Oklahoma City’s Martin Park Nature Center to be closed until Wednesday due to flood damage
A trail at Martin Park Nature Center.
Folks who like to frequent the Martin Park Nature Center will have to wait until next week to go there. The place had some flood damage from Monday’s storms. Here’s some information from the park about the temporary closure:
Martin Park Nature Center, 5000 West Memorial Road, will remain closed until Wednesday, June 23, as staff and volunteers work to repair damage sustained during Monday’s flood event.
The park’s trails, as well as fencing and other small structures, were damaged when high waters from Spring Creek rushed through the park during the flood.
Over three miles of natural and partially-gravel trails wind through the park and wildlife preserve. Most of the trails run adjacent to Spring Creek, which is a main feature attraction.
After surveying damage throughout the 140 acre park, staff determined that it will take several days to make all the necessary repairs for before the park can be reopened.
“Trail safety is our first priority,” said Casey Lindo, Martin Park naturalist.
“While we don’t want to inconvenience the public in any way, it’s critical we are able to make certain all of our trails and embankments are reinforced, and that the park is safe for all visitors.”
Parks and Recreation staff, in addition to volunteers from the Friends of Martin Park organization and local Boy Scout troops, were on hand Wednesday to begin clean-up. Work included picking-up debris that had washed down from the creek, repairing fencing along the trails as well as repairing significant portions of the trails, including the main gravel trail that leads from the park entrance to the education center.
According to Lindo, the education center was not damaged. In addition, there was little impact to the center’s wildlife.
Regular hours for Martin Park Nature Center are Wednesday – Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. The park is closed on July 4, Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
For more information, call Martin Park Nature Center at 755-0676.
Bob Doucette
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Glad you posted this because we were getting ready to go out there today!