Planespotting Observation Areas

Planespotting Observation Areas

 

Status

The airport is currently working with landscape architect, PDG, for the planning and design of the planespotting observation area.

 

Project Overview

Purpose

Transform the plane-spotting viewing areas at TUL. The goal is to increase the utilization of designated observation areas, fostering enthusiasm for aviation activity within our community.

  • Gathering place for families, hobbyists, and average Tulsan wanting to pass time or watch planes
  • Children’s play experience features (playground) to provide entertainment and physical activity between flights
    • Selected feature and designs are fully ADA accessible, promoting play for any range of physical capabilities
  • Multiple shade structures to make the space more enjoyable even in the height of Tulsa summers
  • Pride in Tulsa’s strong aviation history and inspiring the next generation to take us to new heights

 

Justification

Background: TUL’s current planespotting areas are in need of improvements and upgrades. Currently at TUL, the planespotting area has one picnic table and an outdated sign. We are wanting to improve the experience for our Aviation enthusiasts, and provide play areas for younger children to enjoy while waiting for aircraft to take off and land.

Impacted Users

Aviation enthusiasts and the Tulsa community.

Estimated Project Costs: $1,200,000

Project Costs:

  • Playground equipment- $210,000
  • Elevated observation area- $420,000
  • Ground work, plumbing, electrical, and lighting- $141,000
  • Surveys, reports, testing- $18,000
  • Design services- $97,000
  • Assorted other costs- $279,000

Thank You to our Sponsors:

Garden Sponsor: Hardesty Family Foundation

Aviation Education Sponsor: Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics

Funding Tiers:

Naming Recognition Opportunities
Each level includes exclusive naming rights for elements of the future plane spotting observation area. Signature signage for recognition will be incorporated into design of each element. Naming rights levels also include recognition on Propel TUL website, in the opening event press release, verbal recognition at the opening event, and in opening event printed materials. Thank you for considering being a founding donor for this project!

Community Opportunities
We look forward to this space being a gathering point for our community for aviation education and engagement. If you would like to donate to this project at a smaller scale than our naming recognition levels, we welcome your support. Donations from the community will be included in our Community Support plaque and can be made on the Tulsa Community Foundation’s website. Donations must be made by May 31, 2026 to be included in benefactor naming recognition.

  • Gold Sponsor- $50,000+
    Recognition on community support plaque and in opening event printed materials as well as verbal recognition at the opening event
  • Silver Sponsor- $20,000+
    Recognition on community support plaque and in opening event printed materials
  • Bronze Sponsor- $1,000+
    Recognition on community support plaque

Interested in supporting this project? Contact Kathleen Hobbs and [email protected].

 

Vendors Used in Design
  • PDG

Vendors Used in Construction
  • TBD