Published on: June 01, 2023

The Bumgarner Family Foundation Lotus Pool and Stanford Family Liberty Garden opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony with Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum and other dignitaries and special guests on Friday, July 21, 2023. 

The Stanford Family Liberty Garden is a ceremonial civic space embedded within an elegant garden setting in the center of Tulsa Botanic Garden. It will be a place to celebrate and share the qualities and concepts unifying individuals into the diverse citizenry of our country through interpreting patriotism as a forward thinking and living concept. Visitors will experience four outdoor rooms – Entry Grove, Civic Lawn, Flagpole Terrace and Waterside Stairs. The entrance is marked by ornate metal gates framed by stone columns. Outlining the Civic Lawn are walkways along flower beds featuring perennial borders with fragrant flowers in colors of yellows and whites along with evergreens, and plants with variegated foliage. The Flagpole is the focal point of the south side of the lawn and nearby pavilions and Waterside Stairs offer views across the Lake. Be sure to look for Art Deco-inspired design details in the flagpole plinth (pedestal) and pavilions. 

The Bumgarner Family Foundation Lotus Pool encircles the northeastern circular portion of the Lake closest to the visitor center. The new Deco Bridge will allow visitors a short walk around the water’s edge with multiple vistas. The Deco Bridge has Art Deco-inspired design details including gabion “lanterns” holding blue recycled glass illuminated at night. Three Overlooks on the east side extend into the water and have stone walls creating intimate areas to linger. Water jets continue the line of the stone wall into the Lotus Pool, transforming the wall from stone to water fountains. Floating Gardens on the north and south sides extend into the Pool in a spiral pattern and are home to hibiscus, iris and other water-loving plants.  The Deco Bridge provides an entry portal to visit both these gardens as well as take in panoramic views.

See a recent drone video of the new gardens.