The Arkansas River was once a difficult backdrop for Tulsa, with stretches of its waterfront offering little reason for residents to linger. That changed with the arrival of Gathering Place, a vast public park built with private funding and designed around recreation, culture and open space. Associated Press (AP) reported when it opened, the 66-acre first phase brought playgrounds, trails, sports facilities, lawns and gathering areas to the riverfront. The project was backed by the foundation of billionaire philanthropist George Kaiser, whose contribution helped finance a development that would eventually expand towards 100 acres. What began as an ambitious piece of urban redevelopment has since become one of Tulsa's most visited public spaces.
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