Two Tulsa Parks Have New Recreational Centers

By Jeffrey Smith, The News On 6

TULSA COUNTY -- Tulsa County leaders are showing off some new projects that will make this spring a lot more enjoyable for residents. 

Tulsa County invested more than $5 million in sales tax dollars to build two recreational centers.

At Tulsa's Chandler Park, 6500 West 21st Street, there's plenty of space to exercise.  Now, the park has a new $2.5 million community center.

"I'm absolutely thrilled. I'm thrilled for what it's going to mean for the community," said Karen Keith, Tulsa County Commissioner.

The new community center has a basketball court, exercise rooms and plenty of space for classes and activities.

Work on the facility began a year and a half ago and the official grand opening is just a few weeks away. 

Another county project is getting ready for its official unveiling.  The county spent $3 million on a new golf clubhouse, pro shop and restaurant at LaFortune Park, 5323 South Yale Avenue. 

Both projects were paid for by the "4-to-Fix the County" sales tax meant to improve facilities for county residents.

"This is a revenue-generating facility. It actually does better than break even, and therefore the taxpayers will eventually get a return on their investment," said Fred Perry, County Commissioner.

The county invested in nine new tennis courts at LaFortune Park, and they're still not done. They're building three more tennis courts. Some tennis courts are already open and the park's golf clubhouse will have an official grand opening soon.