Tulsa Parks, City Leaders Break Ground on New Gilcrease Trail System

13+mile network expands outdoor access, recreation, and connectivity in West Tulsa

City leaders, community partners, and residents gathered today to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new trail system near the Gilcrease Museum, which will add more than 13 miles of hiking and mountain biking across 460 acres in West Tulsa.

The project, located on both the east and west sides of 33rd West Avenue, is designed to provide accessible outdoor recreation for all skill levels while connecting more Tulsans to nature, wellness, and community spaces.

“This project is about access and connecting people to the outdoors, to opportunity, and to spaces that bring people together,” said Mayor Monroe Nichols. “I’m grateful to our partners for helping bring this vision to life and for building on the developments we have in place that support the health, well-being, and vibrancy of our entire community.”

The $3.5 million project will be funded entirely through private support, made possible by contributions from the Zink Family Foundation, William S. Smith Charitable Trust, The Helmerich Trust, and dozens of individual donors.  The trail system is a partnership between Bike Club Tulsa, Gilcrease Museum, and the University of Tulsa, in collaboration with Humble Sons Bike Company and Rogue Trails. Tulsa Parks will oversee long-term maintenance and ensure the trails remain accessible and environmentally sustainable.

“Investing in trails and outdoor spaces in this community helps close the gaps created by years of unequal infrastructure and amenity investments,” said District 1 City Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper. “Every neighborhood deserves safe, high-quality places to connect with nature and community, and I’m glad to see this area finally receiving the attention it deserves.”

Construction is scheduled to begin in Spring 2026, starting with the west side of the property. Phase one will also include a gravel parking area for visitors. Future phases will expand to the east side, with the full trail system expected to open early in 2027.

“The addition of these trails continues to build on Tulsa’s growing network of outdoor spaces,” said Anna America, Director of Tulsa Parks. “With more than 100 miles of trails already across our city, this project adds new opportunities for residents and visitors to explore, stay active, and connect with our parks system.”

Gilcrease Museum leaders say the project reflects a natural extension of the museum’s mission to connect people with art, history, and the landscape.

“The Trails at Gilcrease are a part of the expansive new connections the institution is building in response to the interests, perspectives, and needs of the communities we serve,” said Jason Whisenhunt, Executive Director, Gilcrease Museum. “The Gilcrease experience extends far beyond the galleries and collection to support a holistic understanding of how we each relate to these histories, stories, and representations within our walls. The trails, experiences on our grounds, public activities, school and family programs, community events, and other initiatives are bridges that connect people to the amazing story of the Americas that Thomas Gilcrease created with his collection. Each of us is encouraged to find our place within it.”

The trail system will feature accessible outdoor space for all skill levels, including hills designed for mountain biking and flatter areas suited for walking and hiking. In addition to recreation, the project will incorporate seasonal and permanent art installations that reflect the cultural and natural significance of the Gilcrease area.

Bike Club Tulsa, a flagship program of Humble Sons Bike Company, and Rogue Trails will lead construction of the trails and bring their experience in youth cycling, trail building, and outdoor engagement to the project.

“We’re not just building trails, we’re creating opportunities for young people across Tulsa to get outside, grow their skills, and connect with nature,” said Jason Whorton, Executive Director, Humble Sons Bike Company.

The trail system will feature a mix of terrain, including hills designed for mountain biking and flatter areas suited for walking and hiking. In addition to recreation, the project will include seasonal and permanent art installations that reflect the cultural and natural significance of the Gilcrease area.

The new trail system expands on Tulsa’s existing network of more than 100 miles of trails and represents a continued investment in outdoor recreation, community health, and public-private partnerships.

For updates on the project, follow Tulsa Parks on social media. For more info on park programming, visit TulsaParks.RecDesk.com.