Seasons Greetings!
It has been an eventful year in Tulsa. At this time last year, Tulsans were still recovering from a crippling ice storm. Through Operation Power Up, a program to help residents more quickly fix the power lines to their homes, the majority of the city had power restored by Dec. 25, but the experience changed our holidays, and in many cases, our lives.
We learned how vulnerable and isolated parts of our population are, and we responded to and read of tragic outcomes and hardship resulting from the storm.
We put in place unprecedented processes and we continue to refine our response and operational plans to be prepared for the next storm. We recovered and went on to have an unprecedented year in Tulsa in the number of openings, activities, agreements and new energy to make life better for Tulsans.
City Dedicates New 911 Center
Mayor Kathy Taylor hosted the official dedication of Tulsa’s new 911 Center on Tuesday, Dec. 16. The dedication included a tour led by Division Manager John Hampton. The new facility is located at 801 E. Oklahoma St. in the Lansing Business Park II.
“Thank you all for what you do every day to make our city and county safe. Our first responders are the best in the state,” Mayor Taylor said to those gathered for the dedication.
Downtown Tulsa Stadium Breaks Ground
Last Friday, a ceremonial ground breaking was held for the new Downtown Tulsa Stadium. Representatives from the City of Tulsa, Tulsa Stadium Trust, Tulsa Drillers, Colorado Rockies, Texas League, Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, Tulsa Community Foundation and Downtown Property Owners were all on hand to participate.
The Tulsa Downtown Stadium will be a multi-purpose facility with the prime tenant being the Tulsa Drillers, Double A Minor League team.
Tulsa Million Miles Kicks Off a Year of Fitness
Moving in a healthy direction is a resolution that Mayor Kathy Taylor has set for herself and all Tulsans. By joining together and making health a top priority, Tulsans can become fit and healthy for life. As an added bonus, we can achieve our goal of walking, running, biking, and swimming one million miles, or more as a city!
Tulsa Million Miles, a new Mayor’s Fitness Challenge initiative, is kicking off the new year with an exciting event featuring music, games, and fun for all ages!
Gilcrease North Expressway
Now Open
The Gilcrease North Expressway, a 2.2-mile section between Lewis Avenue and the Tisdale Parkway, was opened to traffic on Monday, Dec. 22. The expressway intersects with the Tisdale Parkway around the 3200 Block North.
“This transportation improvement creates strategic opportunities for development in north Tulsa,” said Mayor Kathy Taylor.
Creek Stickball Park
Tulsa has received another Oklahoma Centennial project – a sculpture in Creek Stickball Park, 1800 S. Cheyenne Ave.
Susan Neal, City of Tulsa Director of Community Development and Education Initiatives, today joined Don Walker, co-chair of the Oklahoma Centennial Commission Tulsa Committee; and Creek Nation Chief A.D. Ellis, to dedicate the artwork by Sandra Van Zandt.