Tulsa Zoning Board Approves Plan For 'A Gathering Place'

The City of Tulsa zoning board approved plans for an enormous new park along Riverside Drive on Wednesday.

The George Kaiser Family Foundation has committed about $200 million to build the project, called "A Gathering Place for Tulsa." It is set to be one of the largest and most expensive privately-funded parks in the United States.

The Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission approved the request for zoning for the 66-acre park between 26th Place and 34th Street on Riverside Drive.

See the plan put before the planning commission

The first phase of the plan will rebuild the Blair Mansion property into a series of lakes and playgrounds and reconfigure Riverside Drive with land bridges overhead.

A second phase will build around Crow Creek, and the third phase south to 33rd Place.

Now the plan goes to the City Council for approval. If approved, the George Kaiser Family Foundation hopes to break ground on the first phase next spring.

6/18/2013 Related Story: Model Of 'A Gathering Place For Tulsa' Unveiled To The Public