Woodward Park

Historical Background

Established in 1929, Woodward Park is a 45-acre public park located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, situated between 21st Street and 24th Street, east of South Peoria Avenue. The park is named after Helen Woodward, the original property owner.

In recognition of its historical and cultural significance, Woodward Park and the adjacent gardens were added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 11, 2014, as the Woodward Park and Gardens Historic District. This designation acknowledges it as one of Tulsa's finest public gardens established in the first half of the twentieth century.

Garden Features

The park functions as a botanical garden and arboretum, offering visitors a diverse horticultural experience with several specialty gardens dedicated to spring flowers, tropical plants, and cacti.

One of its most prominent attractions is the Tulsa Rose Garden, established in 1935, which showcases over 9,000 roses representing more than 250 varieties. The garden is particularly vibrant during blooming season, typically creating a spectacular display of colors. The park is also renowned for its azaleas, as well as tulips, irises, dogwoods, and redbuds that provide seasonal color throughout the year.

Landscape Elements

Woodward Park contains notable landscape features such as the Upper and Lower Rock Gardens, created in 1930. These areas utilize honeycomb limestone rocks to simulate streams and small springs, complete with walkways, benches, fountains, bridges, and statuary.

The Lower Rock Garden, planted during the 1960s and 1970s, is home to a large number of azalea plants that typically bloom between mid-March and mid-April, creating a colorful spectacle for visitors.

A charming koi pond adds to the tranquil atmosphere of the park, offering visitors a peaceful spot to observe colorful fish and water lilies in season.

Educational Facilities

The park houses the Tulsa Garden Center, located in a historic mansion designed by architect Noble B. Fleming in 1919. This Italian Renaissance-inspired villa has been home to the Garden Center since 1954 and is open to visitors from 9 AM to 4 PM on weekdays.

Additionally, the park includes a three-acre arboretum showcasing 270 different species of shrubs and trees native to Oklahoma. Trees in the arboretum are labeled, making it an excellent educational resource for visitors interested in local flora.

In 2005, the Linnaeus Teaching Garden was added to Woodward Park. This 1.5-acre area is designed to educate homeowners on successful techniques for growing various plants at home. The garden is named after Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus and was dedicated on June 8, 2006. It offers interactive learning opportunities for visitors of all ages, including a dedicated area for children to explore and learn about plants.

Wildlife and Nature

The park is home to abundant wildlife, including friendly squirrels that have become somewhat tame and may approach visitors. Many park-goers enjoy bringing unsalted peanuts to feed these playful creatures. The park also attracts various bird species and rabbits, making it a small urban wildlife sanctuary.

The diverse plant life throughout the seasons makes Woodward Park a changing canvas of colors and textures, from spring tulips and flowering trees to summer roses and fall foliage.

Recreation and Activities

Woodward Park offers numerous recreational opportunities for visitors. The open grassy areas are perfect for picnics, with plenty of shaded spots under mature trees. While there are few formal picnic tables, the expansive lawns provide ample space to spread out a blanket.

A small playground area with swings is available for children, though it's limited in comparison to larger playgrounds in other parks.

The park's walking paths wind through various gardens and wooded areas, making it ideal for leisurely strolls and casual exercise. The scenic backdrop has made Woodward Park a popular location for photography, including family portraits, graduation photos, and wedding photography.