JENKS, Oklv. – The Jenks Riverwalk has a new feature for young visitors to enjoy. On Thursday, April 4 the riverfront entertainment and dining destination opened a new children’s playground.
On the first day of its opening the park appeared to be a success, as comments made during the opening ceremony were often overshadowed by the sound of children playing, often running through the gathering of adults.
The 4,000 sq/foot fenced space features an 8 ft. extra-wide slide and plenty of areas to climb, run, and play. It also features HappyPlay Turf, a safety-surfacing groundcover. The area is located north of the stage and runs along the Tulsa Riverparks Trail System.
Riverwalk partnered with Happy Playgrounds, a local company that designs and installs playgrounds, play-area shelters, shade structures, and amenities. Happy Playgrounds, a Native American-owned company, is operated by Kelli Collins. Happy Playgrounds has partnered with tribes, local municipalities, churches, schools, and HOAs in Oklahoma and Arkansas. During the event, Collins noted, “Together we created this amazing playground and I just want to say that today is the best part of what I do. I’m grateful for the Muscogee Nation, you give so much to the community and owe you all a huge round of applause. Thank you.”
“Collaboration between all of the nations is what it takes, and hearing the children laugh, that’s what it’s about.” – MCNC Speaker Randall Hicks
Heather Turner, President of the Jenks Chamber of Commerce stated during the ribbon cutting, “This is a celebration for OneFire and Riverwalk. We are thrilled about this new park and the benefit it’s going to add to our community.”
Representatives from the MCN National Council were present at the opening and included Speaker Randall Hicks, Representative Galen Cloud, Representative Dode Barnett, and Representative Mark Randolph.
Rep. Barnett echoed as well the importance of collaboration and working together. She stated, “I think this is a great example of collaboration and cooperation of what governments can do when they work together. We can be successful and it really showcases everything about ourselves, our history, and who we are as a people because our children are important to us.”
The project began in 2022 with funding through NCA 22-138. The legislation authorized $2.2 million from the Nation’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for Riverwalk improvements. The ARPA funds were specifically utilized for improvement projects to increase tourism and recreation at the Jenks destination. Other improvements, in addition to the new play area, include murals, signage, and nature-watching telescopes along the river. According to Debbie Severson, CEO of OneFire Holding Company, more improvement projects will be coming. OneFire is the MCN subsidiary that manages the Nation’s commercial portfolio, including Riverwalk.
To learn more about Happy Playgrounds, visit their website.
