Gathering Place

Congratulations to Gathering Place Public Park for receiving the Tork Think Ahead Facility Excellence Award! Your forward-thinking approach to sustainable hygiene management is essential for creating cleaner, safer, and more accessible spaces. Tork is the proud sponsor of the ISSA-The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association Spotless Spaces Competition which spotlights outstanding cleaning environments worldwide, celebrating the critical work of cleaning professionals in maintaining safe, healthy, and pristine facilities.

It's official! Our facilities team won an award for the Spotless Spaces Competition through ISSA-The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association. This global event emphasizes the cleaning industry’s vital role in protecting public health and driving economic impact. “We are thrilled to recognize Gathering Place Public Park as the recipient of the Tork Think Ahead Facility Excellence Award,” said Matthew Urmanski, Vice President of Sales & Marketing North America at Essity. “Gathering Place Public Park embodies the highest standards in sustainable hygiene management, implementing innovative solutions that enhance business outcomes. Their forward-thinking approach underscores the critical role of smart hygiene practices in creating cleaner, safer, more sustainable, and accessible spaces.” Congratulations to the park's amazing facilities team! ??

A huge thank you to Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) for their support during Spring Break at Gathering Place! ??? Through the Explore & Imagine Program sponsored by the American Electric Power Foundation on behalf of PSO, the PSO Education Zone in ONEOK Boathouse was able to provide children and families from all over the state and beyond the chance to engage in exciting activities like catch-and-release fishing, insect petting zoos, nature education, and so much more! Spring Break continues through Sunday, March 23! We hope to see you and your families at the park!

Gathering Place has been selected as a finalist in the Spotless Spaces Competition, hosted by ISSA-The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association, which is the world's leading trade association for the cleaning, hygiene, and facility management industry.?Our custodial team's exceptional work in maintaining clean, healthy environments has earned us a spot among the best, so please vote Gathering Place for?favorite spotless space of the year! https://lnkd.in/gvVc3fGW

Thank you to The Common Good Tulsa for creating some of the first blossoms on our community cherry tree! The Common Good serves PreK-12th grade students, their families, and a robust senior community in Northwest Tulsa through opportunities in education, physical and mental health, career development, sports, and the arts for children, families, and residents of all ages. Head to ONEOK Boathouse to create a cherry blossom that represents something you're looking forward to this year. Leave your design at the park, and our staff will display it on the tree for you! ???? Learn more about our cherry blossom collection here: https://lnkd.in/gmEwWDTH

Gathering Place's cherry blossoms are on their way, and we can't wait to celebrate their bloom at the park which is home to the largest cherry tree collection in Oklahoma! ?? This spring, we're welcoming cherry blossom season with education, art installations, crafts, postcard writing, and so much more, all amongst the beautiful blooms. Stay tuned for more information! The timing of cherry blossoms' peak bloom is always a hot topic, and it is largely impacted by the local temperature. The warmer weather speeds the bloom up while cold weather slows it down. With Tulsa enjoying warm weather this week and next, we are eagerly watching the trees. As of now, we are expecting blooms sometime between mid-March and April, so get ready for a burst of color soon!

SavvyTulsa has arrived! Anyone in Tulsa can now enjoy a free online learning module to help Tulsans tell our city's story with confidence, warmth and authenticity. Users will explore multiple chapters, each filled with engaging lessons across all facets of the community including deep dives with all three sovereign tribal nations, the Historic Greenwood District and Tulsa’s role as The Capital of Route 66?. ? Plus, SavvyTulsans will get free exclusive swag, early-access in-person tours and insights on volunteer opportunities! Hear what Gathering Place executive director Julio Badin has to say about Tulsa! You can get started at SavvyTulsa.com.

A year in review ?? Our team is pleased to share the park's 2024 Annual Report. 2024 was a year of extraordinary milestones and unforgettable moments, showcasing the best of what we stand for: connection, celebration and community. We are immensely grateful for the contributions of our hardworking team members and generous donors, allowing us claim the title of America's Best City Park! View the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gKuuEaYT

Gathering Place is home to many types of birds, and our horticulture team is making some home improvements for them! This winter, the team has been busy adding birdhouses throughout the park, including this one designed specifically for owls. ???? ?? Photos by Brittney Tayrien, park horticulturist

Last weekend, sustainability committee members Andy and Brittney attended the Tu B'Shevat Sustainability Fair, hosted by Jewish Federation of Tulsa! They shared insights on the sustainability efforts at Gathering Place and led a sorting game, helping attendees learn which items are recyclable in Tulsa and which are compostable. ??