A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. A few clouds. Low 74F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph..
A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. A few clouds. Low 74F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.
If the definition of “tough act to follow” is taking over a facility already voted USA Today’s Best New Attraction in 2019 and Best City Park in 2021, Julio Badin — the new executive director of Tulsa’s Gathering Place — is the guy for the challenge.
His employer likes his customer experience background with Disneyland Resort and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. Badin likes the park’s focus on community and the idea it belongs to everyone.
“Where do we pay?” is one of the most common questions asked at the park. Badin answers happily that there is no admission fee, and programming and the playground are all free. And food options are varied.
It’s his job to make sure all those moving parts keep moving. “It takes a Herculean effort to maintain the facilities and horticulture,” says the 54-year-old Colombia native, who took over for Tony Moore in August 2021.
The first priorities for Badin are culinary-focused. Vista Restaurant at the Boathouse is open again and hosting catered events. Redbud Cafe offers new menu items, while the best seller — the one-scoop ice cream cone — is still under $2. The Patio serves up burgers, salad bowls, kids’ meals and more.
Free boat rentals are back for summer weekends. The new pedestrian bridge, recently dubbed Williams Crossing, should be ready for foot traffic next year. And neighboring Discovery Lab opened in January.
More good news: “On most days we have capacity for parking,” Badin says, citing the gravel lot at East 33rd Street and Riverside Drive. For weekends and holidays, park-goers can ride free Tulsa Transit shuttles from Tulsa Community College’s metro campus.
Badin routinely walks the park, watching kids delight in the playground and saying hello to visitors. He is proud to see Tulsans show off the park to family and out-of-towners. “They do it with such pride and excitement,” he says.
Two other venues fall under Badin’s oversight: Guthrie Green, celebrating its 10th anniversary this fall; and LowDown music club, located below Duet restaurant at 108 N. Detroit Ave.
“Guthrie Green transformed the Arts District and surrounding businesses,” Badin says of the urban park. “We definitely want to celebrate (in September) with talent and events,” he adds. “And cake.”
The newly named LowDown now features its cornerstone jazz, while making room for other types of live entertainment.
A Tulsa Talks conversation with the Gathering Place executive director.
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