Gathering Place - Tulsa, OK
Gathering Place is a 66.5-acre park along the Arkansas River in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Created by the George Kaiser Family Foundation, Gathering Place is a natural space with richly diverse programming designed to provide inclusive and engaging experiences for all Tulsans to come together to explore, learn, and play. Designed by world-renowned landscape architect Michael Van Valkenburgh, this nearly 70-acre, one-of-a-kind hybrid park offers unique, free experiences for all ages and abilities. At $465 million, Gathering Place is the largest private gift to a community park in U.S. history. Gathering Place would not exist without the generosity of its many donors, families, and businesses committed to continual growth in Tulsa.
Gathering Place Story
Their story began with the George Kaiser Family Foundation and an extraordinary dream to transform nearly 100 acres of Tulsa’s iconic waterfront along the scenic Arkansas River into a dynamic, interactive environment. Tulsans needed a welcoming, natural space where members of our diverse communities could come together to explore, learn and play.
A vision of the George Kaiser Family Foundation, Gathering Place was designed to be a vibrant and inclusive space, where diverse communities could come together to explore, learn and play. After years of planning, generous donations, and input from the community, Tulsa's dream became reality In 2014, when construction broke ground on Tulsa’s world-class park.
It’s no surprise that with such intricate design and complex architecture, the project took several years to complete. For such a task, there was no construction company better equipped to manage this complicated build than Crossland Construction Company.
Nationally and internationally recognized Mack Scogin Merrill Elam Architects designed the three major buildings at Gathering Place: Williams Lodge, ONEOK Boathouse, and the restroom cabana. Each building embraces the powerful park landscape and is in a combination of traditional modernist strategies that incorporates Oklahoma’s rich, natural material palate.
World-renowned landscape architect firm Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA) designed the Park to be a nature-inspired retreat within a bustling city environment. Michael's sustainable work at Gathering Place enhances everyday Park experiences and provides an iconic space for social and programmatic opportunities.
Grand Opening
Gathering Place opened to the public on September 8, 2018. According to the Tulsa World, Gathering Place officials had planned for the facility to attract a million visitors per year. The actual attendance for the first ten days of operation was 155,000. The two-day grand opening attracted about 55,000 visitors.
A Park Like None Other
Imagine a park that offers amazing attractions and world-class programming for all ages with no entry fee.
This dream was built into reality at Gathering Place: Tulsa's Riverfront Park. Gathering Place aims to serve as a cornerstone for our vibrant community while improving social, economic, and environmental sustainability in Tulsa.
The wish is for all Tulsans to enjoy this space. A park that reflects the unique culture and spirit of our city. A park that will continue to inspire imagination. A park-like none other.