Improvement Work Begins On Popular Broken Arrow Park

Improvements for one of Broken Arrow’s most popular parks begin Monday morning. Jackson Park near 91st and Garnett will be getting an expanded parking lot, bathrooms and drinking fountains. Jackson Park only has one parking lot for anyone visiting, but starting Monday, it will close for at least the next three months.

Broken Arrow leaders say the 15 acre Jackson Park is one of its most popular parks in the city, sporting a splash pad, playground and picnic areas. Leaders say the park is usually packed on a warm day.

Right now, the parking lot only has 53 spaces, but the expansion will bring the lot up to 83 spaces and is expected to be completed in mid-May. They are also adding bathrooms and drinking fountains into the park, but that leg of the renovation won’t be finished until mid to late summer.

Broken Arrow Parks and Recreation Director Matt Hendren said the project will cost about $486,000 which the city says is about $40,000 less than they anticipated.

Hendren said the lot closure will probably be an issue for some, but he hopes people will continue to walk and bike to the park instead.

“I think the inconvenience now will definitely benefit everyone in the long run,” Hendren said. “Increasing those parking spots is needed because if you’ve ever been here on a warm day you can’t find anywhere to park.”

The closure begins Monday, February 21 and weather permitting, the new parking lot will be done in May.