracy Varughese
Wallace Design Collective
Matthew Weber
Lindsey Whitacker
Kathy L. Williams
Kristy Yager
For information on sponsorship opportunities and other ways to support Scissortail Park, please visit, scissortailpark.org
-9-
We are so thankful to Governor Bill Anoatubby and the entire Chickasaw Nation for continually investing in Scissortail Park and the citizens of Oklahoma.
Governor Bill Anoatubby, Chickasaw Nation
Photo by Steve Johnson
“The Chickasaw Nation’s continued support of Scissortail Park has been a cornerstone of ensuring the Park is not only a magnificent experience for individuals to enjoy but also as a wonderful embodiment of OKC’s ongoing renaissance as a City with vision and vigor,”
- Maureen Heffernan, CEO for Scissortail Park Foundation and Myriad Gardens Foundation.
Since opening in 2019, Scissortail Park Foundation, the 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that manages the Park has relied on the generosity of individuals and companies who have volunteered their time to help us keep the Park beautiful and to help us with a variety of events throughout the year.
Our dedicated volunteers have assisted our Horticulture team by pulling weeds, spreading mulch, and planting daffodils and tulip bulbs. Volunteers regularly assist guests shopping at our weekly Farmers Market and during special events such as our Night Markets, Wind Festival, Concert Series, and more.
We have opportunities throughout the year for individuals and groups to support Scissortail Park by fulfilling needed service hours or by helping us with our robust calendar of events. Visit scissortailpark.org/volunteer for more information.
Become a volunteer and earn a t-shirt or Scissortail Park Membership!
Partner Volunteers are individuals that are willing to volunteer for at least two opportunities to receive a free volunteer t-shirt.
Ambassador Volunteers are those willing to commit to a certain number of hours during the year by working alongside our horticulture staff, as a Docent Volunteer, or at our public events and programs to earn a Scissortail Park Membership.
THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS!
Over the years, Scissortail Park has enjoyed working with volunteers from all over the community who have helped us with special projects and events.
We appreciate all of these great organizations that have brought teams out to work at the Park!
Alpha Gamma Omega, Oklahoma Christian University
Apple
BioLife Plasma Services
Boeing Casady School
Downtown OKC YMCA Togetherhood Council
Enel Green Power
FNB Community Bank
JE Dunn Moment Connection
JE Dunn OKC PE Peer Group
John Rex Charter School
Key Club
Men’s Firstep Group
Oklahoma City Beautiful
Oklahoma City Midtown Rotary Club
Oklahoma City Public Schools
Oklahoma University Health Science Center
OKC/OSU Students
OU College of Allied Health
Roosevelt Middle School
Sign Language Resource Services, Inc.
Southeast High School AFJROTC
Southwestern Christian University
Trader Joe’s
University of Oklahoma
YMCA Downtown Leadership Summer Campers
Scissortail Park horticulture staff are installing new BioHaven Floating Islands to enhance our natural habitat for turtles and waterfowl thanks to grant funding from Oklahoma City Community Foundation.
These floating islands “bio-mimic” mother nature’s own natural floating wetlands. When a BioHaven is launched, a whole diverse eco-system is created which soon attracts life in all its forms, from microbes to nymphs, to butterflies, to fish, birds…. all the way up the food chain.
Aquatic plants such as iris, rush, and sedges grow on top of the islands providing a habitat for turtles, birds, and pollinators, while the roots of these plants grow through the bottom of the island to provide a habitat for fish while also cleaning the water of sediments.
Thanks to sponsors Alyce and Ron Page and the Daisy Dames Gardening Club, Scissortail Park was able to add 2,500 square feet of wildflower garden beds to the Lower Park. The wildflower mix included Coreopsis, Black-eyed Susan, Indian Blanket, Evening Primrose, Red Poppy, California Poppy, Cornflower, and more.
Scissortail Park and Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company (OG&E) are working together to highlight the important role pollinators play in our regional ecosystem by offering new educational programming at the Park that focuses on pollinator plants and the insects and animals that assist in the pollination process.
“Scissortail Park Foundation is proud to collaborate with OG&E for our Pollinator Pockets and Programs offering environmental education opportunities to the community and increasing awareness of bees and pollinators in the Park,” said Maureen Heffernan, CEO of Scissortail Park Foundation and Myriad Gardens Foundation. “OG&E’s generous support for these programs grant us the financial resources needed to create a comprehensive educational curriculum.”
”OG&E’s service area falls within the migration flyway of Monarch butterflies, so we understand the valuable role pollinators play in the health and sustainability of our regional ecosystem and that is why we take special care to support habitat conservation and biodiversity,” said Cristina McQuistion, OG&E Vice President of Corporate Responsibility and Stewardship. “We plant native grasses and plants throughout our service area to support pollinators, and we team up with partners like Scissortail Park on innovative approaches to support pollinators and educate the public on how they can join us in protecting the health of pollinators.”
Thanks to the grant funding from OG&E, Scissortail Park worked with Connie Scothorn, Landscape Architect with CLS & Associates, to design a beautiful new garden filled with plants to support pollinators. “Monarch Mountain” located near the Scissortail Boathouse is an 8,900 square foot garden that features over 2,000 plants, including 5 species of milkweed, to provide beauty for Park visitors and sustenance for the pollinators.
Lance Swearengin, Director of Horticulture and Grounds
Providing milkweeds and other nectarrich flowers that bloom where and when monarchs need them is one of the most significant actions you can take to support monarch butterfly populations. Monarch populations are in decline due to habitat loss and the use of pesticides that can kill beneficial host and nectar plants like milkweeds. Monarchs need nectar from blooming flowers for energy, and their caterpillars use milkweed plants to eat until they build their chrysalis.
Having milkweed available to the monarch is important because this one plant is needed by them at each stage in their lifecycle. Native milkweeds are the best source of nectar and food for monarchs, and there are 26 milkweeds that are native to Oklahoma. Choosing to plant native plants whenever possible will give you the best chance at a successful garden planting. Don’t worry if the caterpillars use the milkweed to munch on as this helps them to mature and build their chrysalis which will help them transform into a living “flower in flight”. Milkweeds that are eaten by caterpillars will come back from the rootstock next spring.
Simple changes to how we manage home landscapes, parks, and greenspaces can make a big difference for monarchs. That is why we have partnered with OG&E to establish our pollinator pockets program. This program seeks to use our new monarch garden near the boathouse and other wildflower pollinator pockets throughout the Park as a living classroom for guests and school groups visiting on field trips. Our new monarch garden displays host plants and nectar plants that will thrive in Oklahoma. Each of them is labeled so that you can find the perfect addition to your monarch garden at home, and don’t forget the milkweed!
-13-
Oklahoma City Philharmonic
Sunday, September 3 | 8:30pm
Led by Music Director, Alexander Mickelthwate. With special guest Graham Colton.
Anvdvnelisgi Hosted by First Americans Museum
Saturday, September 23 | 8pm
Experience select musical artists from the album, Anvdvnelisgi, live at Scissortail Park. The album created by Cherokee citizens is part of a wide-ranging commitment to preserve and expand the Cherokee language, that is produced by Cherokee filmmaker and creator, Jeremy Charles and distributed by Horton Records. Hosted by First American Museum’s Ace Greenwood.
Presented by American Fidelity
Supported by: Ad Astra Foundation
First Fidelity Bank
Richard and Glenna Tanenbaum
Flight
Omni Oklahoma City Hotel
BancFirst INSURICA
MUSE Downtown Apartments
Night Markets
Shop and support local vendors.
Friday, September 8 | 5:30-10pm
Friday, October 6 | 5:30-10pm
Friday, November 10 | 5:30-10pm
Events are weather permitting and subject to change. Follow us on social media to keep up-to-date with the latest announcements @scissortailpark
Above: Park guests enjoy Scissortail Park’s annual Summer of Soul concert, July 22, 2023, featuring Charlie Redd and the Full Flava Kings with the Summer of Soul Revue Band showcasing the talents of J. Stew, Jus Faye, Koolie High, Jeremy Jackson, Arianna, Vokal, Taylor Deneen, Eric Dubose, Neaven Morgan and Trapsoul. Photo by Jesse Edgar
Photo below by Steve Johnson
Move Your ScissorTAIL Block Party
Saturday, September 16 | 11am-4pm
Lower Park
Dunk. Kick. Swing. Stretch. Eat. Drink. Play. Experience an array of sports and wellness activities and classes in the Lower Park! Free fitness classes happening every hour. DJs spinning with food trucks and breweries for spectators. Basketball, Pickleball, and Futsal courts filled with instructors leading simple games for prizes.
Sponsored by Oklahoma City Community Foundation
OKCGetsFit
OU Stephenson Cancer Center
Mercy
SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital
First United Bank
Integris Health Community Giving Fund
SINGO LIVE!
Thursday, September 21 | 7pm
Event Pavilion, Upper Park
Cost: $5 entry fee per person to win prizes. Register at scissortailpark.org/calendar. Enjoy a fun night of live musical bingo featuring local band F1RSTHAND! Bring your friends and enjoy treats from local food trucks and breweries while you play.
Haunted
Hoops
3-on-3 Tournament
Friday, October 20 | 6–9pm
Thunder Community Court, Lower Park $60 per team. Register at scissortailpark.org/calendar
CU in the Park starring Chris Young - FREE concert presented by local Credit Unions
Saturday, October 14 | 7pm
Love’s Travel Stops Stage and Great Lawn
Local Credit Unions have joined together to present a free country-music concert at Scissortail Park for everyone in the community to enjoy. CU in the Park scheduled for Saturday, October 14, stars Chris Young, multi-platinum global entertainer and one of Billboard’s top country artists of the decade. The concert is free and open to the public on the Love’s Travel Stops Stage and Great Lawn at Scissortail Park. Special thanks to:
Jennifer Lown from Oklahoma’s Credit Union and everyone with the participating credit unions including Allegiance Credit Union, Communication Federal Credit Union, Oklahoma’s Credit Union, Tinker Federal Credit Union, and WEOKIE Federal Credit Union.
ScaryTALE Park
Thursday, October 26 | 4-6pm
Extra special ScaryTALE experience for families with special needs.
Thursday, October 26 | 4-9pm
Scissortail Park Members Preivew
Friday, October 27 | 4-9pm
Saturday, October 28 | 3-9pm
The adventure begins at the Children’s Play Pavilion, Upper Park | $10 per child, $3 per adult
Scissortail Park Members FREE
OCTOBER 26-28
Become a member today at scissortailpark.org/ become-a-member and skip the line! New and Improved Halloween Experience at Scissortail Park! Enjoy candy stops featuring favorite story tale characters and scenes, crafts, photo ops, entertainment and more! Sponsored by Express Employment International, Kroger, and Renewal by Andersen.
-17-
Ranger Programming
Sponsored by Express Employment
International
Birdbox Building
Saturday, September 30 | 1pm
Scissortail Boathouse, Upper Park
Our rangers will provide the supplies and expertise, and guests will assemble the boxes. No registration required, but supplies are limited. First-come, first-served basis. All ages welcome, but please note that hammers and nails will be used. Best for ages 8 and up.
Campfire Convo
Thursday, October 12 | 6:30pm
Scissortail Boathouse, Upper Park
Meet us on the patio at the Scissortail Boathouse for a chat with our ranger team about the wildlife at Scissortail Park… and s’mores! Free and open to the public.
Outdoor Preparedness
Saturday, October 14 | 3pm
Nature Play Area, Lower Park
Headed out for an adventure? Learn how to pack your backpack, set up a tent, and prepare for emergencies at this ranger-led presentation. Free to participate. Best for ages 8 and up, but all ages are welcome.
B.A.R.K. Ranger Program
Saturday, November 11 | 1pm
In front of Union Station, Upper Park
Bring your canine companion and learn more about responsibly recreating at Scissortail Park with your pets. Find out what B.A.R.K. stands for and learn basic techniques for introducing dogs to one another, approaching other dogs, and leash training. Your pup will earn a certificate for attending. Dogs in attendance must have their rabies tag on their collar and remain on a leash. Free to participate.
‘Tis the Season Market and Concert
Saturday, December 2 I 5-9pm
Love’s Travel Stops Stage and Great Lawn, The Promenade Spend your holiday season at Scissortail Park with ‘Tis The Season Market and Concert! See a variety of holiday vendors bringing the best in gifts from around the state. Listen to local choirs perform your holiday favorites.
‘Tis the Season sponsored by SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital, Omni Oklahoma City Hotel, and Kroger.
Cocoa Cottage
Friday, December 1 – Sunday, December 3 | 5-9pm
Friday, December 8 – Sunday, December 10 | 5-9pm
Friday, December 15 – Sunday, December 17 | 5-9pm
Friday, December 22 – Sunday, December 24 | 5-9pm
Enjoy coffee, hot cocoa and other holiday treats at our special Cocoa Cottage located near the Picnic Trellises.
Scissortail Park Annual- Flag Football Fest
Saturday, November 18 | 2-4pm
Soccer Field, Lower Park $20 per person
Teams decided on-site. Register at scissortailpark.org/calendar
Holiday Hoops
Saturday, December 9 | 6-9pm
Thunder Community Court, Lower Park 3-on-3 Basketball games, Santa Slam-Dunk, and other contests. Register at scissortailpark.org/calendar
Scissortail Lights with Chabad Community Center
Sunday, December 10 | 4:30-7pm
Love’s Travel Stops Stage
Celebrate Hanukkah at Scissortail Park! For more details visit scissortailpark.org/calendar.
-19-
Scissortail Boathouse
650 South Hudson Avenue
HOURS | Friday – Sunday 12 – 8pm
$15 per boat for 45 minutes
Scissortail Park Members receive one FREE boat rental per visit!
Plus, Members receive a 10% discount on concessions at the Scissortail Boathouse Pavilion, Sports Pavilion, and Play Pavilion. Become a Member today at scissortailpark.org/become-a-member
Sky Rink at Scissortail Park
SEPTEMBER
Thursday, September 7 | 4-9pm
Friday, September 8 | 4-9pm
Saturday, September 9 | 12-9pm
Sunday, September 10 12-8pm
September Theme Skate
Beyoncé Skate Night - “Put a Rink on It!”
Saturday, September 9 | 6-9pm
OCTOBER
Thursday, October 5 | 4-9PM
Friday, October 6 | 4-9pm
Saturday, October 7 | 12-9pm
Sunday, October 8 | 12-8pm
October Theme Skate - Halloween
Spooky Skate
Saturday, October 7 | 6-9pm
ADMISSION
$8 admission (includes quad skates)
Personal skates are welcome, but admission still applies. Scissortail Park Members skate FREE!
OCTOBER
Take Steps for Crohn’s & Colitis
Sunday, October 1 | 2pm
Love’s Travel Stops Stage
Find more information at crohnscolitisfoundation.org
Hispanic Fiesta
Saturday, October 7 | 4-9pm
Love’s Travel Stops Stage
Annual FREE family festival celebrating Latin cultures, dance and cuisines. Photo by Libni Coffman
Light The Night – Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
COMMUNITY PARTNER EVENTS
SEPTEMBER
The Hole Shebang
Thursday, September 7 | 4-8pm
Love’s Travel Stops Stage and Great Lawn United Way Cornhole Tournament
India Food & Arts Festival
Sunday, September 10 | 3-9pm
Love’s Travel Stops Stage and Great Lawn FREE event for families hosted by India Association of Oklahoma (IAOK).
OKC Ballet Under the Stars
Friday, September 15 | 7pm
Love’s Travel Stops Stage and Great Lawn FREE performance for the entire family.
City Night of Worship’s Unite OKC
Sunday, September 17 | 6-8pm
Love’s Travel Stops Stage and Great Lawn
Walk4Water4
Saturday, September 30 | 8:30am Event Pavilion
Find more information at water4.org
Friday, October 20 | 5:30pm
Love’s Travel Stops Stage and Great Lawn Charity fundraising walk. Find more information at LLS.org
Red Coyote Half Marathon
Sunday, October 22 | 7:30am-12pm
Love’s Travel Stops Stage
More information at redcoyoterunning.com
Boxer Rescue of Oklahoma BarkWalk
Sunday, October 22 | 11am-3pm
Union Station Lawn
Charity walk and dog-themed market. Find more information at tbro.org
Alzheimer’s Walk
Saturday, October 28 | 8:30am
Love’s Travel Stops Stage and Great Lawn Register at ALZ.org/oklahoma
OKC Festival de Vida y Muerte - Day of the Dead Celebration
Sunday, October 29 | 12-9pm
Love’s Travel Stops Stage and Great Lawn FREE celebrations featuring interactive activities, community ofrendas, food trucks (Traditional Mexican Dishes), cultural market, colorful art, face painting, live music, traditional dances, alebrije parade (Dog parade), Catrina parade and contest. Produced by Tango Public Relations.
NOVEMBER
JDRF Walk
Saturday, November 4 | 10am-12pm
Love’s Travel Stops Stage and Great Lawn Register at jdrf.org
-21-
Shop our Oklahoma producer-only Farmers Market at Scissortail Park on Saturdays from 9am–1pm through October, and this year, join us on the last Wednesday of each month through September for the Wednesday MidWeek Farmers Market in the Lower Park from 5-8pm. Both of our markets accept nutrition assistance programs including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Assistance Program (SFMNP), and Double Up Oklahoma (DUO).
Sponsored by Bank of Oklahoma, BlueCross BlueShield of Oklahoma, Kroger, and Renewal by Andersen. Additional program funding from United States Department of Agriculture and Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality
-23-
Scissortail Park members receive discounts with select market vendors. Visit our information tent for details.
Photo (opposite) by Jesse Edgar
Spark in the park! Scissortail Park that is.
Spark’s menu features burgers, bites, and cold delights. Known for its classic Spark Burger, Pink Fries, and Frozen Peach Club Special. Spark offers something for everyone and of all ages. Don’t leave without trying a scoop of custard. Spark’s staff was trained at St. Louis’ Scoop School to learn the authentic tricks of the custard trade.
Spark offers a vibrant environment and a welcoming menu. Come in and let us brighten your day!
-25-
Scissortail Park members receive 10% off purchase (one time per visit).
Photo by Andrew Greene
Every major city has iconic buildings that define its history layer by layer. Oklahoma City’s history can be told through the Skirvin Hotel, the First National Bank Building, St. Luke’s Methodist Church, and the Devon Tower, each adding another chapter to the story. But there is one building that spans the depth and breadth of Oklahoma City’s history from 1889 to the present. That icon is the Union Depot.
The first chapter of the Union Depot story revolves around the critical impact of rail transportation on the economic, social, and physical evolution of Oklahoma City. The location of the frontier town was determined by railroad engineers who laid steel rails west of the Cross Timbers at the edge of the Great Plains where it crossed the North Canadian River. The location of hotels, warehouses, manufacturing, churches, and every neighborhood developed before 1928 was determined by access to steel rails. To understand the explosive growth of Oklahoma City and its urban
framework is to understand the history of railroads and streetcars embedded in the story of Union Depot.
Union Depot is the best place to understand the pivotal transition of Oklahoma City to a suburban community that relied on cars and trucks to get people and goods from place to place. As early as 1909, leaders recognized the need for a Union Depot to ease congestion in the heart of the city, but each effort failed until 1928 when city voters approved a $10 million bond issue to buy the downtown tracks and depots of the Rock Island and Frisco railroads, making room ultimately for what became the County Courthouse, City Hall, and Civic Center Music Hall. The linchpin to that transition was the construction of the Union Depot south of the central business district.
Typical of the time period, the architectural style was Spanish Colonial Revival with arcades of arches, a distinctive observation tower, and stucco exterior.
-27-
Dr. Bob Blackburn, Oklahoma Historical Society
Photo by Doug Hoke
The interior included 50,000 square feet of space and a main lobby that measured 70 by 70 feet with 20-foottall ceilings. Features included marble walls and floors, an ornate rock garden with plants from the region, and two tunnels that passed under multiple tracks to emerge on passenger platforms. Those tunnels survive today with enough room for a modern-day platform serving commuter rail.
Although passenger traffic into and out of Union Depot ended in 1967, the iconic building proved to be a critical asset as the city emerged from the transformational impact of Urban Renewal. In 1979, it became one of the first historic preservation projects combining tax benefits, federal grants, and certified rehabilitation. In the 1990s urban planners recognized its strategic location and underground tunnels as ground central for an intermodal transportation system linking regional commuter rail with a streetcar network.
All
Aboard:
Union Station Renovation Ahead!
Beginning in early 2024, Union Station will begin construction work on a MAPS 3-funded renovation of approximately half of the 50,000 sq. ft building. Renovations will include restoring the main interior sections of the historic building that served as large waiting rooms. GSB Inc., an OKC-based architectural firm, was selected for the new design work. The large waiting areas will become ballroom-sized spaces for public programming and community gatherings. The building will also be available for weddings, corporate meetings, and other private events to generate revenues for building maintenance. Completion is scheduled for late 2025. Future additions will include a Visitor Center, gift shop, and café.
Today, as a central feature of Scissortail Park, Union Depot is still at the heart of an ever-changing urban landscape. Its architectural beauty, historical importance, and central location bridging north and south sides of town proves that the iconic building’s future is secure.
-29-
Meyers Photo Shop. Union Station Depot, photograph, Date Unknown; The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.
Once upon a time in ScaryTale Park, All of the ghouls and goblins came out after dark.
To visit our characters along haunted trails, Where the stories come alive from your favorite fairy tales.
Snow White, the witch, Jack and the Beanstalk, And pirates on a pirate ship with a plank for them to walk.
They’ll scare and maybe startle, but they’ll also delight, Giving candy and treats for a spooktacular ScaryTale Park night.
A fundraiser to support Scissortail Park Foundation
Thursday, October 26 | 4-6pm
Extra Special ScaryTale experience for families with special needs
Thursday, October 26 | 6-9pm Scissortail Park Member Preview
Friday, October 27 | 4-9pm
Saturday, October 28 | 3-9pm
Enter at the Children’s Play Pavilion $10 per child, $3 per adult
Scissortail Park Members skip the line and get in FREE! Just check-in with your member ID at the member entrance
Q: What interested you in becoming a Scissortail Park Member?
Meet the Glazner Family of Oklahoma City who have been active Scissortail Park Members since 2021!
Sponsored by Express Employment International, Kroger, and Renewal by Andersen.
A: We love downtown and being members of Scissortail Park. We don’t live far from the park and over time, have watched it being built. We looked forward to a new downtown picnic spot. It is great for picnics and so much more. Our kids enjoy the kids’ play area, our dogs love the dog parks, and we enjoy walking from end to end. The discounts Scissortail offers and events were enticing to join.
Q: How long have you been a member?
A: We signed up for a membership during a trick or treat event in 2021. For our family size, it was about the same price for the event as it was to become members. We didn’t know, at the time, all the benefits that came with the membership. We are really glad we joined!
Q: What is your favorite thing to do at Scissortail Park?
A: We love to picnic on the main lawn when the weather is nice out and sledding down the hill when it’s snowy out. We also love Spark. We have loved the OKC Philharmonic and OKC Ballet events held on the main lawn. This year we went to Red, White, and Boom for the first time and it was fantastic!
Our favorite thing about Scissortail is that it makes us feel like we live in a city that cares about its people. It offers so many healthy and enjoyable activities for everyone, and it continues to add to what it offers.
Move Your SCISSORTAIL
Wellness programs are a cornerstone of Scissortail Park’s mission to enhance the community’s quality of life. From April through October, we offer a variety of FREE classes and programs including weekly Zumba classes, Yoga at Farmers Market, and a volunteer-led Walking Club that meets Thursdays and Sundays. Beginning this fall, guests can also participate in HIIT, High-intensity Interval Training classes.
Schedule:
Thursdays and Sundays (Year-Round)
8am Walking Club. 30-minute social walk for all ages. Meet at Scissortail Boathouse.
Beginning September 6
Wednesdays through October 6-7pm | HIIT Workout | Sports Pavilion
Saturdays through October 9-10am | Zumba | Event Pavilion
9-10am | Yoga | Farmers Market
All programs FREE thanks to our generous sponsors.
Walk A Mile (Or Two)
Saturday, September 16 | 8:30am
Saturday, October 21 | 8:30am
Take a walk with Scissortail Park CEO, Maureen Heffernan. Moderate one-hour walk the length of The Promenade from OKC Boulevard to the river and back.
Move Your ScissorTAIL is sponsored by Oklahoma City Community Foundation OKCGetsFit
OU Stephenson Cancer Center
Mercy
SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital
First United Bank
Integris Health Community Giving Fund
Since opening the Lower Park section in September 2022, Scissortail Park has been able to offer the community additional beautiful green space and new dedicated fields and courts for soccer, futsal, pickleball, and basketball. Our new courts and fields are the perfect spots for pickup games, classes, or organized tournaments. Most of the time, the courts and fields are available for free, open play.
During these times, we ask our guests to be good sports and limit play to about 60 minutes when there are other groups waiting to use them, so everyone has the chance to play.
We also offer the opportunity to reserve the fields and courts for private functions for anything from a group meetup, birthday party, family picnic, or company teambuilding event.
Visit scissortailpark.org/hostagame for more information and to complete a rental reservation request.
RENT A FIELD OR COURT
Companies, schools, individuals, youth groups, and more can rent space at the courts. For information visit scissortailpark.org/hostagame, email cstephens@scissortailpark.org, or call 405.764.0230.
Soccer Turf Field
Monday – Thursday
Full Field $120/hour
Half Field $60/hour
Friday – Sunday
Full Field $150/hour
Half Field $75/hour
Add On: Picnic Trellis (2) $250/hour
Grass Practice Field
Daily | Full Field $50/hour
Futsal Court
Daily | Full Court $50/hour
Pickleball
Daily | One Court $30/hour (4 courts available)
Basketball
Daily | One Court $50/hour (2 courts available)
-33-
Photo by Mas Futbol Foundation and Ricardio Ulloa
Photo by Steve Johnson
Sports Pavilion
403 SW 10th Street
Cold Drinks | Snacks | Ice Cream
Wednesday–Friday | 4-9pm
Saturday–Sunday | 11am–9pm
Restrooms open during Park hours.
NEW! Pickleball Classes
Tuesdays – September 12 & 26 | 6-7pm
Tuesdays – October 10 & 24 | 6-7pm
Pickleball Courts, Lower Park
FREE as part of the Move Your ScissorTAIL Program Register at scissortailpark.org/calendar
Courts sponsored by E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation
DEDICATE A BENCH at the Park
Commemorative naming is a thoughtful way to memorialize or honor a loved one, as well as observe a birthday, anniversary, new baby, or graduation.
In addition to being original and distinctive, this perennial gift of a named bench provides essential funding to maintain the 70 urban acres of open lawns, ornamental gardens, water features, children’s playground, and more in Scissortail Park.
To acknowledge your gift, a personalized weather-resistant plaque will be installed on the Park bench of your choosing.
To dedicate a bench or another part of the Park, please contact the Development Office at 405.493-8305 or development@ scissortailpark.org. Bench Dedications start at $2,500 which can be payable in installments over two years.
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 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 is the cornerstone that is bringing our park planning into its maturity. 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 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.
Lance Swearengin, Director of Horticulture and Grounds
-37-
Photo by Doug Hoke
Photo by Jesse Edgar
Gala in the Park presented by The Chickasaw Nation
Please join us for our biennial Gala in the Park, a special evening to raise funds for Scissortail Park Foundation.
Serving hundreds of thousands of visitors a year since opening in 2019, the Park has become one of the most visited places, not only in Oklahoma City but in the entire state. In order to keep the Park a thriving, vibrant, and beautiful greenspace, we rely on private support to help us succeed.
Friday, September 22, 2023
6pm Cocktails in Union Station
Cocktails: The Social Order Dining Collective
Appetizers: Sedalia’s
7:30pm Seated Dinner at the Event Pavilion
First Course: Kam’s Kookery
Entrée: The Jones Assembly, Chef Patrick Hart
Dessert: Culinary Edge, Chef Andrew Black featuring Grey Sweater
Sous Chef, Chef Dylan Morgan
Get tickets today to help support Scissortail Park Foundation!
Gala in the Park presented by the Chickasaw Nation
HAWK
Richard and Glenna Tanenbaum
HERONS
Miller Pro AVL
Southwestern Stationery & Bank Supply
SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital
BLUE JAYS
Devon Energy
First United Bank
Blair & Maggie Humphreys
JP Morgan Chase
QUAD
Robinson Park
Velocigo
HUMMINGBIRDS
Balloon Therapy OKC
Bank of Oklahoma
BC Clark
Clear Creek Golf Cart & Utility Vehicles
Downtown OKC Partnership
GSB, Inc.
Maureen Heffernan
Home Creations
Seth Lewis
MVP Photobooth
Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum
Miles & Molly Tolbert
-39-
Kathy L. & John Michael Williams
Photos by Rob Ferguson
Scissortail Park and Arboretum
Growing Trees and Tree-Huggers Since 2019.
Photo by Jesse Edgar
