Collaboration between Oklahoma City residents, civic leaders, artists and construction and design professionals helped the team on the $101.5-million Scissortail Park deliver the community’s vision for the largest park ever to be built in the state. The project included the first phase of the 70-acre facility—the 36-acre upper section. The lower section is set to break ground this year.

Scissortail Park is part of Oklahoma City’s historic MAPS 3 initiative, a $777-million, citizen-led capital improvement program that uses a 1-cent, limited-term sales tax to build quality-of-life projects without taking on any debt. Oklahoma City leaders envisioned the park as the “crown jewel” of the city’s renaissance and an urban oasis that would link the downtown core to the shores of the Oklahoma River.

As part of a local revitalization, the park was under construction at the same time as four major construction projects adjacent to the site—the Oklahoma City Convention Center, the Omni Luxury Hotel, the OKC Streetcar and work on Oklahoma City Boulevard. Early coordination was essential to overcoming challenges in these overlapping projects. 

Downey Contracting implemented fast-track and lean scheduling methods to complete the project on time and on budget despite 100-year rains in 2019 that delayed construction for 60 days.

By seeking shared innovation with artists, designers, architects and engineers, the project team developed a unique design with such pieces as artistic stainless-steel light towers, one-of-a-kind playground features and dog drinking fountains. The design also reduced heat island effects by 60% and minimized light pollution and glare by using energy-efficient lighting.

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