Named a regional "Ten Best" Parks and Playgrounds in National Geographic's "The Best of Everything for Families: An Ultimate Guide for Families."

Martin Park Nature Center at 5000 West Memorial Road serves as an educational facility, a recreational area and a wildlife sanctuary.

Many animals make their homes in and around the various native plants in Martin Park. Birds, butterflies, squirrels, and deer are just a few of the animals in the park.

Martin Park is open 51 weeks a year, Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The park is closed on holidays and the week between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day.

Fortunate visitors may catch a glimpse of a deer, coyote, owl or armadillo. Your powers of observation, the season of the year and luck contribute to observing these uncaged animals.

Martin Park Nature Center houses a hands-on museum and a browsing library.

Outside the nature center, 3.5 miles of hiking trails curl through woods and grasslands. One graveled trail is wheelchair accessible. Other trails are of gravel and packed soil, containing short stretches of moderate slopes and occasional steps.

2010 SPECIAL EVENTS: Ready for adventure? Discover your "wild" side with one of these special education events. Unless otherwise noted, all events cost $2 per person and reservations are requested.

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Outdoor Native American Pottery Class - FULL
Saturday, July 17, 2010
10:00AM to 12:00PM
Learn from the staff at Martin Park how to blend all natural materials into clay pottery.  You will grind your own clay and sift your own sand collected from Oklahoma soil.  With a little water and a lot of hand mixing, you will go home with a modern rendition of a historical clay pot. Must call to make a reservation (405) 755-0676, space is limited. Cost: $2.00 per person – All ages welcome.

Eco Creek-O!
Saturday, August 15, 2010
2:30 p.m.
Beat the heat with an eco-exploration of Martin Park's Spring Creek. Participants will wade the creek's shallow waters while investigating the wildlife that lives within. For children 8 years and older. Appropriate shoes required (old sneakers - no sandals, please). Call for reservations: 755-0676. Cost: $2

Harvest Hike
Saturday, September 11, 2010
2:00 p.m.
Before the cold winds of winter strike, the wildlife of Martin Park troll the woods in search of one last edible harvest. Come learn about the nutrient-providing trees and plant life that help keep our wildlife fed. Reservations required: 755-0676 Cost: $2 

JOIN THE GREEN EARTH GANG!

The Green Earth Gang is a nature appreciation program geared toward 9 to 13-year-olds. The "Gang" works on conservation projects in Martin Park throughout the year under the supervision of a park naturalist.  Projects include litter pick-ups, maintaining trails, restoring native plants and monitoring and repairing nest boxes.  It's a great way to teach kids about the role conservation plays in our environment.   There are no fees to participate, and old clothing is recommended.  The "Gang" meets 2 - 5 p.m. each Saturday during the school year, and each Friday from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. during the summer months.

Martin Park Nature Center is in far northwest Oklahoma City at 5000 West Memorial Road, on the south side of Memorial between N MacArthur Boulevard and N Meridian Avenue. We're just west of Mercy Hospital.

Since Martin Park is a protected wildlife sanctuary, pets, fishing, hunting, bicycles, swimming, camp fires and other activities that might be destructive to the habitat are not allowed.

For more information, call 405 755-0676.

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Casey Lindo, Naturalist