The Gathering Place is a public, world-class park located in Tulsa, OK that spans over 100 acres along the banks of the Arkansas River. The park is undoubtedly the most popular in the Tulsa area.
In September 2023, the park will celebrate its 5th anniversary with a series of digital stories from visitors titled “A Park For All: Celebrating 5 Years of Gathering Place”. Learn more about the 5th Anniversay celebrations.
The Gathering Place is located in the Maple Ridge neighborhood of Midtown Tulsa. The park is just a few miles from Downtown Tulsa, and the Brookside, Riverview, Swan Lake, and Terwilleger Heights neighborhoods.
Gathering Place For Kids
The park offers a variety of amenities for kids of all ages, including playgrounds, sports courts, walking and biking trails, gardens, and picnic areas. There are also multiple water features, including splash pads and a boathouse with rental options.
Chapman Adventure Playground
The Chapman Adventure Playground is a unique and expansive play area designed to inspire imaginative play for children. It includes climbing structures, slides, and a sensory garden. There is a section of the playground specifically designed for younger children, providing an engaging play environment for toddlers and preschoolers.
Other especially fun areas for kids are the Spiral Connector, Land of the River Giants, Skywalk Forest, Ramble Sensory Garden, Volcanoville, Reading Tree, Charlie’s Water Mountain, and Picnic Grove.
Gathering Place For Nature Lovers
The Gathering Place features several beautiful gardens, including the Reading Tree Garden, Sensory Garden, and Secret Garden. These spaces offer tranquility and opportunities for reflection amidst the park’s bustling activities.
Willow Beach offers a soft sandbank that leads directly into Peggy’s Pond. From sandcastles to picnics, now Tulsans can enjoy beachgoing right in town.
Gathering Place For Dining
The park offers a range of dining options, including casual cafes, food trucks, and a full-service restaurant, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of cuisines during their visit. The Redbud Cafe is located inside the Williams Lodge, open 9am – 9pm daily. The Patio is located on the east side of Williams Lodge, open 11am – 7 pm daily depending on weather.
Gathering Place For Events and Entertainment
The Gathering Place hosts a diverse array of events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, workshops, and art shows. See here for the monthly events calendar.
Special Events
There are places throughout the park that can be rented to host special events, including the Vista at the Boathouse, ONEOK Boathouse, Special Events Hill, and Mist Mountain. Weddings and proposal events can be held at the Sky Garden or Waterfront Landing Dock. See here for more information about hosting special events at the Gathering Place.
The Discovery Lab
The Discovery Lab is a popular children’s museum located at the south end of the park. Some of the particularly fun exhibits include the Kid-sized City, WorkShop, Art Studio, and Tinkering Garage. The Discovery Lab offers a range of educational programs and workshops to align with local school curricula and support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) learning. Learn more about the Discovery Lab here.
Plan Your Visit
There are so many venues and events at the Gathering Place that it would be impossible to see everything in a single day, so visit the website or download the app to learn more.
