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Fabricated climbing structures added to Turkey Mountain 'playground'

Workers install three new rock climbing boulders near the entrance of Turkey Mountain on Monday. JAMES GIBBARD / Tulsa World

By P.J. LASSEK World Staff Writer
Published: 11/24/2009 2:23 AM
Last Modified: 11/24/2009 9:58 AM

Tulsans of all ages could be rocking at Turkey Mountain as early as Thursday with the installation of three climbing boulders Monday.

"I think they are really cool and will appeal to all ages," River Parks Authority Executive Director Matt Meyer said.

Three fabricated climbing boulders from Monolithic Sculptures Inc. of Boulder, Colo., were delivered and installed at the River Parks site off Elwood Avenue just north of 71st Street.

The boulders vary in size and difficulty.

"There's nothing else like these structures around here, and they fit well with the rustic theme of Turkey Mountain," Meyer said.

The boulders will give the most realistic experience of "bouldering," said Keith Franklin, owner of LandPlan Consultants and a design consultant for the improvement project.

Bouldering is a popular style of rock climbing undertaken without a rope but done in short climbs requiring problem-solving to reach the top.

The fabricated boulders have natural-looking rock indentations instead of the finger grips on climbing walls.

Franklin said the bouldering area is a creative playground with interactive structures surrounded with a bark mulch safety surface.

The boulders are just south of the main trailhead where the new restrooms are and where everyone makes the transition to go up to the Turkey Mountain wilderness area, Franklin said.

If the restrooms pass inspection Wednesday, the area will be open on Thanksgiving, he said.

Guidelines for using the boulders are posted. Children younger than 12 must be supervised, Meyer said.

The boulders are the final enhancement feature at the site as the first phase of a two-phase improvement plan for the area comes to a close.

Franklin said a few small items, such as landscaping, need to be addressed to complete the project.

Other first-phase improvements are a new parking lot with 80 spaces, six spaces for horse trailers, lighting, flagstone pavers, restrooms, and landscaping with benches and water fountains.

The first phase cost $1.5 million and was funded by the George Kaiser Family Foundation.

"What is great about this is that it is a public improvement paid for by private funds," Meyer said. "We thank the foundation for the gift."

The second phase, which is not yet funded, is estimated to cost $1.5 million, as well, Franklin said.

It will include a shelter and seating area that overlooks the river and Oral Roberts University and the realignment of the steep stretch of trail that leads to the park area from the north, Franklin said.

River Parks Public Relations Manager Tonja Pitzer said a volunteer group also is organizing to maintain the area. People who are interested in volunteering should call the River Parks Authority at 596-2001.

Turkey Mountain boulders

Sandstone Flake: beginner, 7 feet tall

Large Delicate Arch: intermediate, 11 feet wide, 9 feet tall

Hueco Tanks: advanced, 11 feet wide, 9 feet, 6 inches tall

P.J. Lassek 581-8382
pj.lassek@tulsaworld.com

By P.J. LASSEK World Staff Writer

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