In advance of a multi-million-dollar tax increase vote, city councilors are taking a look at the rundown condition of Tulsa parks.

Former city councilor Anna America, now Tulsa parks director, said she wants almost $80,000,000.00 for improvements at Tulsa’s 135 parks.

Her plan calls for $10,000,000.00 for tennis courts, $20,000,000.00 to repair roofs and $11,600,000.00 for other needs, including outdoor playground equipment

Private funding paid over $400 million for the Gathering Place but the city spend about $24,000,000.00 to augment that private project. Tulsa does not have outright ownership of the Gathering Place.

America’s wish list totals $79.7 million, nearly all of which would be spent on maintaining structures at the city’s 135 parks covering 8,278 acres.

In recent years, Tulsa officials have removed some recreation centers and closed pools.

Officials would like to tear down the recreation center at Ben Hill Park, 210 E. Latimer Place, which has been closed for several years. The tennis courts at that park are usable.

The recreation center at McClure Park, 7440 E. 7th St., is also closed and in need of repair due to neglect by the city.