Gathering Place is a world-class riverfront park in Tulsa, Oklahoma, designed to foster a vibrant, inclusive community where visitors of all ages can explore, learn, and connect. Spanning 66.5 acres along the Arkansas River, it has earned national acclaim, including USA TODAY’s Best City Park of 2024 and a spot on National Geographic’s list of Top 100 Unexpected Travel Destinations.

This dynamic green space offers endless opportunities for play and discovery—all at no cost—making it a true destination for both Tulsans and visitors from around the world. From a five-acre playground and sports courts to a pump track, prairies, and gardens, the park invites boundless outdoor adventures.
Two iconic landmarks within the park—Williams Lodge and ONEOK Boathouse—serve as hubs of exploration. Williams Lodge provides a warm and inviting retreat for relaxation, while ONEOK Boathouse offers a vibrant cultural experience, featuring permanent and rotating exhibits alongside a variety of engaging programs.

What specific measures do you or your team implement to ensure this space meets the highest standards of cleanliness and embodies the value of clean?

In addition to conducting ISSA cleanliness audits, Gathering Place fosters a “see something, say something” culture across all operations. This empowers team members from every department to play an active role in maintaining the park’s safety and cleanliness by reporting anything that falls short of our commitment to a world-class community park.

How does cleaning this space contribute to the health and safety of those who use it?

Gathering Place is a park for everyone—welcoming, accessible, and free to all. Our dedicated custodial team upholds this mission by maintaining a clean, inviting environment with a strong commitment to sustainability. We prioritize eco-friendly practices by avoiding chemicals that could impact the nearby river, using low-fragrance supplies to accommodate sensory sensitivities, and ensuring that changing areas and event spaces remain spotless and accessible for guests with special needs.

What does having a spotless space mean to you and your team?

Our team believes a spotless environment is essential to engaging, educating, and inspiring our guests. Whether visitors are strolling a well-maintained path to the playground, enjoying coffee at Williams Lodge, unwinding on the basketball courts, or attending free educational events at ONEOK Boathouse, cleanliness reflects our commitment to their experience. A pristine Gathering Place not only elevates every visit but also instills a deep sense of pride in the meaningful space we provide for our community.