The City of McAlester will celebrate the completion of a major improvement project at Mullen Park during “The Final Piece” Ribbon Cutting and Dedication ceremony scheduled for 11 a.m. June 23 at the Mullen Park Pavilion.
The nearly $650,000 project focused on transforming the park into a more family-friendly community space through a series of upgrades, beautification efforts and partnerships with local organizations.
Improvements included upgrades to the splash pad, pavilion and restrooms, along with expanded shade areas, irrigation improvements, Story Walk features and the planting of 50 Oklahoma native trees.
The “Shade and Story: Transforming Mullen Park” portion of the project emphasized adding shade through native tree plantings while also creating educational and interactive experiences for families through Story Walk installations and community partnerships.
Community Services Director Doug Basinger said the project reflects years of planning and collaboration.
“‘The Final Piece’ represents more than the completion of a project,” Basinger said. “It represents years of planning, partnerships, volunteer support, and a shared commitment to making McAlester’s parks stronger and more beautiful for the community.”
Mayor Justin Few said the project was made possible through community support and partnerships.
“Mullen Park has been transformed into an even more vibrant space for children, families and residents to enjoy, and we’re grateful to everyone who helped make this vision a reality,” Few said.
City officials also recognized the McAlester Community Tree Board and several state and local partners for their contributions to the project, including the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, Oklahoma Forestry Services, the U.S. Forest Service, the McAlester Public Library and McAlester Parks and Recreation crews.
The June 23 event will feature a ribbon cutting ceremony, a symbolic final tree planting, installation of “The Final Piece” and a community celebration. Residents are encouraged to attend.