Scissortail Park

Scissortail Park is a massive urban public green space for Oklahoma City residents and visitors that officially opened in September 2019. The park extends from the downtown core of Oklahoma City to the shore of the Oklahoma River. The space is a multi-use oasis that includes a large children’s play zone.

Working with Hargreaves Jones, Earthscape’s play structures reflect park themes and architecture. The trees, shrubs and grasses throughout the park are primarily native species, so it was natural that local wildlife inspired the playscape. The wolf spider is a show-stopping playable sculpture as it is posed to creep up to a pile of twigs. At 2.5 m tall (8 feet), the spider is a challenging play element that includes tons of ropes, bars and nets on the underside. Moreover, a rewarding view and sense of accomplishment awaits children who are keen to navigate to the top.

Stunning views similarly reward children who find their way to the third level of the 10m (32 foot) play tower. The tower mimics the architecture of surrounding skyscrapers as well as food and event buildings onsite. The tower can be accessed by nets or a 15m (50 foot) bridge. Two stainless steel tube slides are thrilling rides back down to ground level from the 2nd and 3rd platforms. Under the tower, a shaded play zone of rope chaos and a live edge bench offer a sense of enclosure and retreat from the playground activity.

Client: City of Oklahoma – MAPS3
Collaboration: Hargreaves Jones
Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Completion Date: Spring 2019