River Parks Authority

PROJECT PURPOSE

The goal of this project, Turkey Mountain Wilderness Improvements, is to create a more user-friendly and environmentally sustainable trail system to assure that Turkey Mountain remains a premier outdoor destination and becomes a regional attraction with appropriate and safe access for everyone. This project has two parts. Part A, The Wilderness Interior Trails includes major extensive renovations to the natural-surface trails network within the Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness. Trails will be widened and, in some areas, modified to mitigate erosion and hazardous conditions to enhance the well-being and enjoyment of park users. Mountain bike specific trails will be added to take advantage of the park?s natural terrain, offering exciting downhill cycling opportunities with varied degrees of difficulty. Trial improvements will allow a broader range of ages and fitness levels to enjoy the park. Part B of the project, the Wilderness Access and Trail Safety Improvements, includes renovation of the asphalt trail that runs parallel to the 71st street traffic corridor and the addition of protective barriers needed to improve park and trail user access and safety. This project is part of the Turkey Mountain Master Plan with a total project estimate of $50M. To date, this project has been supported by both the City of Tulsa and Tulsa County ARPA funding for a total of $2MM.

EVIDENCE

In 2020, Turkey Mountain Wilderness saw a 43% increase in park attendance based on the number of people passing through the main trailhead for March ? September, compared to the same period in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic changed many visitors? perspective on healthy outdoor recreation. Starting with the quarantine, many individuals and families found themselves working and from home while often managing their children?s schoolwork as well. People began to recognize the benefits to their physical and mental health that could be found at River Parks Turkey Mountain area. River Parks became a safe and healthy outdoor experience for everyone.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

COVID-19 has adversely affected a broad section or our regional population and has been particularly damaging to those communities already experiencing health and economic disparities. Over half of the Wilderness acreage lies within a federally designated Qualified Census Tract (QCT). This covers residential neighborhoods with single family homes as well as a concentration of multi-family residential complexes. Pandemic statistics indicate a disproportionately negative impact from COVID-19 for the demographics associated with QCT?s. The River Parks Turkey Mountain Wilderness area is easily accessible on foot, by bicycle, by personal vehicles and by public transportation from the QCT. Public parks offer quality outdoor recreation opportunities and can also positively impact physical and mental health and wellness for community residents. In addition, safe access for park users, whether from inside or outside the QCT?s - serving a broad range of demographics in our community.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Each year River Parks hosts 1.2 million visitors! Success of all River Parks projects can be determined in several ways: - an increase in the number of annual visitors to the park as measured a various access points within the park system - a decrease in the number of safety reports complaints heard by the Park Patrol - an increase in positive public feedback through social media, email, website uploads and phone calls - an increase in the number of groups or events requested at key River Parks locations

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma