Water coming to Tulsa’s Zink Lake

This week, Tulsans will notice increased and varying levels of water in the 2.5-mile stretch of the Arkansas River behind the new Zink Dam. As the 10-foot dam gates are exercised for the opening, the amount of water in the lake will vary as the City’s contractor conducts testing and Klling operations to be able to start running water through the 5ume.

“It is just wonderful - after so many people have worked hard for so many years - to see our new lake becoming a reality,” Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum said. “This lake will be transformative for Tulsa by harnessing our greatest natural feature: the Arkansas River. As Kne tuning occurs throughout the spring and summer, Labor Day weekend will soon be here, and the opening of Zink Lake will introduce canoeing, kayaking, and recreational amenities to make our new lake a regional recreational destination. I want to thank my fellow Tulsans for their commitment to this project in the belief that our city should live up to its potential. We are getting close!”

Despite water being in Zink Lake, the lake and Williams Crossing will remain closed to the public prior to opening weekend while the city works to Kne-tune the 5ume and its procedures. While certain recreational activities will be allowed in the lake when it opens, no recreational activities will be allowed before Labor

Day Weekend 2024.

On-site signage is being placed at various River Parks locations notifying the public of the Zink Lake closure while informing residents of how to get more information on the project.

A broad array of activities and recreational opportunities are expected to be available at Zink Lake when it opens. Anticipated water activities include non-motorized watercraft like kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, etc. A 1,000-foot whitewater 5ume is located in Zink Lake on the east bank where wave shapers and 5ume pools will be available for kayakers. Swimming is not an activity anticipated on the lake. Recreational activities can be expected to commence when Zink Lake opens on Labor Day 2024.

Concession opportunities are expected, and when Zink Lake opens along with Williams Crossing, there will be connections to the bridge and the east and west banks through sidewalks and trails. Walkways will offer Zink Lake visitors the opportunity to be right by the water and 5ume.

Fishing is expected to be available from the banks, but not in the 5ume.

Testing protocols are currently being rekned for nine different parameters, which include both biological and chemical considerations.