News Release

Flower Park at Chickasaw National Recreation Area to open

NPS Photo

News Release Date: May 18, 2024

Contact: Public Affairs

SULPHUR, Okla. – Beginning at 12 noon on Sunday, May 19, Chickasaw National Recreation Area will reopen Flower Park. The park continues to recover from the tornado that touched on April 27.

The tornado and associated heavy flooding caused significant damage to the park and the community of Sulphur. National Park Service crews have been working diligently to open sections of the park for visitation.

"We are thrilled to announce the reopening of Flower Park, one of our most prominent public areas," stated Acting Superintendent Devon Bradley. "While there is still ongoing work being done, the primary hazards have been addressed, and we are eager to welcome visitors back. Please be aware there are a few sections in Flower Park that still require attention, so we kindly ask everyone to avoid those blocked-off areas."

A community event, sponsored by the Sulphur Chamber of Commerce, will be held from 1 pm to 3 pm on Sunday, May 19^th at Flower Park to help clean up small debris and brush. Participants should wear sturdy shoes, long pants, and bring their own work gloves, if available.

Open Areas: 

• Flower Park 
• Cold Springs Campground 
• Central Campground 
• Buckhorn Campground Loops A, B, C and D 
• Buckhorn boat launch, courtesy dock, fishing dock, and picnic areas 
• Most of the Platt Historic District that is east of U.S. Route 177, including Southeast and Northeast Perimeter Drive, all trails east of the highway, the Travertine Nature Center, and Little Niagara.  
• Guy Sandy courtesy dock, fishing dock, and boat launch. 
• The Point courtesy dock, fishing dock, boat launch, picnic areas, and campground. 

Closed Areas: 

• Most of the western portion of the Platt National Park Historic District, including: 
  • Rock Creek Campground 
  • Veterans Lake 
  • Bromide Pavilion and Picnic Area 
  • Bromide Overlook 
  • Black Sulphur Springs 
  • Walnut Grove 
• Eagle Bay 
• Breezy Point and Post Oak Roads 
• Bluestem Prairie 
• All areas marked as closed with physical barriers such as gates, traffic cones, flagging tape, and sandwich boards. 

As you reenter the park, please respect the current closures and be mindful even in open areas of the park as unknown hazards may exist. Crews are still working in both open and closed areas of the park so be aware of potential short traffic delays and possible trail closures. Park staff will continue to post the most up to date information via social media and the park website.

For more information about Chickasaw National Recreation Area and for updates on park operations, visit https://www.nps.gov/chic/planyourvisit/conditions.htm or follow the park’s social media accounts, username ChickasawNPS, on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

About the National Park ServiceMore than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 429 National Parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.