Playgrounds near completion, controlled burn finished and Sooner Theatre RFQ seeks accessibility solution

City of Norman Parks staff updated the Board of Park Commissioners on capital projects and operations on May 7, 2026, saying three playground installations are more than halfway complete and that staff expect dedications in the coming weeks. Staff also reported a controlled, permitted burn at Saxon Park and described a request for qualifications (RFQ) for a Sooner Theatre master plan that prioritizes accessibility while preserving historic character.

Staff said playground sets at Northeast Lions, Sutton Wilderness and Eagle Cliff are nearing completion and that Saxon Park, Blue Stem Park and Reeves Park work is underway or moving toward bid documents. "We have 3 playground sets at Northeast Lions, Sutton Wilderness... they're a little bit over halfway done," a staff member said, noting dedications will likely occur within six weeks. Blue Stem Park and other larger projects have later timelines; staff estimated Blue Stem would be finished in the fall.

On operations, staff reported purchasing three robot mowers to maintain golf fairways and related turf areas and described steps taken during a controlled burn at Saxon Park to reduce fuel loads; staff said they filed a burn plan, notified adjacent property owners and that the operation went well.

Regarding the Sooner Theatre, staff said they have advertised an RFQ to select a design firm to produce a master plan ahead of the theater’s 100th anniversary in 2029. The RFQ contemplates creating a connected adjacent performance space that would provide accessible entry, dressing rooms and an elevator so the historic theatre’s interior seating and character can remain intact. "We want to build, basically, a second space adjacent to that building with connectivity through it and then address some of the accessibility issues," a staff member said. Staff noted the RFQ was widely advertised and that proposals are due on the 29th.

Why it matters: completed playgrounds and equipment purchases affect recreational access and maintenance needs across Norman neighborhoods. The Sooner Theatre RFQ addresses ADA accessibility and preservation tradeoffs for a century‑old cultural asset.

Next steps: staff will continue site work, prepare bid documents for Saxon/other parks as scheduled, install robot mowers and evaluate RFQ submissions for the Sooner Theatre master plan; staff expect to return to the board with contract recommendations.