Collinsville City Park Getting Major Upgrades

By Craig Day, The News On 6

COLLINSVILLE, OK -- While the City of Tulsa is considering selling some parks, another Tulsa County community park is getting an upgrade -- more than a million dollars worth, in fact, in Collinsville.

A groundbreaking was held Tuesday afternoon in the city of Collinsville.

That project and several others were approved by voters.

Collinsville voters approved a three-quarter cent sales tax, right in the middle of a recession, by a three to one margin.

"We're a small town of 5,000 people and to have an investment of over a million dollars in your park, it says a lot for our community," said Mayor Stan Sallee, Collinsville.

The city park needed help. There isn't enough playground equipment, the equipment they do have is aging. The pool has been closed for years. But this week, work begins on a plan that includes new bathrooms, better picnic areas and shelters, a splash pad, a basketball court and a new skate park.

"Tony Hawk designed skate park," said Sallee.

It's something kids have wanted for years.

"Just the ability to come out here and skate really, you know we really don't have that much around here and I think it's going to be a good thing to do," said Logan McCormick, a skater.

The sales tax funding doesn't stop at the city park -- a half million for street improvements and another half million will pay for a new jail.

"It's a long time coming," said Lt. Daniel Boggs, Collinsville Police.

It's been a long time coming because a fire destroyed the old jail in 2002. Since then, officers have had to drive suspects to other jails in Owasso or Tulsa County. That has tied up officers and cost money.

"In case an emergency happens, all of our staff will be here," said Lt. Boggs.

City leaders are reviewing plans for the new jail with architects, with bids going out in a matter of days. Construction should begin in May. Construction on the park improvements should be wrapped up on July 4th, when the park hosts its annual celebration.

While the work is underway, the park will remain open.

2/23/2010  Related Story: Tulsa Parks Department Looks At Selling Parks To Cut Budget