TULSA, Okla. — A major transformation of the Arkansas River through Tulsa is getting closer to becoming a reality.
Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum announced Monday work will be complete on a new dam to create a new lake between Gathering Place and downtown Tulsa by next summer.
“It will change the way Tulsans use the Arkansas River,” Bynum said.
It’s been a long time coming.
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“Tulsans have been talking about wanting to have this lake for over 50 years,” he said. “We’re on pace to have it completed next summer.”
The project, approved by voters in 2016, is rebuilding an existing dam across the Arkansas River in order to retain enough water for several miles to the north to create a space for a number of different water recreation activities.
“It’ll have a whitewater channel on the east bank right next to the Gathering Place,” Bynum said.
It’s a chance to experience rapids you’d typically have to travel to the mountains to find.
“Everything from a real whitewater flume for experienced kayakers, to maybe something more sedate for those of us who like to hop in an inner tube,” he said.
The project also coincides with the rebuilding of the pedestrian bridge that crosses the Arkansas River, connecting Gathering Place with West Tulsa.
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