Helmerich Park holds an important place in Tulsa’s river corridor park system. As the growth of our linear river park continues, there are real possibilities for Helmerich Park, just as we now see for the Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Park and The Gathering Place for Tulsa.
DetailsThis sale converts land specifically allocated from 1985 sales tax collections to the restricted category of Parks Facilities Improvements to so-called economic development. The 1985 sales tax expenditures policy states “… NONE of such funds shall ever be spent for any other purpose.”
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TPFA cannot legally, or morally, be used as a subterfuge to sell off park land bought with 1985’s sales tax money for a non-park, commercial use without the direct involvement of the Tulsa City Council acting in the role specifically prescribed by existing law.
DetailsA once heralded act, spearheaded by Tulsa philanthropist Walter Helmerich, embraced by the mayor and city council, saved 67 acres along the banks of the Arkansas River from impending high density development.
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I fear what is emerging is a quiet all-out assault by the city on our wonderful green space inventory. Earlier this year there was an effort to put a large outlet mall on land immediately adjacent to Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Park.
DetailsQuality growth and economic development are just as well benefitted by a city’s commitment to preserving its environment and quality of life as by allowing commercial development on the corners of every major intersection. Out of the almost 300 U.S. cities with population over 100,000 you can count on just one hand the number of cities that have an urban wilderness, free of any development, right smack in the middle of their community.
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