Tulsa 100

Tulsa will be opening a new riverfront park called Gathering Place on Sept. 8. With many great attractions like the Chapman Adventure Playground, the Williams Lodge and elegant dining at the ONEOK Boathouse, there certainly won’t be a shortage of fun things to do for the entire family.

Located along the east bank of the Arkansas River, the main entrances are between 26th Place and 31st Street on Riverside Drive. If you would like to learn more about Gathering Place before the gates officially open, check them out online and view the full schedule of events, amenities and park map.

– Dustin Mascorro, Jones PR

Out of over 100 cities around the world, Tulsa received one of three awards for service from Cities of Service, a nonprofit bringing together local governments to find data-driven solutions to problems. Tulsa’s Urban Data Pioneers and Mayor G.T. Bynum were presented with the award by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Urban Data Pioneers learned that graduation rates would improve by offering students free use of public transportation. As the winners of a $70,000 award, the City of Tulsa is using the winnings to train employees and volunteers on bringing this program to other cities.

– Dustin Mascorro, Jones PR

Tulsa’s famous Peoria Avenue may be home to many beloved restaurants and retail venues, but it also houses one of the state’s most beautiful public gardens.

Woodward Park consists of 45 acres of sprawling lawns, botanical gardens and a stunning arboretum. The conservatory houses plants from across the globe, from desert cacti to Japanese orchids.

The park is also the location for the Tulsa Garden Center, a nonprofit organization that provides horticultural and environmental education opportunities for the community. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or simply an individual who has an appreciation for nature, Woodward Park is worth the visit.

– Kelly Hughes, Jones PR

A New Leaf, a nonprofit organization that provides clients with life skills and job training through horticultural therapy, has opened its first pop-up location in the heart of Tulsa. Through the use of various gardening practices and tools, the program helps transform the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and autism by offering an encouraging environment designed to help them reach their goals.

The annual Garden Fest on Saturday will offer activities for the family as well as several plants for sale in the Broken Arrow and Tulsa locations.

Come and check out the event for yourself this weekend.

– Shelby Westbrook, Jones PR

From food and drinks to entertainment and services, Tulsans have no shortage of local spots. Here are a few places in the Tulsa Community you can give back to simply by eating, shopping and playing:

• MASA Kitchen: Visit the food truck or brick-and-mortar location for unique South American food local to Tulsa.

• Retro Den: Find local, vintage goods and one-of-a-kind furniture at this home vintage store.

• FlyingTee: The ultimate guys night or family trip with interactive high-tech golf located on the Riverwalk.

Use Keep it Local OK to find a local spot near you.

– Ashley Ross, Jones PR

Serve Tulsans is a volunteer opportunity hub launched by Cities of Service, a nonprofit organization located in over 235 cities working directly with city leaders to encourage their citizens to volunteer.

This initiative is the perfect opportunity for Tulsans to cultivate new relationships, address public issues in their city and serve the greater good of their communities.

Looking for a new volunteer opportunity in Tulsa? Check out a number of options with Serve Tulsans and sign up to serve the community, animals, parks and recreation, recycling, health and education. If you are an organization looking for volunteers, register your organization.

– Shelby Westbrook, Jones PR

A new way to help the community has spread throughout the greater Tulsa area.

Little Free Pantry offers opportunities for communities to provide after-school snacks, basic necessities and meals for anyone who needs them. Unlocked boxes are placed in outdoor locations, where neighbors are invited to drop off food and other necessities whenever they can. People can pick up a few of these free items at any hour of the day. Boxes typically contain nonperishable food, toiletries, diapers and other items.

There are multiple Little Free Pantries throughout the Tulsa area. Find one near you to make a difference.

– Tori Garrett, Jones PR

Thousands from Oklahoma and neighboring states will participate in the 2017 Williams Route 66 Marathon in Tulsa Nov. 18 and 19.

The historic two-day event features full, half and relay marathons, 5k and fun runs, a mascot dash and a Center of the Universe Detour, where runners are rewarded with a cold beer and a color-inlaid coin.

Individuals participating in the Charity Challenge can skip the registration fee in exchange for helping raise funds for an official marathon charity. Last year’s marathon raised more than $50,000 for charity, and more is expected to be raised this year.

– Kelly Hughes, Jones PR

Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa isn’t just home to music performances, but also ghosts.

After many claims of ghost sightings by concert-goers, an expert paranormal investigation team was brought in to measure paranormal activity. The team noticed male and female spirits accompanied by a spine-chilling feeling inside the venue. Female spirits Chloe and Joan haunt the ballroom with an unnamed male spirit who dresses as a cowboy, according to employees who have witnessed the spooky apparition. Luckily for the venue, the investigators deemed the spirits curious, but harmless.

Still don’t believe Cain’s Ballroom is haunted? Go see for yourself.

– Holly Hoehner, Jones PR

Tulsans will soon “race for the cure” in support of the Susan G. Komen organization, which funds breast cancer research and supports survivors.

The 21st annual Race for the Cure will occur on Sept. 30 at River Spirit Casino Resort. Available races include a half marathon, 5Ks and a one-mile fun run. Participants can race either as a team or individually. There will also be a Survivor Parade for Tulsans who beat breast cancer, as well as a breakfast and ceremony to honor them.

If you’re looking to have fun while supporting breast cancer research and survivors, register today.

– Tori Garrett, Jones PR

The BOK Center in Tulsa is now a smoke-free establishment. The popular entertainment venue banned “cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaporizers and other similar products,” according to its website. The exterior smoking terrace was also discontinued in the August policy change.

The venue’s website states its primary objective is the protection of guests and the ban will enhance security in the facility. The policy change at the BOK Center comes a year-and-a-half after the Chesapeake Energy Arena went smoke-free in late 2015.

To learn more about the BOK Center’s event policy for your next visit, click here.

– Holly Hoehner, Jones PR

One organization has turned to an interesting profession to give back to the community.

The John 3:16 Mission, a nonprofit, religious-based organization in Tulsa, recently purchased the former site of Chouteau Elementary to start a new mission: BeeLoved Beekeeping. With several established beehives, the group hopes this initiative will help teach unemployed individuals the skills they need to regain employment.

By working with beehives and harvesting honey, John 3:16 hopes to provide accommodations for homeless people and impact the lives of those who have struggled by helping them with addiction, build physical wellness and develop life skills.

– Christian Franklin, Jones PR