Due to construction, there are no events scheduled at this time.

Please check back as we get closer to reopening in April, 2011 to learn about our new events and activities.

Construction FAQ

Why are the Gardens closing?
The Gardens and Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory are closing to make way for a new renovation project that will transform the Gardens into a vibrant new space for people to gather and recreate.

How long will the Gardens be closed?
At this time, it is anticipated that the Gardens will be closed approximately one year. The Gardens and Crystal Bridge will be closed to the public beginning April 26, 2010.

When will the Gardens reopen?
Pending weather or other construction delays, the outdoor grounds and Crystal Bridge are scheduled to reopen in Spring, 2011.

What are the renovation projects?

Crystal Bridge: The first project is the re-glazing of the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory. The 24-year-old building has seen its share of Oklahoma wind and weather. As such, the acrylic panels on the Crystal Bridge (there are over 3,000 of them) are in need of replacement. They will be replaced with new, clear panels.

In addition, the cylindrical steel frame that makes up the support for the panels will be micro-blasted in order to remove old paint, rust and debris. They will then be repainted and new panels installed.

The overall effect will be a new “clear” Crystal Bridge.

South Entry: A dynamic, new entry portal will be added to the south end of the Crystal Bridge. This new entryway will welcome visitors from a grand courtyard area that will serve as the northern gateway to the city’s Core to Shore project. It will include a new Visitors’ Information Center, restrooms, and drive-through drop-off zone for buses and tour groups.

Outdoor Grounds: The outdoor grounds of the Myriad Gardens will be significantly transformed into a new multi-use outdoor recreation space that includes the addition of several new features: a restaurant, café, children’s garden, grand event lawn and multiple water features. Additional improvements will also be made to the Gardens’ water stage. Attractive new entry areas will invite visitors in from outside. Overall, the new design will greatly enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the outdoor space.

In addition, the new outdoor amenities will be compliant with current ADA guidelines.

How were the projects decided upon?

Crystal Bridge re-glazing: The re-glazing project for the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory was included in the 2007 General Obligation Bond initiative what was approved by a vote of the public.

Outdoor Grounds:  A steering committee comprised of the City of Oklahoma City management and staff, members of the Myriad Gardens Foundation Board of Directors, as well as community stakeholders and volunteers, have been working for over 18 months with architects and other consultants on the design and make-up of the new Gardens.

The committee sought input from citizens during a public meeting on August 23, 2008. Several of the additions to the Gardens, including the restaurant, open seating area, and children’s garden, were discussed during this public meeting.

Additionally, plans for the Gardens were made open to discussion during a series of six public meetings held for the City’s Project180 initiative.

Who are the contractors?

Crystal Bridge re-glazing:
Downey Construction, Oklahoma City

Myriad Gardens / Outdoor Grounds Demolition:
Lippert Bros., Inc., Oklahoma City

Architectural Design:
Frankfurt-Short-Bruza Associates, Oklahoma City
Gensler, Washington, DC

Outdoor Grounds / Gardens Design:
The Office of James Burnett, Solana Beach, CA
Murase & Associates, Portland, Ore.

How are the projects being funded?
There are two funding sources for the project:

Funds for the re-glazing of the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory and the Conservatory’s new south entryway are being funded through the voter-approved 2007 General Obligation Bond.

Improvements to the outdoor grounds are being funded as part of the City’s Project180 downtown improvement initiative. Monies for Project180 are being funded through the Tax Increment Financing from the construction and appraisal of the new Devon Tower.

The overall budget for the project is $38 million.

PLANT AND ANIMAL LIFE

What will happen to the plants in the Crystal Bridge?
Staff horticulturalists have been working diligently to provide solutions to care for our plant life while the Crystal Bridge is under construction. Some of the more delicate specimens will be transferred to green houses within the Parks Department. Other plants will be carefully wrapped with protective materials to ensure they are not harmed during construction work. In addition, protective tarps will be hung from the upper frame of the Crystal Bridge in order to prevent any debris from dropping onto plants during the blasting and painting process.

What will happen to the trees and plants in the outdoor Gardens?
As with any major construction project, some plant life will be lost. However, the steering committee for the redevelopment of the outdoor grounds has been working with staff horticulturalists as well as national tree experts to ensure the viability of the majority of the Gardens’ over 700 trees.

Some trees will be lost due to attrition. However, most of these trees have either suffered significant damage during the 2007 ice storm, or are nearing the end of their natural tree life.  Trees that are removed will be chipped down to a pre-determined size and turned over to the North Canadian Waste Water Treatment facility to be added to composting for use around the city.

The bulk of the larger specimen trees such as the oaks, bald cypress, sycamore and sweetgum will be spared. Protective wrappings and fencing will be installed to minimize the potential for trunk damage from large equipment.

As part of the Gardens re-design, new specimen trees will be added to select planting areas on the outdoor grounds so the overall tree life will be even more vibrant than before the renovation.

What will happen to the fish in the Gardens outdoor ponds?
As of April 26, 2010, over 2,000 fish had been removed from the Myriad Gardens ponds. Game fish suitable for life in the wild were relocated to bodies of water within the city of Oklahoma City parks system, including the Oklahoma River. The Japanese Koi were transported to a secure environment where they can be monitored until they are relocated back into the Gardens' ponds.

For more information, please contact us at 297-3995.