Scissortail Park Foundation
December 20, 2024
Happy 5th anniversary to us! We are incredibly grateful to all our visitors, partners, members, sponsors, and staff who have contributed to the Park’s growth over the years. Thank you for being part of this family and for creating amazing memories with your friends and loved ones.
We are celebrating five years of producing some of the best, most inclusive, and most attended events, concerts, markets, and wellness programs in Oklahoma City. We have secured top talent, coaches, vendors, and community allies, and partnered with outstanding organizations to host exceptional events year after year in our venues. We are proud to have the most capable staff to carry out these tasks!
Most importantly, we celebrate staying true to our mission: to bring Oklahoma’s natural beauty to life in a safe, welcoming, and playful environment that encourages community gathering, stewardship, culture, and education for neighbors, visitors, and future generations.
Our Story
As part of the MAPS 3 City of Oklahoma Improvements, a new 70-acre Downtown Public Park was envisioned 10 years ago, linking downtown to the Oklahoma River, “Core to Shore.” The park was designed by Hargreaves Jones and built by Wynn Construction (Lower Park) and Downey Contracting (Upper Park).
This vision became reality, and the 40-acre Upper Park opened on September 27, 2019, featuring three days of special events, including a massive concert by Kings of Leon! The Park is currently managed by the Scissortail Park Foundation under a lease and management agreement with the Oklahoma City Economic Development Trust.
Often referred to as the “crown jewel” of Oklahoma City’s public realm improvements and the front yard of the Convention Center and the Paycom Center, our park is a 70-acre public space created from funds generated by a penny sales tax. It features a variety of engaging experiences for visitors, including ornamental gardens, woodlands, a 3.7-acre lake, a children’s playground, interactive water fountains, a seasonal roller rink, a dog park, sports courts, a picnic grove, a restaurant, a large performance stage, and a great lawn!
The Lower Park
The Lower Park that opened in 2022, extends from Oklahoma City Boulevard to the Skydance Bridge over Interstate 40, reaching the shore of the Oklahoma River. Altogether, Scissortail Park offers 70 acres of educational and recreational activities for Oklahoma City residents and visitors.
The Lower Park provides a relaxed complement to the intentionally programmed Upper Park and serves as a gathering place for Oklahoma City residents to enjoy pickleball, soccer, basketball, and futsal. As one of the largest public projects in MAPS history, Scissortail Park has transformed downtown Oklahoma City, providing residents with a beautiful public space they can be proud to share.
“With the opening of the lower portion of Scissortail Park, we finally realize the dream of a large urban park linking our core to our shore,” said Mayor David Holt. The Lower Park is not just a civic amenity; it represents a promise to the city’s south side, particularly for the Latino neighborhoods and businesses just south of the Oklahoma River.
Looking Ahead
We are immensely grateful for everything that has happened at the Park over these five years, and for everyone who has been integral to our success throughout this journey. This anniversary signifies not only our years of hard work and purpose but also the immense potential that lies ahead as we continue to be the landscape of downtown Oklahoma City!
Scissortail Park’s commitment to free and inclusive entertainment and recreation for the community has been the heart of its growth. With a strong focus on creative events throughout the year, we have consistently developed signature events like the Night Market, Farmers Market, Summer Concert Series, ScaryTale Park, and the Block Party!
We believe that meaningful outdoor experiences contribute to a healthier and happier community. As we celebrate our 5th Anniversary in the heart of Oklahoma City, we appreciate all the support received over the years and look forward to what the next five years have in store for us!
Thank you for being with us during this time. You are the reason we do what we do. Here’s to the first five astonishing years! The best is yet to come!