1930s Oklahoma state park cabins modernize
BY JULIE BISBEE
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Published: November 30, 2008
A stay in a cabin at one of Oklahoma’s state parks could be a little more posh by the end of the year.
The state Tourism Department is in the final phase of a $1.9 million face-lift on more than 100 cabins in the state park system. The cabins were all built by Civilian Conservation Corps, a work relief program for young men during the Depression. Construction on the cabins dates to the mid 1930s.
Gary Sessums works on a cabin in the woods near Beavers Bend State Park north of Broken Bow, Friday, January 26, 2007. Cabins at several state parks are in the final phases of being renovated. BY DAVID MCDANIEL, THE OKLAHOMAN.
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KEY FACTS
Upgrades
Nearly $2 million has been spent to upgrade cabins at parks statewide. By the end of 2009, 180 cabins will have updated furnishings. State parks with upgraded furnishings include:
• Beaver’s Bend: 47 cabins
• Great Salt Plains: 6 cabins
• Boiling Springs: 4 cabins
• Roman Nose: 11 cabins
• Keystone: 17 cabins
• Tenkiller: 18 cabins
• Lake Murray: 56 cabins in the process of being renovated. Source: Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department
Moving into 2008
Some of the cabins’ furniture is nearly 25 years old. The new furnishings include LCD televisions, energy efficient appliances, ceiling fans and wood furniture made from sustainable hickory wood.
Cabins at seven state parks have been or will be updated, Watkins said.
The cabins are popular destinations for travelers, and cabins at some parks like Beaver’s Bend State Park are filled nearly every weekend. The peak season for cabin rentals is March through November and the price range for cabins during that time is between $55 to $110, depending on location and the size of the cabin. Off-peak prices range from $43 to $98.
An additional $5 to $10 charge is added to the price of cabins with new furnishings.
"We really have a beautiful park system and it’s a diverse system,” Watkins said. "We’re really pleased to know that we’re creating opportunities for people to get the outdoor experience and improving the experience for our long-time visitors.”
Upgrades to state park cabins are part of a capital improvement plan to update facilities in the state park system, Watkins said. Funding for the improvements comes from the state’s general fund and is generated by sales and use tax.
Related Topics:
Culture and Lifestyle, Travel and Tourism, Tourism, Cultural Institutions and Parks, Parks and Historic Sites
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