Photo By Stacey Reese | The Tulsa District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently presented certificates of...... read more read more
TULSA, Okla. — What began as one project idea in 2016 has now become a vital partnership between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Tulsa District Kaw Lake project, the Phillips 66 Ponca City organization and Kaw City.
The first partnership project was completed in August of 2017. Installing Kaw Lake's first new playground structure since the late 1970s marked the beginning of a series of improvements.
"Phillips 66 Ponca City has been a vital partner for Kaw Lake in recent years," said Kaw Lake Manager Peat Robinson.
"Since the partnership's inception in 2016, together we have completed numerous projects varied in scope and size to improve facilities and increase recreational opportunities for the visiting public to enjoy at Kaw Lake," said Robinson.
In 2019, the partnership expanded with the completion of various projects aimed at enhancing the lake project's environmental and recreational missions.
Three locations around Kaw Lake were improved and planted with flowering pollinators. These pollinator plots benefit local and migratory species.
"Our longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship in Northern Oklahoma underscores our dedication to conserving and enhancing natural resources," said Erin Liberton, the communications and public affairs spokesperson for Phillips 66.
"By investing in these efforts, we demonstrate our belief in the importance of preserving natural landscapes for all to enjoy," said Liberton.
Additionally, a picnic pavilion was relocated from McFadden day use area to Sandy Swim Beach with a new concrete pad, tables and grills.
Water safety bulletin boards were installed at three separate locations around Kaw Lake to support public safety.
Phillips 66 contributed funds to improve the Osage Cove Eagle View Hiking trail in 2020-2021, focusing on access, parking, signage and interpretive education along the trail system.
Coon Creek recreational area received more improvements via the partnership in 2022 and 2023.
This project addressed the need for a new restroom facility at the boat ramp and playground area.
Partnership funds have been received to develop a fitness trail adjacent to the overlook area. This trail will consist of a ½ mile walking loop with benches, interpretation stations and outdoor fitness equipment.
"These improvements benefit everyone who comes to the lake area," said Karla Hunsucker, former mayor of Kaw City. "The playground and trail are used by people from all over this area, not just by those camping at Coon Creek. This is a benefit to the Kaw City community and the lake."
There are additional funds for a picnic pavilion to serve visitors of Coon Creek and tie into the existing playground installed in 2017.
Partnerships enable USACE to manage recreation and environmental resources effectively, allowing for a coordinated effort to address common challenges.
"Partnerships are critical to our programs because the recreation and environmental programs do not compete as well in our budget systems with other missions like hydropower, navigation or flood risk management," said Amanda Palmer, Tulsa District recreation section chief.
| Date Taken: | 08.09.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 08.12.2024 09:38 |
| Story ID: | 478237 |
| Location: | OKLAHOMA, US |
| Web Views: | 63 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, From Playgrounds to Pollinators: The Impact of a Growing Partnership at Kaw Lake, by Stacey Reese, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
