Energy Company Donates $5M To A Gathering Place For Tulsa

An energy company announced a $5 million donation earmarked for programming at A Gathering Place for Tulsa. Cimarex Energy Company said the donation will honor their Tulsa employees and all the citizens who will benefit from the opportunity to play, learn and explore in the city's largest park.

“The Tulsa community has been a major factor in our success, and we are excited for the opportunity to give back to a project that allows us to express our gratitude.  We see A Gathering Place for Tulsa as a resource for our employees today and in the future,” said Tom Jorden, Cimarex president and CEO. 

Project manager Jeff Stava said the playground area of the park, expected to be one of the largest in the country, will be divided into seven play zones with programming for different age groups. "Active play" is planned to both design and educate - and get families outdoors.

“We continue to be amazed at the broad-based support from Tulsa’s corporate community, and we are honored to have Cimarex join as our lead programming donor. The park will have beautiful aesthetics, but it is the programming that will be the life of the park.” Stava said.

The park will offer programming - from cultural activities to nature and science programs - for children, teens and adults.

Special Coverage: A Gathering Place For Tulsa

Phase I of the park consists of more than 66. acres of green space and activities for all ages. Jorden said it's the company's hope that their contribution will ensure world-class programming at the world-class park. Phase 1 of the interactive waterfront park is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2017. 

The park is currently estimated to cost $350 million, all provided by private donors. Cimarex is an exploration and production company with operations in several states including Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico. Over 400 of its near 1,000 employees work in Tulsa.

Play areas include:

• Skywalk Forest (ages 5-12): netted climbing structures, treetop forts, slides, a zip line and other climbing structures.
• Fairyland Forest (ages 2-5): small playhouses linked by wooden boardwalks, swings, pathways and places to climb.
• Cloverville (infant and toddler): A separate and safe play area for caregivers to play with very young children.
• River Giants (5-12): basket swings, paddlefish climbing structure, play structure supported by two giant blue herons, celebrating the animals of the Arkansas River.
• Picnic Grove (all ages): large picnic area for school groups and families.
• Water Mountain (all ages): a water play area where kids must help make the water flow by being active. Includes a see-saw powered spray area, collection bowls, runnels with pools and dams, Archimedes screws, water wheels and a large water and sand play area.

Learn more about A Gathering Place for Tulsa