Griffin Community Park

A Green Oasis with History

Stretching across 110 acres (with about 83 acres currently developed), Griffin Community Park is one of Norman's most spacious green retreats. It's the kind of place where you can spend an entire day and still not experience everything it has to offer.

Interestingly, this land carries quite a story. Once part of a 600-acre state mental institution established in 1891, the grounds were actually working farmland where patients ran a dairy and grew food for the facility. While those farming days ended in the 1960s, you can still spot the old grain storage towers standing tall - quiet monuments to the park's unique past.

Play Your Heart Out

Soccer enthusiasts, you're in for a treat. The park features a soccer complex with 22 fields that the Norman Youth Soccer Association (NYSA) calls home. Every season, these well-kept fields come alive with thousands of young players chasing their soccer dreams.

If disc golf is more your speed, the park has what many consider one of the best disc golf courses in Oklahoma. With its variety of challenging shot shapes and consistent maintenance by the Sooner Disc Golf Club, it's no wonder disc golf enthusiasts travel from all over to test their skills here.

For those seeking a more tranquil experience, the park's lake provides a peaceful setting for a leisurely afternoon. Regardless of whether you're fishing, walking along the shore, or simply sitting and watching the water, it's a wonderful spot to decompress.

Something for Everyone

Bringing your four-legged friend? The clean, well-maintained dog park features two separate areas where dogs can run free and socialize safely off-leash. It's a space that dog owners consistently appreciate.

Staying active is easy here with the extensive jogging and walking trail network that weaves around the grounds. These paths connect the park's various features while offering scenic routes that make your daily exercise routine anything but boring.

When it's time to gather, head to the pavilion with picnic tables near the water - an ideal spot for family reunions, birthday celebrations, or just a weekend lunch with friends. And if you're feeling adventurous, try your hand at geocaching, a modern-day treasure hunt that adds another layer of fun to your park visit.

Natural Beauty

The park shares borders with the George M. Sutton Urban Wildlife Park, enhancing your opportunity to connect with nature. This proximity means you might spot local wildlife while enjoying your outdoor activities - a little bonus for nature lovers.

Whether you're looking to play sports, exercise, spend time with family, or simply enjoy some peace in nature, Griffin Community Park offers a blend of recreational facilities and natural spaces in the heart of Norman.