Will Rogers Park

Will Rogers Park is a historic 30-acre park located at the corner of 36th Street and Portland Avenue in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Originally purchased by city leaders in 1912, the park's development began in 1932 under the guidance of City Horticulturist Henry Walter. The park is one of Oklahoma City's oldest park properties and has been a horticultural showplace since the 1930s.

The park features several distinct areas dedicated to horticulture and recreation. The Charles E. Sparks Color Garden, spanning 1.63 acres, showcases a variety of colorful annuals and perennials. Adjacent to this is the 7-acre arboretum, which houses hundreds of tree varieties, including both native Oklahoma species and rare cultivars. Some of the oldest trees in the arboretum were planted by Henry Walter himself in the 1930s.

A notable feature of Will Rogers Park is the Ed Lycan Conservatory, which houses one of Oklahoma's largest collections of cacti and succulents. The conservatory, originally built in 1924 and moved to the park in 1936, provides a unique environment for these specialized plants.

Throughout the park, visitors can find various structures built from native red sandstone, a legacy of the work done by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the 1930s. These features, along with small lakes, rolling hills, and curving paths, contribute to the park's naturalistic landscape design.

Will Rogers Park also serves an educational purpose, offering horticultural programs and classes for visitors of all ages. The Garden Exhibition Building, the main facility in the park, hosts these educational events as well as flower shows and sales. The park has been home to the Oklahoma City Council of Garden Clubs since 1938, further emphasizing its role in the local gardening community.

The park's design and features make it not only a place for horticultural education and display but also a space for community gathering and recreation. Its historic significance, combined with its ongoing role in public education and enjoyment, solidifies Will Rogers Park as an important green space in Oklahoma City.