Jenks has broken ground on a Vision 2025–funded park project.
Jenks Downtown Commons will connect the high school to downtown. The Tulsa County Vision Authority approved the $1.1 million project in November.
County Commissioner Karen Keith said the Vision 2025 sales tax is why downtown Tulsa has the BOK Center.
"And I will tell you, without the suburbs stepping up and taking their portion of Vision 2025 later, we would not have the facility that we have today," Keith said.
Jenks Downtown Commons consists of the park, which is being built on a parking lot at 220 East A Street, and two public parking lots. The work includes alley, street and sidewalk improvements.
Mayor Kelly Dunkerly called it an investment to help attract new residents to Jenks.
"Knowledge workers, employees in creative industries, families, young people — all will choose urban areas that offer a diverse economic base and amenities that contribute to an excellent quality of life," Dunkerly said.
School board president Melissa Abdo said parks are valuable complements to public education.
"Exposure to the outdoors improves analytical thinking, makes our students better problem solvers in math and science," Abdo said. "The hands-on learning experience provided through the parks is especially critical during the summer for children who would otherwise have no access to outdoor recreation."
The park will include a stage, restrooms and bike racks. Work should be done early next year.
