Permission for the placement of this cache was given by the Department of Operations of A Gathering Place for Tulsa.
When we were contacted that we had been gifted a virtual reward by GC Headquarters, we were elated...and concerned...all at the same time. To be given such an honor was humbling, but we couldn't help but feel very responsible to find the most perfect setting. Tulsa is a go-to spot for geocaching in this area and has so much to see and do. With the addition of this park project, it was a no-brainer to us that this was the ultimate spot. It has been a year in our placing process, but with perseverance all things are coming together.
Gathering Place has managed to gain the attention of the New York Times, running a story in August 2018. It stated...Gathering Place, a much-anticipated $465 million park that opens Sept. 8 as one of the largest and most ambitious public parks ever created with private funds — and the latest example of deep-pocketed citizens rebuilding cities through projects they perceive to be in the public good. We do have great philanthropic sources in Tulsa, but we also have people with heart who care about Tulsa, its citizens, and the act of bringing them together. Test runs with 150 children from the Tulsa Dream Center took place prior to opening, and who could have been better guests?! Their excitement and energy in the Adventure Playground was evidence enough. And the best thing for all: no admission fee. It has been called an amusement-type park in natural habitat for all people to enjoy at no charge.
So let's take a walking tour! Your virtual experience will involve four specific locations within the park. Many philanthropic endeavors have been involved in the creating of such a wonderful family-oriented venue, and we wanted to make sure to showcase a few of these projects. In the first stage of three for this expected 100-acre endeavor, we are taking you on a tour of the five-acre Adventure Playground created by landscape architect, Michael Van Valkenburgh. Enjoy this unique "gathering place" designed to unite all Tulsa residents on common ground.
Parking: For the opening weekend only, September 8th and 9th, internal parking will not be available because Riverside will remain closed for programing. The lot at the end of 31st, close to the southeast portion of the park, will be open.
Beginning on September 10th, the following parking locations will open:
*Parking near the Adventure Playground- Northeast section of the park-accessible by Williams Way
*Parking near the Sports Courts- Southwest section of the park-accessible by Riverside
*Parking near Bike Track and Skate Park- Just southwest of the Riverside tunnels
*Parking near Peggy’s Pond- Northeast of Riverside tunnels
Hours of Operation: Park hours will vary by season with certain elements of the park being open until 10:00 pm at the latest. Hours starting on September 8th will be from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. By late November, it is probable that hours will be scaled back for the winter months, with the playground closing around 6:30 pm; this information will be updated at that time.
To obtain credit for this special virtual, message the CO with answers to the following questions about the four locations listed. Location 1 is the posted coordinates above.
Location 1: N 36 07.344 W 095 59.128 How many concrete seats?
Location 2: N 36 07.321 W 095 59.110 How many seating locations here?
Location 3: N 36 07.467 W 095 59.041 What is the name of the attraction at this location?
Location 4: N 36 07.452 W 095 59.020 How many metal post caps do you count on the length of this structure?
Point of Interest: N 36 07.504 W 095 58.973 The Reading Tree. According to the park's website, this tree is the oldest and largest living cottonwood in the park. This tree has been the focal point of a literacy challenge created for Tulsa County educators, students and their families to participate in reading two million books before the official park opening.
To claim your find, please send me a message through the Message Center and provide the required information. “Found It” logs that are not supported with a message within 7 days of the date of the log will be deleted. Please DO NOT post answers or spoiler photos in your online log, or your log will be deleted. Other photos of the park, however, are welcome. BUT, photos of the required sites will NOT be accepted in lieu of the required information that is to be gathered and sent to me.
BE ADVISED: You are under no obligation to hunt this virtual. Like any outdoor sport or activity (hiking, backpacking, etc) geocaching may involve risk to both persons and property. There are many variables including, but not limited to, legal concerns, weather, fitness level, terrain features and outdoor experience, that must be considered prior to seeking a cache. It is the responsibility of the searcher to be familiar with the conditions in the area to be searched, to adequately prepare for those conditions, and to conduct oneself safely and responsibly and remain within his or her personal abilities and limitations. Children always should be supervised. By attempting this cache you acknowledge the above conditions and agree to hold the cache placers / webpage creator non-liable for any events, which may occur and agree to provide this disclaimer to anyone with whom you share this information. In no way shall the cache placers be liable for any direct, indirect, punitive, or consequential damages arising of or anyway connected with the seeking of this cache or the information contained on this page. Cache seekers assume all risks involved in seeking this cache.
Virtual Reward - 2017/2018
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between August 24, 2017 and August 24, 2018. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards on the Geocaching Blog.