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Update: Where things stand on Turkey Mountain vs. the outlet mall

I’d emphasize that no one I’ve talked to is against building an outlet mall. We’d just prefer to see it built somewhere else. And for the future, it would be good for all the stakeholders involved — the city, land owners, trail users, and so forth — to come up with a long-term use plan that would help us preserve the city’s lone open and wild green space.

Turkey Mountain is a special place, a unique facet to the city of Tulsa. Large numbers of people get outside, get healthy and spend time with their families out here. Tulsa has fine parks, but this is one of those rare places within the city limits where you can get outside and be in a truly natural setting. If we lose it, it’s never coming back.

Turkey Mountain Pink Trails Soon A Mall?

“We’re going to lose a great thing in Tulsa. This is a great area. Lots of trails, lots of shade.  You can’t do this,” says Machelle Moody, park user.

One one side supporters of developing the area and  on the other side users of the urban wilderness who want the green space untouched.

“I believe it’s private property you have a right to do with it what you want. I don’t want anyone infringing on me and my property telling me what I can and can’t do with it.” Marsha Ray is a homeowner.

Petitioners don’t want mall by Turkey Mountain

Infrastructure was another big concern. The traffic an outlet mall would bring to this street would be problematic. The Southwest Tulsa Area Chamber wants to encourage development that brings in sales tax, but they’ll be advocating for the infrastructure changes that would be necessary to make it all safe.

“It’s very heavily traveled. People sometimes park on the side of the road, and they’re trying to imagine something like a huge store and the traffic that it would take to get to that store,” says Matt Crain, from the Southwest Tulsa Area Chamber.

Many people we spoke with said they weren’t against the mall. They just don’t want it anywhere near the park.

“I mean we could use another outlet mall but not at Turkey Mountain. That’s our place to go walk,” says Moore.

Supporters Create Petition To Keep Turkey Mountain Trails Open

“It’s happened before you know, where we’ve been threatened and we’ve been successful, so hopefully this time we will be,” said Turkey Mountain supporter, Dave Ridilla.

Outlet mall could affect Turkey Mountain trails that cross private land

“Trail users at Turkey Mountain go wherever,” said Matt Meyer. “It is kind of a self-made trail that spills over onto private land.”