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Tulsa City Council Discusses Arkansas River Ordinances
7/24/2024
This article was archived on 8/10/2024
New Rules Set Stage for Recreation at Zink Lake, South Tulsa Lake
(Tulsa, OK) – Ahead of the opening of Zink Lake on Labor Day Weekend 2024, the Tulsa City Council met Wednesday to discuss new rules and ordinances that set the stage for what activities will be permissible in Zink Lake before it opens.
“As we prepare for the opening of Zink Lake, I want to thank my colleagues on the Tulsa City Council for their work to ensure ordinances are in place to allow for a variety of recreational opportunities that will forever change the way we use the River,” Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum said. “Moving forward, every Tulsan will soon be able to make their own determination on how they engage with Zink Lake and our community’s vision for the River will soon be realized.”
Updated and revised ordinances are necessary to allow expected activities in the Zink Lake (and the future South Tulsa Lake) and provide clarity on permissible and prohibited activities.
The Tulsa City Council is expected to vote on the proposed ordinance July 31.
"I’m thankful for the community members who provided their expertise in good faith to shape these policies," District 4 City Councilor Laura Bellis said. "This historic activation of such a significant natural asset, our river, will make it possible for our community to more accessibly engage with nature and one another."
In summary, ordinances address the following areas:
Boundaries of Zink Lake and South Tulsa Lake
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Zink Lake encompasses the water/riverbed between Zink Dam and the southernmost edge of the Southwest Boulevard / U.S. Route 66 bridge.
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South Tulsa Lake encompasses the water/riverbed between the South Tulsa Dam, when constructed, and the southernmost edge of the 71st Street bridge.
Water activities and permissible watercraft
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Zink Lake will be a no-wake zone, with watercraft limited to slow-moving vessels without combustion engines.
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Watercraft users will be prohibited from deliberately jumping off of their watercraft into either lake.
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All watercraft users should abide by posted signage, such as hours of operation, etc.
Swimming
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Swimming or wading is prohibited without the written consent of the appropriate Board or its representative, except in swimming, wading or spray pools constructed for such activities or areas specifically designated for such activities. Further, no person shall swim or wade in any pool at any time when the pool is not open to the public.
Fishing guidelines
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Fishing is permitted in Zink Lake and the South Tulsa Lake and is permitted only from the banks or other no-wake watercraft.
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Fishing from the new pedestrian bridge, Williams Crossing, and fishing in the whitewater flume is prohibited.
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Bow fishing and fishing by set (bank) lines, trotlines, float (jug) lines, gigs or spears is prohibited unless posted signage says otherwise.
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Fishing by use of seine for minnows or for other aquatic animals is prohibited.
Tulsans can read the full, proposed ordinance
online.
Currently, Zink Lake is closed, and public access is prohibited as these ordinances are refined and construction continues. No-entry signs are posted at various locations along the east and west banks of the river.
ABOUT ZINK LAKE
The Zink low-water dam is a voter-approved, $48 million amenity that will revolutionize the way people experience the Arkansas River. River Parks Authority is responsible for the management and operations of the City of Tulsa's Zink Lake and the whitewater flume. For more information on Zink Lake, visit
www.cityoftulsa.org/zink.
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