The residents of Oklahoma City are walking on sturdy new planks since the OKC Parks reopened its re-conditioned boardwalk at the Route 66 Park. This development follows a comprehensive renovation spearheaded by the city's Parks and Recreation maintenance employees, and it's just in time for locals and tourists to celebrate the iconic Route 66's upcoming centenary in style.
Stretching a well-walked 600 feet, the boardwalk meanders through a wetlands area bustling with wildlife, west of Lake Overholser. It's an ideal locale for birdwatching aficionados seeking a glimpse of native waterfowl, scissor-tailed flycatchers, red-winged blackbirds, and more. The reconstruction took the expertise of the parks maintenance team, a crew well-versed in construction and general maintenance. "We knew this team could accomplish this project on time and within budget," Brian Parker, OKC Parks supervisor, told City of Oklahoma City news publication. "This was a major undertaking for this crew and tested all their knowledge and experience, and the result is an exceptional space for the public’s enjoyment."
Route 66 Park has been a staple for community recreation since its inception in 2006 and has seen the addition of a skate park and sporting fields over the years. However, the boardwalk section had faced multiple repairs due to its challenging wetland environment and had been closed for safety reasons three years ago when funding constraints halted immediate replacement efforts.
In a move that exhibits fiscal resourcefulness and departmental grit, maintenance leaders decided to tackle the project in-house. This decision not only salvaged construction costs but also reduced the funding needed to approximately $30,000. Despite juggling their routine responsibilities, repairing sidewalks, bridges and, facilities – the team completed the renovation, reaffirming their commitment to the community's outdoor spaces.
As OKC residents prepare to mark the 100th anniversary of the historic Route 66, established on November 11, 1926, they can now add the enjoyment of a freshly renovated boardwalk to their list of celebratory activities – a tribute to the city's past and a renewed commitment to its public spaces.
