Grand Family Playground

Bring your running shoes and your bike when you come to Tulsa, Oklahoma, and take time to enjoy the city's River Parks.

Finding a place to jog, walk, fish, ride a bike, picnic, or play volleyball in this metropolis comes as easily as strolling down to the River Parks on the Arkansas River.

You can't miss it. The verdant space covers more than 800 acres stretched out like taffy on either side of the waterway.

Along the Shoreline

Laced with trails and sprinkled with places to pause for food and fun, Tulsa's River Parks is a 22-mile ribbon of recreational possibilities. Most of the trails follow the east bank of the Arkansas, sandwiched between the river and Riverside Drive.

Cross to the west bank to find the skate park and Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area, with trails for hiking and mountain biking. Directly across from downtown, the River West Festival Park amphitheater features free concerts at 8 p.m. each Tuesday in summer. It's also the perfect place to watch fireworks on July 4 (parking $5).

Our Favorite Spots

The Rivers Edge Bistro and Cafe, at 19th Street and Riverside Drive, serves cool drinks, sandwiches, and salads for lunch. This pet-friendly place also provides water for thirsty canines.

Walk across the Arkansas River by way of the Pedestrian Bridge at 29th Street. Or cast a line for striped bass and catfish at Zink Dam (state fishing license required for all residents ages 16 and older and all nonresidents).

Near the parking area at 41st Street, let the kids get some exercise in the play area or enjoy a game of flying disc golf. -KAREN LINGO

For more information: River Parks Authority, 717 South Houston Street, Suite 510, Tulsa, OK 74127; www.river parks.org or (918) 596-2001.

healthy benefits

* Studies show that people who make time for fun are 36% more likely to feel good about their ages.

* Outdoor activities use up a lot of calories. For example, a 150pound woman who hikes for an hour burns about 400 calories.

For More Info More Tulsa activities: editorscityguide.com

The amphitheater at River West Festival Park, across the river from downtown Tulsa, hosts free Tuesday concerts in summer.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jul 2007
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved