Some well-known public parks in major global
cities have matured into classics of greenery, rest and recreation like Regent’s
Park in London and New York’s Central Park. In this category, we like 400-hectare
King’s Park in Perth, Australia, which is a serene and scenic mixture of
landscaped parkland, fascinating botanical gardens and wild, untamed natural
bushland. Gorgeous views of the Swan River and glistening city skyline add to
the charm of one of the largest inner-city parks in the world.
Other public parks have become iconic for the
people and programmes that bring a unique buzz of zing and zest! Our favourite
in this category is Tokyo’s Yoyogi Park on weekends, when an amazing number of
subcultures and countercultures manifest in different parts of the park. From
classic-car buffs and proud owners of dressed-up dogs to Elvis impersonators
and sinister-looking Goths, to small chamber orchestras, bopping break-dancers
and hyperactive clowns, people transform Yoyogi into a must-see destination.
Our
choice of the World’s Best Public Park,
however, is one of its newest and probably most unlikely in location. This is the
Gathering Place Community Park in Tulsa,
Oklahoma. A daring vision, coupled with years of planning, generous
donations and active input from the local community have transformed 100 acres
of scenic waterfront along the lovely Arkansas River into an innovative,
unconventional and thoroughly delightful interactive environment.
Opened
in September 2018, the Gathering Place is fast-becoming a magnet far beyond the
immediate vicinity of Tulsa. We predict that this stunning and ever-evolving
experience will become a major tourism attraction, transforming the image of
this unprepossessing city – which, by the way, also has some of the most
fascinating, educational and child-friendly
museums/libraries/interpretive-centres in the world.
Friends
with children tell us that their offspring have gleefully reported no less than
eleven different slides in various parts of the park as well as an amazing
mirror-maze, “old-looking holes in walls you can climb through and real
musical-instruments hanging in the air”(sic),
plus details of a fantastical Fairyland Forest that kept them talking excitedly
for weeks afterwards. They ain’t seen nothing yet! The reality at the Gathering
Place actually transcends imagination – seriously.
The
Land Of The River Giants, Spiral Connector, Chapman Adventure Playground,
Skywalk Forest, Volcanoville, Ramble Sensory Garden, Cottonwood Lawn, Charlie’s
Water-Mountain, Picnic Grove, Oneok Boathouse, Williams Lodge, Yvette’s Global
Rainbow, Peggy’s Pond and The Reading Tree are just come of the wonderful
attractions, all entirely free!
What
‘sealed the deal’ for us are the caring touches for the less fortunate. Visitors
with disabilities are delighted to discover thoughtful features that include
dedicated parking-lots and toilets, Ultra ADA Pads, braille signs,
wheelchair-accessible dining counters and specially-designed seating throughout
the Gathering Place. All park entrances,
pathways, bridges, lawns and gardens as well as some drinking-fountains are disabled-accessible. The food-items sold here include vegan and
allergy-friendly options. The Management also invites guests on the autism spectrum
to use spaces provided in the Gathering Place to overcome sensory anxieties.
Foodies
and hungry guests find “exciting eating opportunities” at The Patio, Redbud
Café, Vista@The Boathouse, and a constantly-changing array of food-trucks,
kiosks and food-carts. Add the pretty scenery around the Gathering Place, top
up everything with a regular stream of imaginative and absorbing events and
activities, and you have a really outstanding destination that we believe is
the World’s Best Public Park!
Photographs: ©Alex S. Maclean, ©Shane
Bevel Photography, ©Gathering Place
