Tulsa Parks Celebrates New Bike Club Headquarters and Inclusive Playground at Bales Park

Tulsa Parks Celebrates New Bike Club Headquarters and Inclusive Playground at Bales Park

3/30/2026

Bales Park Transformation Celebration showcases accessibility, youth opportunity, and community partnership

Tulsa Parks, community partners, and local leaders gathered Friday at Bales Park, 5801 S. Union Ave., to celebrate the opening of the new Bike Club headquarters and a fully inclusive playground, marking a major milestone in the park's transformation and a significant investment in District 2.

Together, the projects expand opportunities for accessible recreation, youth development, and neighborhood revitalization, turning Bales Park into a hub for families of all abilities.

The newly completed Bike Club headquarters establishes a permanent home for the nonprofit's youth cycling programs, trail-building efforts, and outdoor recreation initiatives, representing the latest chapter in a transformation that began as a small after-school program in partnership with Tulsa Public Schools. In collaboration with Tulsa Park and local schools, Bike Club now serves young people across the city by providing access to bicycles, safe riding environments, mentoring, life-skills development, and opportunities to build confidence, independence, and lifelong healthy habits. Today, Humble Sons Bike Company (HSBC) reaches thousands of children and families each year while contributing to the development of Tulsa's trail systems, including soft-surface trails at Bales Park and other partner locations that are accessible to adaptive riders.

In addition to the new headquarters, Bales Park now features a new inclusive playground designed for children of all abilities. The playground replaces aging equipment with a modern, barrier-free design shaped by accessibility advocates, parents, and inclusive play professionals.

The project was made possible through a $750,000 investment from the Sanford & Irene Burnstein Family Foundation, which has funded multiple inclusive playgrounds across Tulsa, including facilities at Whiteside Park and Hicks Park. Bales Park also now includes the City's first accessible softball field, further expanding opportunities for inclusive recreation.

Mayor Monroe Nichols said during the celebration that the dual investment reflects Tulsa's commitment to expanding opportunity and strengthening neighborhoods.

"This celebration shows what is possible when strong partnerships come together around a shared vision," Mayor Nichols said. "The Bike Club headquarters will serve youth from across Tulsa, while the inclusive playground ensures children of all abilities have a place to play together. Investments like these strengthen families, neighborhoods, and our entire city."

Tulsa Parks Director Anna America said the improvements represent a transformational moment for the park and the surrounding community.

"Bales Park is becoming a place where everyone can belong and participate," America said. "From youth cycling programs to inclusive play and adaptive sports, these additions create opportunities for families to be active together. We are grateful to the partners whose vision and generosity made this transformation possible."

District 2 City Councilor Anthony Archie emphasized the project's local significance.

"Our new inclusive playground is a direct investment into the families of West Tulsa and across the city," Councilor Archie said. "Bales Park will be a place where our community can gather, have fun, and find belonging. Residents should come and see it. I'm so grateful for the support of the Burnstein Family Foundation. We're building a stronger Tulsa together."

Elizabeth Hall, Executive Director of the Sanford & Irene Burnstein Family Foundation, said the project reflects the foundation's long-term vision for inclusive public spaces.

"The Sanford & Irene Burnstein Family Foundation is thrilled to celebrate the opening of a new inclusive playground," Hall said. "The investments in adaptive playgrounds and the Foundation's work in additional park projects represent its vision for public places of play, connection, and learning. Where children and families of all abilities can gather and be inspired. The ongoing collaboration with partnering agencies, community members, and the City of Tulsa reflects the Sanford & Irene Burnstein Family Foundation's commitment to safe, inclusive, and accessible urban green spaces for all Tulsans."

Jason Whorton, Executive Director of Humble Sons Bike Company, said the opening marks a major step forward in expanding programs and impact across Tulsa.

"What makes this project so special is how it came together," Whorton said. "Through philanthropy, volunteer support, and strong partnership with Tulsa Parks, an underutilized space has been transformed into a vibrant hub for youth and families. We hope it inspires similar investments in communities across Tulsa."

Following the formal program, families explored the playground, toured the Bike Club facility, and participated in community activities throughout the afternoon.

For more information about Tulsa Parks' programs and facilities, visit TulsaParks.RecDesk.com.