11-04-2025
What is the missing link in a walking and bike trail completely around OKC?
Oklahoma City residents have much to be proud of — especially our expansive multiuse trail system developed over the past 40 years. These trails serve runners, walkers and cyclists alike, promoting health, connectivity and an enhanced quality of life. Each year, more than a million people of all ages enjoy the trails surrounding Lake Hefner.
More: OKC's Deep Fork Trail future in question as nature preserve seeks to change its route
In 1985 the city hired Charles Flink and his company, Greenways, to develop a comprehensive multiuse trail master plan. This vision was reaffirmed just a few years ago by Bike Walk OKC. Today, nearly all of that original plan has been completed—except for one crucial segment: the Deep Fork Trail in northeast Oklahoma City. This unfinished portion runs east of Bishop McGuinness High School and is designed to connect directly to the Katy Trail.
The Deep Fork Trail is 60% complete. Phase 2 crosses the far north side of the Kirkpatrick Family Fund's land that they call the Red Ridge Nature Preserve. For over a year, the city has had no success in acquiring a 12-foot-wide permanent easement to build the trail. This narrow strip would only require about an acre of their 133 acres.
For the many wanting this trail completed as designed by the trail master plan, it is hard to understand why the Kirkpatrick Family Fund would not allow access to this easement. Phase 2 is funded; however, an alternative route — requiring a river crossing — would cost taxpayers millions of dollars more and would lack funding.
Red Ridge has stated their fear is that the trail would prevent wildlife from accessing the river. That fear is unfounded. Any one using our trails frequently encounter wildlife. Our miles of completed trails are compatible with wildlife.
Unfortunately, the Deep Fork River has tons of garbage and bacteria that could be lethal to animals. Interstate 44 is just across the river along with a deer hunting camp. In short, the river contains multiple threats to wildlife.
The Oklahoma City Trail Advisory Committee has been working for many years on our trails. Recently, at our March 14 meeting, all members unanimously supported the Deep Fork Trail completion according to the Trail Master Plan.
My trail advocacy began in the early 1980s. I have been greatly inspired by two men: Dick Coyle, who founded the Oklahoma City Trail Advisory Committee, and Bert Cooper. Cooper primarily worked to build the trails around Lake Hefner. The city recognized his dedication by naming them the Bert Cooper Trails. Both men strongly supported the trail's master plan and its design.
John Kirkpatrick was a family friend. He was a visionary and generously benefited our city. I sincerely believe if John were alive today, he would welcome the completion of the Deep Fork Trail across his land.
Myself and many trail users desperately hope the Deep Fork Trail will soon be complete. We believe that if the Kirkpatrick Family Fund had a change of heart, it would be doing the Greater Good. Present and future generations would hold them in gratitude.
Hal McKnight is an Oklahoma City resident who is a member of the Oklahoma City Trails Advisory Committee.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Only one gap remains in a 40-year-long OKC trail project | Opinion
