News Release
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Contact: Public Affairs
SULPHUR, Okla. – On April 27, 2024, an EF-3 tornado touched down in Chickasaw National Recreation Area and caused significant damage to the park on its path towards downtown Sulphur. The main area impacted within the park was the western half of the Platt Historic District, including Flower Park and the maintenance yard. Heavy rainfall flooded creeks and lakes within the park as well, prompting a closure of the entire recreation area. National Park Service crews have been working diligently to safely open some sections of the park.
Most of the Platt Historic District that is east of U.S. Route 177 will open to the public at 8 a.m. Monday morning. This opening includes the Southeast and Northeast Perimeter Drives, all trails east of the highway, the Travertine Nature Center and Little Niagara. However, Central Campground and Cold Springs Campgrounds will remain closed.
“We are very pleased to be reopening the east side of Platt National Park Historic District, said Acting Superintendent Devon Bradley. “I commend the collective efforts of the National Park Service, the community of Sulphur, the Chickasaw Nation and all the people who have come together in our time of need. This is an important step on the road to healing our park and community.”
All areas of the park west of Hwy. 177, including the western portion of the Platt National Park Historic District, all campgrounds, Veterans Lake, and Lake of the Arbuckles remain closed. Repairs are needed to many park buildings, roads, trails, bridges, and other infrastructure. All campground reservations and special use permits have currently been cancelled through May 13, and there may be further cancellations as conditions continue to be assessed.
As you reenter the park, please stay in open areas and on established trails and picnic areas. There are still crews working west of Hwy. 177 with heavy equipment, and several types of active hazards still exist.
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 Service
More 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.
Last updated: May 5, 2024