Turkey Mountain to Tulsa Harbor? More like Tulsa Horror...

They want to do this...



... To this



In the last couple of days, Tulsa area runners have had a bit of a shock. One of the most beloved areas for trail running, trail biking and horseback riding is under assault by a developer who wants to build an amusement park on it. Turkey Mountain is no stranger to controversy.

　
In the past it has been a location for drug deals and other shady activities. But Tulsans have fought to care for this area and in recent years it has been cleaned up and cared for, more regularly patrolled and is, today, a center for the health-conscious, with it's series of trails frequented by 80,000 people a year.


...and this

 　


...and this



But now land developer Jimmy DeJarnette wants to throw away all that work by the citizens of Tulsa and put in an 80 acre "entertainment complex" including an amusement park, hotel resort and a racing museum. Touting jobs and tax dollars and calling it "the crown jewel of the Arkansas River", DeJarnette doesn't say anything about the disruption of lives in the community on the side of Turkey Mountain. He doesn't say anything about how trail runners will be affected. In fact, Mr. DeJarnette doesn't even seem interested, refusing to come out to a town hall meeting to hear and address concerns raised by his proposal. More disturbing to me personally, is that Jimmy DeJarnette seems upset that Tulsans would object to using Turkey Mountain for his "gift" as he calls it. It makes me wonder just what his real motivation is.


Would you like this to be a Ferris wheel?



　



Below is a letter I have written to my district council woman. I hope she takes note and realizes that there are so many more of us out there!

 　







The Honorable Karen Gilbert
Member, Tulsa City Council District 5
Dear Council Member Gilbert,
I have been following the recent developments with the proposed "Tulsa Harbor" development and have become rather upset by some of the things that have been said. In the past few years, Tulsa has made incredible strides in working to become a healthier city. In 2008, the Centers for Disease Control established the Healthy Communities Program. Since it's establishment, only 134 communities have been selected to join this group. in 2010, Tulsa was selected to be included in the membership of this elite group of communities which are committed to turning the tide of such chronic diseases as diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Since that time, through various projects with the River Parks Association and a growing number of volunteers, we have seen the improvement, clean up and use of the River Trails including those at Turkey Mountain and an increase in the quality of life for many Tulsans, including myself and many of those I know.

Now, we have Mr. Jimmy DeJarnette coming in and offering a "gift" of an amusement park on what should be the crowning jewel of Tulsa's own Healthy Communities Program. But Mr. DeJarnette won't come out to the public meeting and answer the concerns of the community he is so desiring to give this "gift" to. Mr. DeJarnette also seemed to be very annoyed by the very prospect that perhaps Tulsans might not be interested in his "gift". And Mr. DeJarnette has said he will not seek a different site for his "gift". It should give one pause to consider just whose good Mr. DeJarnette has in mind with the proposed project.
I understand the desire to have an amusement park nearby. It has not been that long ago that Tulsa had Bells in the midtown area. However, having an amusement park built needs to be carefully considered for placement, not just so that the park fits in with the landscape, but also so that it fits in with the people, the citizens of Tulsa. We, as a city, are getting healthier. Taking away one of the prime centers for that change would be counterproductive. It would be taking several steps backward in one of the most important areas of our life here in Tulsa. Please help us, the citizens of Tulsa, to continue moving forward, not backward.
Thank you for your time,Sincerely,

Robert W. Ray



Leave Turkey Mountain Alone, Mr. DeJarnette!