Shenanigans and Serviceberries: A COVID-19 Update
“Sir, you need to leave the Park!” exclaimed Paul, incredulous at what he was seeing. The perpetrator in question was in the process of defecating while hidden among the azalea beds, but that didn’t stop Paul from taking a stand, albeit begrudgingly. The man’s menacing retort, “I’ve got a blade with your name on it!!!” was not entirely unexpected, so Paul had no recourse but to call the Tulsa Police Department and let them take over.
Never a dull moment at our weekly staff meetings, we often can’t help ourselves but to spend a few minutes regaling each other with the most bizarre happenings in Woodward Park. In addition to knife brandishing and open defecation, there have also been injured wildlife, plant theft, vandalism, and even park guests in various states of undress. Awkward! Although most incidences tend to be fairly innocuous, we do occasionally encounter real threats so that heightened situational awareness and watching out for each other are prioritized above all else to remain safe.
The most notable item at our staff meetings of late, though, has been something else altogether menacing. Manifesting itself not as a 6 foot tall perp, but, rather, 6 feet of social distancing. What was once a classroom accommodating over 100 guests, the Helmerich Horticultural Center is now staged with 10 chairs, doors wide open, and copious amounts of hand sanitizer. What hasn’t changed, though, and which brings us comfort as we contemplate our new normal, is the fact that Peggy continues to smile down on us, a constant reminder of those who love the Park as much as we do.
While fresh-baked service berry muffins from the Linnaeus Teaching Garden help to lighten a weighty agenda, we are admittedly anxious as our team navigates uncharted waters. We discuss and strategize a cautious timeline to phase our reopening, how to maximize limited resources to generate revenue during a time when businesses across the country are permanently closing, and how best to articulate that our wait-and-see approach is the only option given that 86% of our volunteers are over the age of 65.
Our decision, as of June 1st, is to remain closed to the public. We have been extremely fortunate that Woodward Park has remained open since the world began to close in March, and have also been truly blessed to see so many locals visiting the Park each day. Some, after years away, have come back to enjoy the peace and solitude, while many others are visiting for the very first time. Families bring blankets, friends bring their lawn chairs, and pups-a-plenty are eagerly sniffing out squirrel tracks while taking their hoomans for leisurely strolls.
Although we anticipate remaining closed until at least September 1st, that is not to say that life hasn’t starting to blossom again within our 100-year old, historic buildings. With key changes in place to safeguard against the spread of COVID-19, we are moving forward to fulfill our privately contracted event rentals at The Mansion and Linnaeus Teaching Garden. With couples now preferring outdoor ceremonies, we feel blessed to be able to safely accommodate those trying to celebrate life’s beautiful moments again.
Until such time as it is prudent to welcome everyone back, we pray you and yours are safe and healthy.