ll across town , visitors can find numerous parks . City officials are currently working toward having a walking trail system that will go through various parts of Tahlequah , eventually connecting all parks throughout the city and offering greener , healthier environment for families . Many parks are placed next to Town Branch Creek . The stream offers a tranquil atmosphere for those wanting to relax or just get their feet wet on a hot day .

Kaufman Park

Kaufman is one of the more secluded parks in Tahlequah . Visitors will find picnic tables and benches , and children can enjoy a playground area . The city recently built a pickleball court for area residents and tourists to get competitive . The park is on East First Street , between the intersections of Basin Avenue and May Avenue .

All Inclusive Special-Needs Playground

The playground , at Anthis- Brennan Family Sports Complex on West Allen Road , was constructed for youth with special needs and was created through a partnership between Leadership Tahlequah Class 19 and the City of Tahlequah . The park has special turf that makes it easy for wheelchairs to traverse . There is also a special slide kids with cochlear implants can enjoy . Large swings and a merry-goround are there , too .

Felts Park

The park sits along the southern end of Town Branch Creek . It ’ s accessible from Basin Avenue and has a covered

picnic area and a playground . Located next to a large incline , it ’ s a popular place among those who enjoy sledding after a snowfall .

Norris Park

Set in the heart of downtown Tahlequah on Muskogee Avenue , Norris Park is the center of activity throughout the year . A popular site for events , it often draws local musicians or artists fine-tuning their skills , or organizations hosting happenings , such as the local farmers ’ market and Movies in the Park . The park has a playground and is pet friendly .

Phoenix Park

For baseball fans , thousands of games have played out throughout the years on the fields of Phoenix Park , which hosts tournaments of all ages . Phoenix Park is on the State Highway 51 bypass , just south of West Choctaw Street .

Ross Park

Offering playground equipment for children along Town Branch toward the southern end of Water Avenue , the stream waters at Ross Park are a popular source of summer recreation and exploration .

Sequoyah City Park

When you ’ re looking to

relax with an afternoon picnic at one of Tahlequah ’ s more popular parks , you ’ ll find plenty of shade at Sequoyah City Park . The park offers playground equipment for children alongside Town Branch Creek . Sequoyah City Park is on Park Avenue .

Southridge Park

The park is in the housing addition off of Southridge Road , near Heritage Elementary on the southern side of Tahlequah . Families in that housing addition especially like it .

Anthis-Brennan Family Sports Complex

There are many yearround activities at this park on West Allen Road . The multiacre site is home to a football field , softball fields , soccer fields , concession stands , playgrounds , tournaments , and the very popular swimming pool , Tahlequatics .

Tahlequatics

Tahlequatics features two diving boards , two large water slides , an area fun of water activities for the younger children , swimming lanes , sprinklers , and a concession stand with snacks and beverages . With lifeguards on duty during the season , the pool has a capacity of approximately 350

and is typically open between Memorial Day and Labor Day . Private sessions , swimming lessons , birthday parties and other events may also be scheduled upon request .

Tahlequah Splash Pad

Though it ’ s open to all ages during the summer months , younger children especially enjoy the city ’ s splash pad , located on the corner of Water Avenue and Downing Street . The splash pad opened in 2014 and is not far from Norris Park and Sequoyah City Park . Visitors can activate the park ’ s water activities using state-of-the-art technology .

Murrell Home Park

The Murrell Home Park is tucked away at the historic Hunter ’ s Home in Park Hill , and has long offered visitors a place to enjoy an afternoon stroll through the nature trail . Children will find various playground equipment , and park benches are available on site . The park is on East Murrell Road and is open daily from 8 a . m . until dusk .

Tahlequah Skate Park

The skate park is on Park Avenue , is perfect for skater enthusiasts . Funded by a skate park reserve within the city ’ s Capital Improvement Fund , the park offers upgraded ramps and rails that cater to skaters at any level . It also includes a bowl feature , which was transformed from the city ’ s old swimming pool . Additional lighting was added to ensure safety for skaters and observers .

PAGE 48 COMPILED BY KERI THORTON