In 2024, the park, which was developed by GKFF and local partners, was named Best City Park by USA Today readers and was featured in National Geographic’s new book Here Not There: 100 Unexpected Travel Destinations by Andrew Nelson. Nelson calls the Gathering Place an urban green space alternative to Central Park and praises the park’s innovative design, diverse programming, public art, lush landscaping and its close proximity to Route 66. 

Tulsa was also celebrated by The New York Times in 2024 as one of the top U.S. cities for design-forward civic infrastructure, with special mention of the stunning Williams Crossing bridge. 

This 1,400-foot pedestrian and biking bridge seamlessly connects the Gathering Place, Tulsa’s expansive trail network and west Tulsa neighborhoods. Designed by renowned landscape architect Michael Van Valkenburgh and engineers Schlaich Bergermann Partners, the bridge enhances the city’s commitment to accessible, innovative public spaces.

Labor Day weekend in 2024 also marked a major milestone in the transformation of the Arkansas River and the revitalized waterfront, with the grand opening of Zink Lake and the east bank of the Gathering Place. The area, which  features new biking and walking access along the pedestrian bridge along with activities like kayaking and paddle boating in Zink Lake, is now a vibrant hub for recreation and community enjoyment.

Read about how Williams Crossing and the Gathering Place are linking our community and shining as examples of connective architecture nationwide in the New York Times.