What is the River Parks Authority?
The River Parks Authority is a public trust created in 1974 to develop and maintain public park areas along the Arkansas River in Tulsa County. In Tulsa, there are three public park agencies: Tulsa Parks (City of Tulsa), Tulsa County Park Department and the River Parks Authority.

What rules govern public use in River Parks?
Park land controlled by the Authority is governed by Title 26, the City of Tulsa's Parks Ordinance. Most of the property is under the law enforcement jurisdiction of the Tulsa Police Department, except some portions of the Katy Trail.

What are some of the primary rules that apply to River Parks?
• Curfew is 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
• Turkey Mountain curfew is dusk to dawn.
• Pets must be on a leash.
• No firearms.
• Consumption of beverages containing alcohol is prohibited in parking lots. 
• Bicyclists are urged to ride at a safe speed and pass on the left.
• All trail users should keep alert to their surroundings, especially in congested areas and areas with limited visibility. The use of headphones is discouraged.
• All trail users should stay to the right and share the trail.
• Wading or fishing within 150 feet of Zink Dam is prohibited when the warning lights are flashing.

What about park safety?
River Parks covers hundreds of acres along a trail corridor that stretches from Sand Springs through Tulsa to Jenks. Trees and shrubs adjacent to the trail are kept trimmed and the trail is lighted in most areas of the park. A number of areas of the park are isolated and are well away from vehicular traffic or residential areas. Trail and park users should always be aware of their surroundings and observe normal precautions for their personal safety. This includes wearing light-reflective clothing after dark, avoiding the use of headphones and locking all parked vehicles. Women are encouraged to use the trails with a companion, especially after dark.

Who do I call if I have a problem in River Parks?
Park users should immediately call 911 to report any suspicious activity, criminal activity or serious hazards in River Parks. Coins are not necessary to call 911 from a pay phone. To report lights out, the need for minor repairs or any other problem, please call the River Parks Authority, 918.596.2001, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.

What is Zink Lake?
Zink Lake refers to the impoundment pool on the Arkansas River between Zink Dam at 29th Street and 11th Street/Southwest Boulevard. The dam is a popular fishing spot and Zink Lake is used for non-motorized boating, primarily rowing. A public boat ramp is located on the west bank of the river at 2100 South Jackson. "Primary body contact" water activities such as swimming are prohibited.

What are the rules for fishing in River Parks?
Fishing is allowed in most areas of the park, subject to all applicable Oklahoma fishing laws. A fishing license is required for all Oklahoma state residents aged 16 & over and for all non-residents. Fishing regulations are enforced by the game rangers of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Striped Bass and catfish are tested regularly and are deemed safe to eat by the Tulsa City-County Health Department. 

Are River Parks' facilities modified for persons with disabilities?
Yes. Restrooms, parking areas, playgrounds and picnic areas are designed to accommodate handicapped individuals. The Pedestrian Bridge and its fishing piers are designed to accommodate wheelchairs.

Are there lighted trails?
Most of the trails are lighted from dusk to dawn. The Katy Trail is not lighted between 11th Street in Tulsa and 81st West Avenue in Sand Springs. The Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area has no lighting except in its parking area; however, this area of the park has a special dusk to dawn curfew and is not open for public use after dark.

What kinds of park activities require permits?
An "event," defined as any organized gathering or activity, public or private, which requires coordination by the River Parks staff, requires a permit. An event includes the reservation of any facilities or areas of the park and/or any of the following elements: the use of park electricity or water; sound amplification; selling or giving away food, beverages, merchandise or materials including brochures, handbills or pamphlets; providing entertainment, sports instruction or education; and audio, film or photographic productions for commercial use. In addition, placement of a cache in River Parks for the purpose of geocaching requires permission by the River Parks Authority. 

How do I reserve the park and/or schedule an event?
To reserve a portion of the park or to hold an event, you must complete an event application and return it to the River Parks Authority office. For more information about planning an event in River Parks, call 918.596.2001, or go to the "Events" page on this website.