A Walk in the Park
All across town , visitors can find numerous parks . City officials have wrapped up the walking trail system that 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 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-go-round 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 brand new 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 year-round 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-theart 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 .
Welling Ridge Trails
The brand-new all-purpose walking and mountain biking trails continues to grow out on South 550 Road . The beginning trail is 2.5 miles with 1.5 miles of the blue intermediate trail . Weekly ride groups are every Thursday wherein riders have the opportunity to learn proper trail etiquette and skills .
COMPILED BY KERI GORDON
48 Newcomers Guide 2023 | Tahlequah Daily Press