(PROJECT) A Gathering Place For Tulsa

[Rattle Trap]

Gathering Place gets $5 million from HollyFrontier to update west bank of Arkansas River

TULSA, Okla. – — Tulsa's Gathering Place has announced it has received a $5 million commitment from the HollyFrontier Corporation to update the west bank of the Arkansas riverfront north of the pedestrian bridge.


Both the Gathering Place and HollyFrontier say the funds will go to make the piece of land more attractive as riverfront development projects continue to make the area a destination.

"At HollyFrontier, we are committed to giving back to the communities where we work and live," said Tulsa vice president and refinery manager Skipp Kistler.

Kistler added: "We strongly believe in the Gathering Place's mission of inclusivity – bringing our community together through a world-class space that engages, educates and excites. On behalf of our current 650 employees, and the thousands that have worked here in the 100 years of operations, we are proud to support such a meaningful project. We are grateful for the 10 years we've been part of the Tulsa community and look forward to witnessing the Gathering Place's positive impact on Tulsans, the region and visitors for decades to come."

The Gathering Place, which opened on Sept. 8, is the product of nearly 80 corporate donors who raised funds totaling $465 million to make the world-class park possible.

"Gathering Place strives to be a beacon of togetherness for the community, and we are thankful to HollyFrontier for this donation to assist in continuing our mission," said Jeff Stava, executive director and trustee of Tulsa's Gathering Place. "The unwavering support our business community has for Tulsa's Park shows the commitment they have to creating a space for all to enjoy for years to come."

HollyFrontier has owned and operated its Tulsa refinery facilities since 2009.

The refinery employs more than 650 individuals and its operations include processing 125,000 barrels per day of crude oil, providing gasoline and diesel in Oklahoma and across the mid-continent region of the United States.

https://ktul.com/news/local/gathering-place-gets-5-million-from-hollyfrontier-to-update-west-bank-of-arkansas-river

$5 million going to west bank beautification is quite substantial. Does anyone know if this is a standalone project or work to be done in the second phase of TGP? Either way they need to keep the momentum going on river development. There's huge potential to make the entire stretch of riverfront something incredible. They need to get going on the DAM.

[Rattle Trap]

I also heard a while back that the tribes were proposing river ferries to and from downtown to the Riverspirit once the low water dams are complete. I have no idea if that is anything more than a rumor or if its old news but I was curious if anyone had heard the same thing at any point?

[Conan71]

I also heard a while back that the tribes were proposing river ferries to and from downtown to the Riverspirit once the low water dams are complete. I have no idea if that is anything more than a rumor or if its old news but I was curious if anyone had heard the same thing at any point?

I don't recall the route being from downtown to their area, something I had heard was more likely was a ferry shuttle from the casino to Riverwalk Crossing.  That could have been nothing more than speculation or wishful thinking.

[rebound]

Gathering Place gets $5 million from HollyFrontier to update west bank of Arkansas River

https://ktul.com/news/local/gathering-place-gets-5-million-from-hollyfrontier-to-update-west-bank-of-arkansas-river

$5 million going to west bank beautification is quite substantial. Does anyone know if this is a standalone project or work to be done in the second phase of TGP? Either way they need to keep the momentum going on river development. There's huge potential to make the entire stretch of riverfront something incredible. They need to get going on the DAM.

I thought I read recently that the work on both the dam and bridge were going to start next year.  Someone confirm?

[SXSW]

I don't recall the route being from downtown to their area, something I had heard was more likely was a ferry shuttle from the casino to Riverwalk Crossing.  That could have been nothing more than speculation or wishful thinking.

That is what I've heard as well, or at least that is what they would like to do once the Jenks LWD is built.  They would have to build a lock into the Zink LWD to allow navigation between the river and Zink Lake and that's not part of the current plan.  That would also likely require another dam due to the natural rapids below Zink Dam.  The river falls about 10 ft. between Jenks and west of downtown so there are natural fall lines with rapids (near downtown, near Zink Dam and near Turkey Mountain).

[patric]

Gathering Place laying down gravel on grass lots to make more parking available
https://ktul.com/news/local/gathering-place-laying-down-gravel-on-grass-lots-to-make-more-parking-available

[SXSW]

Gathering Place laying down gravel on grass lots to make more parking available
https://ktul.com/news/local/gathering-place-laying-down-gravel-on-grass-lots-to-make-more-parking-available

That's good for a temporary solution but I'm anxious to see the permanent parking plan that will be part of Phase 2.  I believe they were going to target this spring to announce those plans after they have been able to analyze data from the first 6 months of operation.

[swake]

That's good for a temporary solution but I'm anxious to see the permanent parking plan that will be part of Phase 2.  I believe they were going to target this spring to announce those plans after they have been able to analyze data from the first 6 months of operation.

It's really seeming like a garage is going to be needed.

[DTowner]

I assume that close to the river, below ground parking is not a viable option.

[Vision 2025]

I assume that close to the river, below ground parking is not a viable option.

My grandmother lived on Boston Place right behind what has become the GP entrance, at the time she watered the back yard with a shallow sand point well that was less than 20 feet deep and it never went dry.

[SXSW]

Some interesting festivals planned this year according to the Park Director.  https://www.tulsaworld.com/news/local/outlook-tony-moore-gathering-place-sets-exciting-schedule-with-food/article_3a061ee3-aaef-548e-9543-c9e8508c21a3.html

Guests can look forward to signature top-tier events ranging from a Food & Wine Festival to a multiday event celebrating Native American dance, food and art. There will also be world-class cultural events celebrating Hispanic/Latina culture, Asian Heritage, a Caribbean-like carnival, and a local and national gospel explosion.

Have they set an opening date for the Vista at the Boathouse restaurant? 

[Jeff P]

Some interesting festivals planned this year according to the Park Director.  https://www.tulsaworld.com/news/local/outlook-tony-moore-gathering-place-sets-exciting-schedule-with-food/article_3a061ee3-aaef-548e-9543-c9e8508c21a3.html

Have they set an opening date for the Vista at the Boathouse restaurant? 

Good question.  Seems weird that it's taking this long to open. From the outside, it looks like the construction has been done for a while.

Another thing I'm curious about - does anyone know the schedule for finishing the park down to the river? They've had those 10-foot chain-link fences up on the west edge of the running trail since the park opened, and there doesn't seem to be any kind of activity at all, in terms of working on that part of the park that leads down to the river bank.  Is that a Phase 2 thing or something?

[shavethewhales]

^My understanding is that everything on the riverside is now part of the bridge phase, which is starting later this year and should be finished next year. It's kind of like a phase 1B. Makes it seem even more crazy how much they spent on GP just to get the main area open.

Everywhere Vista is mentioned just says "coming soon". I am wondering if the original operator has backed out or is re-thinking their plans. The area is so busy, operations may be tougher than expected. I don't think trying to make it too upscale is a good idea.

[SXSW]

^My understanding is that everything on the riverside is now part of the bridge phase, which is starting later this year and should be finished next year. It's kind of like a phase 1B. Makes it seem even more crazy how much they spent on GP just to get the main area open.

Everywhere Vista is mentioned just says "coming soon". I am wondering if the original operator has backed out or is re-thinking their plans. The area is so busy, operations may be tougher than expected. I don't think trying to make it too upscale is a good idea.

That is my understanding as well for the riverfront work, it's tied to the Zink Dam reconstruction which will raise the water level by a few feet and also construction of the pedestrian bridge.  Wish the city would give us more frequent updates on this part of the project, or at least put up a sign or something.  

I've heard Vista is ready to open but that they were in the process of hiring and training staff before announcing the grand opening.  No doubt this will be one of Tulsa's best patios when it opens the views of the park, skyline and river are really nice.

[Jeff P]

Cool thanks for the replies... that makes sense.

And yeah I'm guessing the Boat House Vista place will be opening relatively soon.  There are a bunch of open jobs posed for the Vista on the Gathering Place website.