By MIKE JONES Associate Editor on Jan 12, 2009, at 3:37 PM Updated on 1/12 at 3:37 PM
JONEZIN
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I am thrilled that ONEOK has put up $5 million for the naming rights to the new downtown baseball park. It shows that one of our leading corporate citizens understands the need for a thriving downtown and has faith in its resurrection.
I am glad for the surrounding area. The historic Greenwood District has been ignored for too long. The soon to open John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation will be nearby. It will educate those who are unaware of the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot and will be a place of healing. The Brady and Blue Dome districts, already growing with new venues for local, original music and with new restaurants opening, will benefit from more foot traffic. The ballpark and its multi-use area near it will mean more residents and businesses.
This is great for downtown and all of Tulsa.
Now, I have a problem. I still don't care for the proposed architectural design. The last I read about it the proponents of this glass-and-steel structure said it would blend well with the new City Hall building and the new BOK Center.
Maybe. But it's not all that near City Hall or the arena. It sits right next to, almost on top of, the Greenwood District. Been there lately? It is full of red brick buildings. Yes, the Greenwood Cultural Center is up the street and it is more modern. But take a drive down there and look around. First Street is full of old warehouses, as is Archer and Brady streets. The restaurants, such as McNellie's, Caz's Chowhouse, Lola's, El Guapos, Jo Momma's Pizza and others are in old buildings. Developers are turning old buildings into lofts and apartments.
Besides, I think baseball parks ought to look like baseball parks not modern art museums.
It might be too late to do anything about this. And I'll go to the new ballpark whatever it looks like. I only want its design to stand the test of time. Baseball is tradition. Its parks should reflect that.
Nevertheless, let's get going on something. But can someone at least think about it?
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