Keystone Ancient Forest Preserve

[SXSW]

Anyone ever been to this preserve by Lake Keystone just north of 412?  It looks pretty interesting and rugged, similar to the terrain around the Centennial Gardens or in Chandler Park but even more primitive with views of the lake.  It appears the City of Sand Springs owns the land but they may sell it to the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Dept, according to KOTV:

http://www.newson6.com/global/story.asp?s=11143931

[Hometown]

This Ancient Forest is on my short list of places I really want to go to when I have some spare time.  I've heard there are hiking trails.  Perfect Sunday:  Read the World and drink good coffee and watch Sunday news shows.  Stop by Chalkboard for Brunch.  Go hiking at the Keystone Ancient Forest Preserve.  Get Charlie's Chicken with Okie fixins for dinner on the way home.  Watch a movie (something with great special effects).

[Conan71]

This Ancient Forest is on my short list of places I really want to go to when I have some spare time.  I've heard there are hiking trails.  Perfect Sunday:  Read the World and drink good coffee and watch Sunday news shows.  Stop by Chalkboard for Brunch.  Go hiking at the Keystone Ancient Forest Preserve.  Get Charlie's Chicken with Okie fixins for dinner on the way home.  Watch a movie (something with great special effects).

Where you been hiding, HT?  Good to see you around the last couple of days.

[Hometown]

Hi Conan, How is my favorite muscle-bound Lortondalian?  And when are you going to post some pics?

Hey Steve, is Conan cute?

I've been spending time in South Tulsa and I'm afraid I have nothing good to report.  South Tulsa has been a real eye opener and I have to say that what was "America's Most Beautiful City" is quickly becoming "Ugly On A Stick."

Good god I would be ashamed to have any association with Tulsa's City Planning and Zoning since about 1965.  Our zoning just completely falls apart from 51st Street south.  What a hideous waste.

I can't wait to get back to the Northwest Quadrant every night.  

Which brings me back to my Ancient Forest Day.  I failed to mention that to be really a perfect day it has to be spent with those you love.  So picture my little family with kitties in tow hiking around the woods near Sand Springs.

SXSW I saw your post about the housing between Cincinnati and Brady Heights.  That neighborhood is largely made up of smaller homes that are very affordable.  The neighborhood also appears to be majority "Black."  I've often thought that as the NW Quadrant gentrifies, the smaller homes adjacent to Brady Heights and in the Flats below Reservoir Hill stand to gain the most value.  But I think there are still issues with Black on Black violence in both those locations.  And those smaller homes also have one bathroom which makes them difficult to sell.  Someone needs to come up with a formula for adding a second bathroom to those homes.

The homes on the East side of Reservoir Hill down a couple of blocks from the top are not part of the Reservoir Hill Association, yet many are as large and have as much architectural merit as those at the top.  The streets twist and turn up and down the hill and that part of the neighborhood has great charm.  They are much more affordable that the houses at the top.

I recently attended a house warming put on by a friend who has bought a gorgeous old two-story home in Owen Park.  What a lovely neighborhood that is.

The near north side neighborhoods and Tulsa's NW Quadrant in general still feel like Beautiful Old Tulsa.  

Anyway, all is well.  Catch you at the Ancient Forest in Sand Springs.

[joiei]

The preserve is open by reservation only.

The Keystone Ancient Forest Preserve is owned and operated by the city of Sand Springs, Oklahoma. It is not open to the public. For access call Jamie Harrison at 918 246 2561.