The Story of BC Franklin Park

The “better-mousetrap theory” works wonders when applied to devices, applications and innovation. It falls however in perceived needs, actual needs and the definition of better when applied to real people in real communities. The story of B.C. Franklin Park in North Tulsa Oklahoma is an example of a local city entity developing a better mousetrap when the people didn’t have a mouse problem. I find this analogy best describes how the people of North Tulsa were side-stepped by city government.

B.C. Franklin Park had been in need of repair for years, however elements within Tulsa’s city government consistently limited project development, improvement and funding in the North Tulsa community. In 2001, Tulsans voted to restore B.C. Franklin Park with the 3rd Penny Sales Tax Initiative. Despite a passed initiative and the collection of funds, Tulsa Parks Department came up with a plan to demolish the park. The Recreation Center and pool would be demolished and replaced with a “splash pad” and walking trails. An aversion laced in social snobbery, once again short changing an entire community. With a ground swell of opposition, the city responded, “You take what is offered, or nothing at all.” The B.C. Franklin Park project went on hold.

Twelve years later, now in total disrepair, the Mayor of Tulsa postponed demolition of B.C. Franklin Park, spurred by messages on white sheets draped across the fences of B.C. Franklin, Springdale and Ben Hill centers. The abrasive statements received media attention as well as responses from the city. Six residents filed a lawsuit in an attempt to stop the demolition, however in September 2012 a district judge dismissed the case. Would this happen in a “non-black” community - a city park held captive for twelve years?

Tulsa’s color lines don’t erase easy when it comes to city services. Thursday, May 1, 2014, city crews began demolishing B.C. Franklin’s recreation center and pool. There were claims that the city went around efforts by councilors to save the buildings, and claims that the city tried to slip the demolition past the citizens by starting early in the morning - the height of indulging obstinacy.

After years of debate among the citizens and city officials it is said a consensus was reached; yet the Tulsa World reported on May 2, 2014: “City officials then agreed to hold more talks with neighborhood residents to come up with new amenities, but they were unable to reach an agreement”. As with any media source, perceptions are at play and reports differ.

I do not take issue with or hold any rancor toward the participating parties – of which I was one. The Joe Louis Neighborhood Association, Jerod J. Widemon and organized residents did a fantastic job consolidating a meeting of minds – or a conflicted win/win. My aversion lies in the social snobbery which created the need for a “better mouse trap” when the residents of North Tulsa didn’t “initially” have a mouse problem.

Yes, after the funds raised in the 2001- 3rd Penny Sales Tax Initiative were re-allocated, and B.C. Franklin Park was left to sit in disrepair for twelve years, demolition appeared to be the best option. And yes, the city has plans to destroy parks and demolish recreation centers in other part of the city. This remains however little resolve for a community who spent twelve years trying to save a much loved park.

A splash pad takes the place of the pool, a Black Wall Street themed playground, an adult outdoor fitness center, benches, shelters with tables, barbecue grills, a bike rack, picnic tables, a drinking fountain and trail and parking lot improvements take the place of a recreation center. No more indoor arts and craft programs, educational programs, fitness programs or community meetings.

Gone is our gathering place. The fight is over the buildings are gone. The allocated funds have disappeared as has much of the infrastructure of a once thriving community. North Tulsa has what the City decided was best for the community and its residents. Democracy for the people, by the people? Think again, North Tulsa, think again.