(2008 Core to Shore Framework Plan) Civic leaders and the planning community recognized the opportunity to leverage the city’s relationship to the river in the 2008 “Core to Shore” Framework Plan. Credit: Hargreaves Jones

The Upper Park transforms 36 acres of abandoned land into a landscape of woodlands, grassy areas, gardens, a promontory hill, and a lake - all embedded with features that attract a diversity of users of all ages from all over the city. Image Credit: Timothy Hursley

(Site Plan) The Upper Park creates a vibrant destination that provides a diversity of activities as well as a natural respite in the midst of this growing urban environment. Credit: Hargreaves Jones

The site in 2012 before construction. Image credit: MAPS

The Upper Park transforms 36 acres of abandoned land into a landscape of woodlands, grassy areas, gardens, a promontory hill, and a lake - all embedded with features that attract a diversity of users of all ages from all over the city. Image credit: Timothy Hursley

The park is active 7 days a week and well into the evenings, when the lights of the park create a safe place to be and a vibrant setting for the city’s key destinations including the new hotel and convention center east of the park and new restaurant (in a refurbished gas station) west of the park. Credit: Timothy Hursley

The cafe, Spark, and urban gardens are located along the new Oklahoma City Blvd that replaced I-40, creating a connection to downtown and a future mixed use development site, that now has a prominent park address. Credit: Timothy Hursley

Meandering pathways weave through the gardens and the cafe creates a beacon of color and light, with an indoor / outdoor place to gather. Credit: Timothy Hursley

The Great Lawn and promontory hill hosts day to day recreation, small events, and large concerts. The children’s play area and pavilion provide creative, fun experiences for a variety of ages. The promenade arcs along the east side and connects to the city core. Credit: X

Oklahoma City residents gather at Scissortail Park to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Festivities include live music from local and international touring artists, folkloric dancing, activities for children, a parade of horses and the crowning of Miss Cinco de Mayo. Image credit: Scissortail Park

As a venue supporting health and wellness, Scissortail Park’s Sky Rink offers the perfect opportunity for visitors to get fit while having fun. Image credit: Scissortail Park

Families enjoy a sunny, autumn afternoon fishing at Scissortail Lake. Image credit: Scissortail Park

Greyson Chance, an Oklahoma City native and international pop singer, headlined this year’s Pridefest, performing on the Love’s Travel Stops Stage and Great Lawn. Image credit: Scissortail Park

The children’s play area provides spaces for different age groups and a sequence of unique experiences within the woodland garden environment. The play pavilion with picnic tables, restrooms and park offices creates a shady retreat and support the users and operators of the park. Credit: MAPS

The annual Kite Expo is a family-friendly event that takes place every April. Visitors can learn about the history of wind and kites while decorating and flying a kite of their own. Image credit: Rob Ferguson

Featuring excerpts of traditional ballet and modern dance, the annual Ballet Under the Stars event spotlights professional dancers and brings the beauty of ballet to downtown Oklahoma City. Image credit: Doug Hoke

The wetlands treat the storm water, which is all collected on site and which feeds the lake and supplies water for irrigation. Credit: Timothy Hursley

The Boathouse and Bridge are destinations day and evening. Image credit: Doug Hoke

The lake is a popular spot for hanging out and for cruising about on small paddle boats. Credit: Timothy Hursley

The Park successfully connects “core to shore” with multiple destinations within a green framework with almost 1,000 trees and many more thousands of plants that will mature into a robust landscape as green lungs for the city. Image credit Hargreaves Jones

Visitors walk the promenade while enjoying the Night Market, an outdoor artisan market that features local vendors and promotes support of the community. Image credit: Rob Ferguson

This large open space speaks to the plains that once existed here at the crossroads of the woodlands and plains ecozones of the state, and gives a place to breathe and enjoy a new perspective of the city. Credit: Hargreaves Jones

Children enjoying the rock wall inside the play area. Image credit: Doug Hoke