Oklahoma City Breaks Ground on New Lone Oak Park

The 131-acre recreational site will feature multi-use trails and preserve the historic oak tree on the property.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in National Parks

Screen-print poster illustration of a massive oak tree in a prairie landscape near a winding walking path, evoking Oklahoma park development. — Oklahoma City officials broke ground this week on the 131-acre Lone Oak Park, which will preserve the site's namesake historic oak tree. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Oklahoma City officials officially broke ground on the new 131-acre Lone Oak Park. The development transforms land formerly owned by Dean A. McGee, preserving the property's namesake 123-foot-wide oak tree and Bluff Creek.

Why it matters

The park project was made possible by a land donation from Tim Smith, who was approached by Councilman Mark Stonecipher. Community input gathered by the Oklahoma City Parks & Recreation Department helped shape the final site plans.

Lone Oak Park covers 131 acres along Bluff Creek. The site is anchored by a historic Lone Oak tree estimated at 100-150 years old with a canopy width of 123 feet.

The players

Mark Stonecipher

He is an Oklahoma City Councilman who facilitated the land donation for the new public park.

Oklahoma City Parks & Recreation Department

This municipal agency manages public land and recreational programs across the city.

Dean A. McGee

He was a notable figure who previously owned the private farm that now serves as the site for the new city park.

The details

The site, located between NW 150 and NW 164, is slated for a multi-use trail system and a playground. City officials collaborated with Deer Creek Intermediate School students to initiate the construction process.

October 16, 2026: The ground breaking ceremony occurred.

Travel Outlook

This development follows a pattern set by the 2023 OKC Parks and Recreation master plan initiatives to expand regional green space. The project mirrors broader municipal efforts to repurpose former private agricultural lands for public recreation.

Residents can expect future access to new multi-use trails and a playground once construction is completed. The preservation of the natural landscape ensures the site remains a scenic destination for local outdoor activity.

The takeaway

Preserving historic natural landmarks like the 100-year-old Lone Oak tree provides a tangible link to local history within modern recreational spaces. Residents should monitor future city updates for the projected opening date of the trail system.