Investment Restores Beloved Water Features, Enhances Accessibility and Upgrades Critical Stormwater Infrastructure
The City of Tulsa Parks and Recreation celebrated the recent completion of major improvements to the north end of Woodward Park during a ribbon cutting ceremony on November 6 attended by Mayor Monroe Nichols, City leaders, project partners, and community members.
"Today is the result of years of planning, collaboration, and investment in one of Tulsa's most iconic parks," Mayor Monroe Nichols said. "These improvements preserve the beauty and history of Woodward Park while ensuring the infrastructure beneath it will last for years to come. I’m proud to stand alongside all of our partners as we reopen this incredible park."
The $6.855 million project, a collaborative effort between the City of Tulsa Parks & Recreation and Water & Sewer departments, transformed one of Tulsa's most cherished public spaces while addressing critical stormwater infrastructure needs beneath the park.
Funded through the 2014 Improve Our Tulsa program and additional stormwater investments, the project included replacement of aging underground infrastructure, reconstruction of the park's lower ponds, restoration of waterfall features, expanded irrigation systems, and extensive landscaping enhancements.
"Woodward Park is a truly magical destination in our city, and I'm so excited that the improvements there are ready for neighbors to enjoy," said District 4 Councilor Bellis. "This park has long provided important access to green space, and these infrastructure upgrades will enable residents to keep visiting this treasure for many years to come."
Design work began in 2019 with Landplan Consultants Inc. and Meshek & Associates LLC. During the design process, City engineers identified the need to replace a nearly 100-year-old stormwater pipe located beneath the park. This discovery led to additional project funding and expanded the scope of work to address both infrastructure and park improvements simultaneously.
Completed improvements include:
Construction began in summer 2025 and presented several challenges, including significant groundwater infiltration that complicated excavation and installation of both pond and stormwater infrastructure. Project partners worked together to develop solutions that allowed the project to move forward while maintaining the quality and long-term integrity of the improvements.
"The reopening of this section of Woodward Park represents so much more than a construction project," said Acting Director of Parks Stacie Martin. "We've restored beloved park features, improved accessibility, strengthened critical infrastructure, and invested in the future of this historic destination. We are beyond excited for Tulsans to once again experience the beauty of gorgeous space."
Additional project enhancements included grading and drainage improvements, replacement and resetting of boulders, expanded planting areas, and installation of protective measures to support the health of existing trees during construction.
The completed project restores one of Woodward Park's most recognizable and heavily visited areas, ensuring it will continue to serve as a vibrant gathering place for residents and visitors while supporting long-term environmental sustainability and stormwater management.
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