Department of Public Works

200 Civic Center

Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103

January 28, 1997

Flood mitigation, preservation of natural resources, recreation and sustainable development are part of a community vision developed by Southwest Tulsa citizens for the Mooser Creek watershed.

Approximately 60 citizens and technical experts, including residents and business people in Southwest Tulsa, are working with Mayor M. Susan Savage, the Tulsa Department of Public Works and the National Park Service to develop a greenway plan for Mooser Creek. Mayor Savage will discuss the project at a public kick-off on Jan. 28, 1997.

Mooser as a gateway to Southwest Tulsa

Mooser Creek is about three miles long, stretching from the Arkansas River west to about 49th West Avenue, south of I-44. Mooser Creek flows through an area of industrial and residential use, which creates design challenges in terms of merging recreation with improved floodplain management. Unlike many Tulsa creeks, Mooser still retains a considerable amount of natural vegetation that could be preserved.

The objectives of this cooperative effort are to:

The 1996 Sales Tax will provide $2.9 million to improve Mooser Creek from Union Avenue to the Arkansas River, including the Union Avenue Bridge south of I-44.

Project History

In an effort to preserve the natural beauty of Mooser Creek and create recreational and educational opportunities, the City of Tulsa entered a cooperative agreement with the National Park Service to develop a greenway plan. Citizens were asked to partner with the government agencies to devise a plan compatible with flood control needs identified in the City’s master drainage planning process. The citizen and technical committees met for the first time on Oct. 29, 1996. The technical committee includes experts in engineering, stormwater drainage, trails, watershed management, parks, education, safety, environmental issues and archeology. These experts work with city, county, and state agencies or are in private business.

Mayor Savage first presented the concept for the Mooser Creek greenway project more than two years ago at the Mayor’s Institute for City Design in San Antonio.

"The Mooser Creek greenway has the potential to link up with our River Parks trails and complement westside recreation areas such as Turkey Mountain and the Westside YMCA," Mayor Savage said. "We chose Mooser Creek as a candidate for this intensive community involvement because Southwest Tulsa is prime for development. The citizens and businesses are pulling together to create new economic opportunities while residents in nearby housing associations have shown enthusiasm in working together toward common objectives."

Greenways exist or are being built throughout Tulsa, including River Parks, Mingo Creek and elsewhere.

"As we complete these greenways, we will also improve our community’s air quality, civic health, livability and quality of life," Savage said.
 
 

VISION STATEMENT for Mooser Creek Greenway Tulsa, Oklahoma The Mooser Creek Greenway Citizens and Technical Committees share the following vision, which will guide the planning process for the Mooser Creek Greenway:   The Mooser Creek greenway is Tulsa’s Southwestern gateway and is to be maintained in a natural and stable condition, as much as possible, to reduce flood damages, provide a trails network, and promote sustainable development of the watershed. This vision is supported by the following ideas to help the Mooser Creek corridor maintain its natural character:   Flood hazards and losses are to be reduced by giving priority, whenever possible, to nonstructural alternatives such as open space retention for flood storage, natural vegetation for bank stabilization, and watershed-management plans. The natural corridor is to be preserved whenever possible, to provide wildlife habitat; protect the water quality, archeological, historical and cultural resources; and enhance scenic views. A trails network is to emphasize safe, community-patrolled trails for recreation, transportation, health and fitness opportunities, and environmental education. Enhancement of the Mooser Creek corridor will help promote sustainable development and stimulate neighborhood and economic revitalization with cooperation among residents, businesses, and the City of Tulsa.   January 28, 1997

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