Martin Park celebrates 50 years with ceremony, hikes and hands-on fun

Oklahoma City will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Martin Park, 5000 W. Memorial Rd., with a meadow planting at 9 a.m. and a rededication ceremony at 11 a.m. on May 10. 

Officially dedicated in 1975, the 144-acre park features a nature center and 2½ miles of trails, including a half-mile accessible path. It attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and offers free admission. 

On May 10, visitors can participate in the planting of native plants in the meadow located on the northwest corner of the park, west of the parking lot. While participants are encouraged to bring their own trowels and gardening tools, these are not required. Closed-toed shoes are recommended, as the ground may be soft. 

The rededication ceremony will be held at the picnic pavilion on the south end of the parking lot. In case of rain, the ceremony will move to the Visitor Center. 

Ward 8 Councilman Mark Stonecipher and Neil Garrison, Martin Park’s longest-serving naturalist, will speak at the event. A volunteer recognition ceremony is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. at the picnic pavilion. 

Additional activities are planned through Sunday to mark the anniversary: 

• Guided hikes at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. through Sunday. 
• A self-guided scavenger hunt from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Sunday. 
• Children’s activities in the Martin Park Nature Center from 3-5 p.m. Friday, 4-5 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. 

All events are free, and commemorative posters are available while supplies last. 

Free shuttle service will run from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 10 and noon to 7 p.m. May 11, between the park and Mercy Hospital’s Meinders Neuroscience Institute, 4120 W. Memorial Rd. 

All programs are subject to cancellation due to weather or unsafe trail conditions. 

Summer hours for Martin Park are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. The visitor center is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.