Woodward Park Cleanup Underway

Cleanup of ice storm debris at Woodward Park, 21st Street and Peoria Ave., one of Tulsa’s largest and most beautiful parks, began today.

Tuesday the focus of the effort will change from picking up debris to trimming and removing damaged branches and trees. For public safety, the park gates may be closed from 7 a.m. through 3:30 p.m. while Public Works Department and Parks Department crews work in the park.

A team of state and federal forestry professionals carefully studied each tree’s age and condition, with every consideration being made to save the tree if possible while still ensuring the public’s safety. The work plan for the trees was approved by the Tulsa Parks Board, the Tulsa Horticulture Dept., the Tulsa Tree Advisory Board, Tulsa City Council, and FEMA as well as Oklahoma and United States Forestry Service Departments.

“We’re ready to begin this work,” said Max Wiens, Parks Department interim director. “Now that most of the cleanup has been completed in city neighborhoods, we can address the needs of our parks. With spring just around the corner, parks like Woodward become attractions for nature lovers and photographers. Public Works Department crews and Parks Department crews will focus their attention in the parks. We hope to have all of Tulsa’s parks cleaned up and safe within the next six months.”