Skiatook To Tulsa Rails-To-Trails Park Almost Complete

By Craig Day, The News On 6

SKIATOOK, Oklahoma -- Construction crews are in the home stretch on a new multi-million dollar project in Green Country. They're building a new park which will be the crown at the top of the Osage Trail, a rails-to-trails bike path stretching from Tulsa to Skiatook.

From across the street at their parents' house, sisters Janet, Patty and Shirley, are watching progress being made on a new city park in Skiatook.

"My dad has lakefront property now, yes," said Skiatook resident Shirley Hutchinson, referring to the nearby pond feature.

Like many, they're thrilled about the new park and what it will mean for the community, especially children.

"My parents have a total of six grand kids, 20 great grand kids, and one great-great grandson, who is absolutely going to enjoy this park," said Janet Underwood of Skiatook.

Construction on Skiatook's new $2 million Central Park is in its final phase. It includes a new playground equipment, a splash pad, walking trails, restrooms, a beautiful pond and fountain, plus much more.

"We still have to do roads; we still have to do water and sewer lines, but parks are still a big benefit to the community. Quality of life kind of issue," said town administrator Martin Tucker.

Tucker says the property was along an old railroad right-of-way. It's location just off Highway 20 through town - and at the end of the Osage bike Trail which is linked to Tulsa - makes it the ideal spot.

"This will really be the most visible spot on the trail," said Martin Tucker, town administrator.

"We needed something like this for a long time," said Patty Ceska, Skiatook resident.

Most of the money to pay for the park comes from a third-penny sales tax for capital improvements, with state transportation department and community development block grants thrown in. Also helping is $150,000 in Vision 2025 county tax funds.

Construction work should wrap up in about a month.

The three sisters and their family can't wait for that day.

"It's beautiful. It's a beautiful addition to the city," Ceska said.

Another cool feature of the new park is that it will be a free wi-fi zone, so people can get online while enjoying the park.