Will Rogers Park: An Eden in Oklahoma City

One of Oklahoma City’s often missed gems is Will Rogers Park. Located a little off the beaten path, it provides a soothing escape from the noises of the city.

Upon entering Will Rogers Park from Portland Avenue (Pat Murphy Drive runs from Portland through the park), it appears to be the same old city park story of grass, trees, benches, and small playgrounds. And for the unadventurous visitor, that’s all it will remain because those amenities cover a good portion of the front of the park. Will Rogers Park, however, has a great deal more to offer.

For one, it has an amphitheater, frisbee-golf courses, and tennis courts, all of which provide hours of fun. Of course, it also has large open areas for soccer matches, games of tag, and the like. But that is just beginning. Will Rogers true treasures are the gardens located near I-44 at the back of the park. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the edge of the park’s pond and into the beautiful field that contains the park’s famous rose gardens. Row after row of roses line the gardens, from the exotic to the more common. The park has over 100 varieties of roses all with their own unique colors and scents. This part of the park alone is worth the trip.

As visitors continue their stroll through the park, they will run across walking trails through trees, bridges, and sculptured rock and garden areas. Water runs throughout the park in streams and a pond. Each turn brings a new delight. One area even has an herb garden with a rose-covered trellis, perfect for a romantic outing.

The trees are one of the parks highlights. Care has been taken to provide a variety of trees for the park’s arboretum including Oaks, Crab Apples, Crape Myrtles, Junipers, and Redbuds. In the fall, the park turns spectacular shades of reds, golds, and oranges.