Tulsa County Parks

In 1920, the Lost City Stone Company was established, becoming the first of three limestone quarries to operate in this area. The company supplied the stone used to pave Tulsa’s streets. By the mid-1920s, F. Zenith Limestone Co. was in full operation, sending massive limestone blocks down the cliffs toward the banks of the Arkansas River. Crews drilled nearly 20 holes a day, filling them with dynamite to blast the rock face. In 1928, pressure built up inside the holes, causing an early explosion that tragically killed workers and trapped others. By the 1950s, the quarry changed hands and became Chandler Materials Co., marking the end of quarry operations in the area.

Learn more Tulsa County Parks history by following along with us!

Parks are more than places to play. They are places where stories, families and legacies come together. Earlier this month, Tulsa County Parks unveiled new entrance signage at O’Brien Park, turning a simple update into a meaningful celebration of history and community. The moment brought together generations of the O’Brien family to honor the legacy of Frank O’Brien, a dedicated civic leader whose vision for North Tulsa continues to shape the park today. And that's the 💚

Park sign unveiling connects O’Brien family legacy to the future Tulsa County Parks unveiled new entrance signage at O’Brien Park, turning a simple update into a meaningful celebration of history and community. The moment brought together generations of the O’Brien family to honor the legacy of Frank O’Brien, a dedicated civic leader whose vision for North ...

This area of Tulsa looks very different today. What was once wide open land is now full of life and activity. From tennis matches and golf rounds to croquet games, walking and jogging paths, and playgrounds filled with laughter, this space has grown into the vibrant LaFortune Park we enjoy today.

Oilman J.A. LaFortune saw the potential of the land and donated $250,000 to Tulsa County to build a park. He did so because he “wanted to give back to the city that had been so good to me.”
[📍1958]

This week, campers learned all about the monarch butterfly migration. Their creativity took flight as they fluttered onto paper, creating beautiful butterflies we’d love to see filling our gardens. 🦋