Is there a downtown Tulsa park suitable for lunch with kids?

[thefaustfive]

There's a small group of us moms with school-age kids looking to take in the sights of downtown Tulsa.  We thought we'd tour the tunnels and the "center of the universe."  But we were wondering if there's a decent park where we can have a picnic lunch.  Also, where should we park?  Can you tell we don't get downtown much

Thanks for any help!

[Nik]

I'm thinking either Maple Park (which has a jungle gym) (http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=q0pxp9701by1&style=b&lvl=2&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&scene=16717832&encType=1)




or Centennial Park (http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=q0rt2y701n6v&style=b&lvl=1&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&scene=16712857&encType=1)

[PonderInc]

There's a new park at 6th and Main, but I like the Williams Green at 3rd and Boston for picnics.  (Center of the Universe to the north.  Boston Ave to the south.  Water features and shade.  And a Starbucks for tired moms.)  (Even though I would generally suggest walking to the Mayo Hotel at 5th and Cheyenne for Topecca coffee.)

If you just park on the street at a meter, 4 quarters buys you 2 hours.  (They have one meter for every 8 spaces or so, so you'll have to note your space number and find the meter nearby.)  I avoid surface parking lots, b/c I don't like to support them economically.  I generally can find a meter within a block or two of my destination.

Don't be afraid to walk inside the amazing, historic buildings you see downtown.  (As long as the kids are well behaved, you'll be welcomed.)  I'm amazed how often we walk past historic buildings, but never go inside.  They are spectacular.  (And who knows, maybe they'll inspire the kids to become architects!  ...Or at least preservationists.)

[brianh]

That Centennial Green Park at 6th and main is really nice, it has a giant water fountain. But if you want to get a taste of the center of downtown, I agree with the 2nd and Boston location. There are always open meters right in front of city hall.