Gathering Place is a 100-acre public riverfront park on the west bank of the Arkansas River in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This guide covers opening hours, admission, transport and parking, accessibility, and practical tips for planning your visit.
Last updated: May 2026. Some older guides still describe Gathering Place as a 66-acre park and list outdated closing times of 11pm. The park’s current standard closing time is 9pm daily, and the site has expanded since opening in 2018. The park is also currently hosting the Route 66 Centennial Celebration — a series of activities, events, and art installations marking 100 years of Route 66 — which is not referenced in earlier guides.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 2650 S John Williams Way E, Tulsa, OK 74114 |
| Park hours | 7am–9pm daily |
| Chapman Adventure Playground | Daylight hours |
| Sports courts, skate park, pump track | 7am–9pm (weather permitting) |
| Pickleball courts | 8am–1pm daily (weather permitting) |
| Redbud Café | 9am–9pm |
| Admission | Free |
| Parking | Free on-site |
| Public transit | Micro Link (MetroLink) serves the park |
| Typical visit length | 2–4 hours |
Gathering Place opening hours
The park is open daily from 7am to 9pm. There is no closed day. Chapman Adventure Playground is open during daylight hours. The sports courts, skate park, and pump track follow the same 7am–9pm hours, subject to weather. Pickleball courts are open from 8am to 1pm daily, also weather permitting. The Redbud Café operates from 9am to 9pm. Seasonal outdoor areas such as The Patio have hours that vary; check the events calendar for current details.
The park does not close for public holidays. Hours and individual facility availability may change for special events; check gatheringplace.org before visiting.
Gathering Place admission and ticket prices
Admission to Gathering Place is free. No tickets are required to enter the park. Some individual activities — including boat hire at the ONEOK Boathouse — carry separate charges. Check gatheringplace.org/boats for current boat hire pricing.
Gathering Place is not part of any Tulsa Go City or CityPass scheme.
Park hours and admission status were checked on the official Gathering Place website and last updated in May 2026.
How to get to Gathering Place
Gathering Place is at 2650 S John Williams Way E, on the west bank of the Arkansas River in south Tulsa. The park is accessible on foot or by bike from the River Parks trail network: walk-in gates are at the north and south ends of the park, and on the east side via the Midland Valley Trail. Bike racks are available outside Williams Lodge. Cycling within the park is only permitted on the Midland Valley and Riverside Trails.
For public transport, Micro Link — operated by MetroLink — now serves Gathering Place. Details are at metrolinkok.org. Rideshare drop-off and pick-up is available in a designated gravel lot at 33rd Place and Riverside Drive (near the Skate Park).
Parking at Gathering Place
Parking at Gathering Place is free. The main car park is along John Williams Way, close to Williams Lodge and the ONEOK Boathouse. Additional parking is available on Riverside Drive (northbound and southbound lanes) and at the 33rd Place car park just north of the 33rd Place intersection. A parking map is available on the plan your visit page.
The park recommends securing valuables out of sight and locking vehicles before entering. Observe posted speed limits within the site, particularly given the number of children visiting.
How long to spend at Gathering Place
Most visitors spend two to four hours, though the park’s range of activities makes full-day visits common, especially for families. The Chapman Adventure Playground and water activities alone can occupy young children for several hours. Budget additional time if you plan to use the boathouse, attend a programmed event, or eat at the Redbud Café. Check the events calendar before visiting, as special programming can significantly extend the visit.
Accessibility at Gathering Place
Gathering Place was built to full ADA compliance. All park entrances, pathways, and bridges are accessible. Ultra ADA pads are provided throughout the park along pathways, in car parks, and at building entrances. All lawns and gardens have accessible entrances at grade level. Miles of paved pathways run throughout the park, and indoor and outdoor seating meets ADA requirements.
Push wheelchairs are available for free hire at Guest Services in Williams Lodge. Bring a photo ID to leave at the desk while you use the chair.
ADA parking is available in the John Williams Way and Energy Transfer Sports Courts car parks. Drop-off areas are located near Williams Lodge and the ONEOK Boathouse.
Accessible restrooms are available throughout the park and are marked on the park map. Companion-assisted restrooms are at Williams Lodge (lower level), ONEOK Boathouse (main level), The Patio, Chapman Adventure Playground, and the Energy Transfer Sports Courts. An adult changing table is in Chapman Adventure Playground restroom no. 1.
Sensory support is provided through a partnership with KultureCity. Sensory bags — containing noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools, a feeling thermometer, and a KCVIP badge — are available at no charge from the Guest Services desk in Williams Lodge (leave an ID as a deposit). A quiet room is also available at Williams Lodge; ask a Guest Services employee. Staff receive annual training on supporting guests with sensory processing needs.
Contact Guest Services at 918-779-1000 or [email protected] with any accessibility queries before your visit.
Inside Gathering Place: what to see and do
Chapman Adventure Playground is a five-acre play area designed for children of all abilities. Within it, Slide Vale has four slides, including one that goes underground. Swing Hill offers a variety of swings with views of the park and the Arkansas River.
ONEOK Boathouse offers paid hire of kayaks, paddleboats, and canoes on the Arkansas River. Check gatheringplace.org/boats for current rates and seasonal availability.
Sports and active recreation facilities include the Energy Transfer Sports Courts (basketball, tennis, and more), a skate park, a pump track, and pickleball courts. All are open to the public at no charge, subject to weather and availability.
Dining is available at the Redbud Café (9am–9pm) and, seasonally, at The Patio. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food. No glass bottles, outside grills, or outside alcohol are permitted in the park. Water fountains and refillable bottle stations are placed throughout the site.
Art and cultural programming includes permanent installations such as Molten Flow by Rachel Hayes, Catching Sunset, and Tulsa Rocks!, as well as the rotating Cabinet of Wonder. The park is currently hosting the Route 66 Centennial Celebration (2026), featuring recreations of roadside landmarks, fitness events, film nights, and a summer festival tied to the 100th anniversary of Route 66.
Dogs are permitted in the park on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays on main pathways. Dogs on leads are permitted on the Tuckabache Trail (formerly the Midland Valley Trail) and riverfront trails daily. Pets are not allowed inside park buildings at any time. Service animals are welcome throughout.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pick up a child safety wristband on arrival | Guest Services in Williams Lodge provides wristbands for young children, on which parents can write a contact number. This is recommended for visits with groups or young children who could become separated. |
| Check individual facility hours before travelling | Not all areas follow the same hours. The pickleball courts close at 1pm; boathouse and café hours may vary seasonally. Consult the website or call 918-779-1000 to confirm. |
| Bring sunscreen and weather protection | Much of the park is outdoors and exposed. The park does not have shaded indoor waiting areas outside Williams Lodge and the boathouse building. |
| Prohibited items to leave at home | Glass containers, outside grills, outside alcohol, drones, open-carry weapons, and amplified sound devices are all prohibited throughout the park. |
| Dogs have restricted access | Dogs are allowed on main pathways on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays only. They are not permitted inside any park building at any time. Check the dog policy page for the full details. |
Frequently asked questions about Gathering Place
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Gathering Place free to visit? | Yes. Admission to the park is free. Some paid activities are available, including boat hire at the ONEOK Boathouse. |
| Is Gathering Place suitable for children? | Yes. The park is designed for all ages. Chapman Adventure Playground is a major draw for families with young children. Child safety wristbands are available from Guest Services in Williams Lodge. |
| Is Gathering Place open on Sundays? | Yes. The park is open every day of the week from 7am to 9pm. |
| Is there parking at Gathering Place? | Yes. Free parking is available in several car parks at the site. The main car park is along John Williams Way near Williams Lodge and the ONEOK Boathouse. A parking map is on the website. |
| Can you bring a picnic to Gathering Place? | Yes. Outside food is welcome in the park. Glass containers, outside grills, and outside alcohol are prohibited. The Redbud Café is open 9am–9pm for those who prefer to buy food on site. |
Things to do near Gathering Place
Philbrook Museum of Art – Around 15 minutes north-east of Gathering Place, Philbrook is an art museum set in a 72-room Italian Renaissance villa with 25 acres of gardens.
Woodward Park and Gardens – Around 15 minutes north of the park, Woodward Park is a free public green space with formal gardens, a rose garden, and walking paths adjacent to Philbrook.
Gilcrease Museum – Around 20 minutes north of Gathering Place, Gilcrease holds the world’s largest collection of art and artefacts from the American West.
Guthrie Green – Immediately adjacent to Gathering Place (operated as a partner venue), Guthrie Green is a smaller urban green space in the Tulsa Arts District used for markets, concerts, and events throughout the year.
River Parks Trail – The trail network that borders Gathering Place extends for miles along the Arkansas River in both directions, providing walking and cycling routes that connect to other areas of Tulsa.
What to visit tomorrow: parks and outdoor destinations within two hours of Tulsa
Scissortail Park, Oklahoma City – Around 1 hour 45 minutes south-west of Tulsa, Scissortail Park is Oklahoma City’s flagship urban green space, with gardens, a splash pad, a boathouse, and regular public events.
Honor Heights Park, Muskogee, Oklahoma – Around 45 minutes south-east of Tulsa, Honor Heights is a 122-acre public park known for its extensive azalea collection and gardens.
Boathouse District, Oklahoma City – Around 1 hour 45 minutes south-west of Tulsa, the Boathouse District sits along the Oklahoma River and offers kayaking, rowing, cycling, and outdoor recreation at the professional and recreational level.
Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness, Tulsa – Within Tulsa itself, Turkey Mountain is a 300-acre forested trail system on the west bank of the Arkansas River, suitable for walking, cycling, and trail running.
Robbers Cave State Park, Wilburton, Oklahoma – Around 1 hour 40 minutes south-east of Tulsa, Robbers Cave is a state park with sandstone caves, hiking trails, rock climbing, and a lake. Entry and activity charges apply.
More Oklahoma travel
Other Oklahoma travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Plan your visit to the Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
- The Tulsa Air and Space Museum: A guide for first-time visitors.
- What to expect at Gathering Place in Tulsa.
- Planning a visit to Tulsa Zoo.
- The best stops on the Oklahoma City to Dallas drive.
