Tulsa's #1 Park & The Toby Keith Expressway | Only in OK

About this episode

The episode explores Tulsa's Gathering Place and the new Toby Keith Expressway, discussing their significance and community impact.

In this episode of the Only in OK Show , we are exploring the crown jewel of the 918 and a massive new tribute to an Oklahoma music legend. Part 1: The Power of Tulsa – Gathering Place We dive into why Gathering Place was recently voted the #1 City Park in the Nation for 2024 by USA TODAY. From the vision of the George Kaiser Family Foundation to its mission of unifying Tulsa across all zip codes, find out what makes this $465 million gift so special. The Bloom Watch: Learn about the 70+ cherry blossom trees expected to hit full bloom March 20–23. Adventure Awaits: We break down the Chapman Adventure Playground, the "Laredo Slide Vale" (yes, for adults too!), and the free kayak rentals at Peggy's Pond. Pro Tip: Check out the ONEOK Boathouse for the history of these iconic trees and the "Community Cherry Tree" exhibit. Part 2: Red, White, and Black-top – The Toby Keith Expressway We shift gears to discuss the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's latest announcement: the new East-West Connector is officially being named the Toby Keith Expressway . The Project: A 30-mile, $3 billion stretch linking I-44 to I-35 as part of the ACCESS Oklahoma plan. The Family's Stance: We discuss Stelen…

People in this episode

Hosts: Harley Covington, Brett Manzer

Topics covered

• Tulsa
• Gathering Place
• Toby Keith Expressway
• Oklahoma Turnpike Authority
• community concerns
• economic growth

Keywords

• Tulsa
• Gathering Place
• Toby Keith
• Oklahoma Turnpike
• community
• economic growth
• cherry blossom
• kayak rentals
• adventure playground

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: George Kaiser Family Foundation

Places: Tulsa, Oklahoma, I-44, I-35

More episodes of Only in OKlahoma Show

• Tulsa's Route 66 Capital Cruise: Breaking a Guinness World Record · April 27, 2026 · 45 min
• Kickin' It on 66: The Route 66 Centennial Celebration at Scissortail Park · April 20, 2026 · 38 min
• The Mother Road for Less: 10 Budget-Friendly Stops on Route 66 · April 13, 2026 · 20 min
• The Mother Road 100: Tips and Tricks for the Route 66 Centennial in Oklahoma · April 6, 2026 · 48 min
• El Reno Burger Day 2026: The 850lb Beast & Route 66 History · March 30, 2026 · 42 min
• Civil War Living History at Har-Ber Village & the New OKANA Resort in OKC · March 23, 2026 · 43 min