Greetings:
I am writing you from Washington, D.C. where I have been a first-hand witness to our country’s greatness. I was here for the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ meeting and stayed for President Obama’s inauguration. This is truly an historic day for our nation. Today’s events here in D.C. brought to my mind how blessed we are to live in a country where the peaceful transition of power is so seamless. The serene transition from one administration to another is the trademark of our democracy.
It was with pride, this afternoon, that I watched the Tulsa Union Air Force JROTC march down the street in today’s inaugural parade. It was one of only six JROTC programs marching in the parade and the only organization representing the State of Oklahoma. I met the members at a Sunday evening function at the Smithsonian and I was instantly impressed. With young men and women, like those from the Union JROTC, our nation will be in good hands for all those future transitions to come.
Sincerely,
Kathy Taylor
Mayor
ONEOK Field Named As
New Downtown Ballpark
In a press conference last week, Mayor Kathy Taylor, joined by other city leaders announced the name for the new downtown Tulsa baseball stadium as “Oneok Field.”
Oneok and the Oneok Foundation have pledged $5 million to obtain the 20-year naming rights to the baseball park and future home of the Tulsa Drillers in the Greenwood District.
“This is great news,” said Mayor Taylor, “because the new stadium will bring an exciting energy into the heart of the city. Not only will it help revitalize our entertainment districts, it will enhance the historic Greenwood District and the planned John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation.” She added, “I commend Oneok, one of Tulsa’s best corporate citizens, for lending its name to our downtown ballpark. I’m looking forward to this becoming one of the most popular spots in Tulsa.”
Golf Course Rounds Increase Under Private Management
Golf course usage at both of Tulsa’s City owned golf courses increased in 2008 after management of Mohawk and Page Belcher courses was taken over by Billy Casper Golf Inc.
At Page Belcher, rounds of golf played increased by 30 percent, from 38,989 rounds in 2007 to 50,632 rounds in 2008. That is the highest total at Page Belcher in four years.
At Mohawk, rounds increased by 2 percent, from 38,959 rounds in 2007 to 39,579 rounds in 2008.
Report Street Light Problems
The City of Tulsa and AEP-PSO both maintain street lights, but in different areas. To report burned out or malfunctioning street lights on either residential or arterial streets, please call AEP-PSO at 1-888-216-3523.
To report a problem with a street light on a highway in the Tulsa city limits, please call the Mayor’s Action Center at 596-2100. The Mayor’s Action Center also receives requests for new street lights.
We're Off to See the Wizard
Follow the yellow brick road to the Tulsa Performing Arts Center and see The Wizard of Oz come to life through the magic of live musical theatre!
This award-winning production has thrilled audiences of all ages nationwide with spectacle, song and special effects. Performances of The Wizard of Oz, Imagination/Family Series will be at 7 p.m., Feb. 20 and 11 a.m., Feb. 21 at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, John H. Williams Theatre – Downtown at 2nd & Cincinnati.
I-44 Widening and Improvements
to Perryman Ditch Begin
The long awaited widening of I-44 between Riverside Drive and Yale Avenue will begin this month as workers begin construction of drainage improvements to an area known as the Perryman Ditch.
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation project is a 1.25-mile long concrete drainage structure 30 feet underground in the Perryman Ditch area. Perryman Ditch extends on the north side of I-44 from Riverside Drive to just west of Yorktown Avenue. This will serve as a major drainage structure for this corridor and must be started before any widening work on I-44 can begin. The $42 million drainage improvement project is scheduled to be completed in 23 months.
Join Us for the Dedication of City Hall at
One Technology Center
Join us at City Hall at One Technology Center for a special building dedication on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 9:30 a.m. The Central High School Choir will help officials dedicate the building by performing Tulsa and Oklahoma inspired songs. Following the dedication is a cake and coffee reception and building tours for the public from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
There ceremony will take place on the 2nd floor of the building, near the Tulsa City Council Chambers. Parking is available at the Performance Arts Center parking lot, or on the street at metered parking spaces.
City Hall at One Technology Center allowed city offices to consolidate and identify new sources of revenue for the city. Over 900 City of Tulsa employees now office in City Hall at One Technology Center, including city services such as: utility payment services, building and permit licensing, the Mayor’s Office and City Council Chambers.