Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation is warning parkgoers to be on the lookout for broken and hanging branches while visiting the City’s 175 parks over the next few months.

More than 70 parks employees are removing dangling branches and fallen trees left by this week’s ice storm. Ninety percent of the Parks Department’s tree canopy is estimated to be damaged or destroyed. 

Martin Park Nature Center and Will Rogers Gardens is closed due to extensive tree damage. City trails are being cleared as quickly as possible.  

“We know people are anxious to visit parks this weekend and we want them to be safe,” said Parks and Recreation Director Doug Kupper. “This is a monumental effort that will take time to clear. We appreciate the public’s patience during this cleanup effort.”  

The Parks Department has six tree experts on staff who are leading efforts to determine the trees that can be saved. Over time, thousands of trees might have to be removed. Every tree species was damaged in the storm.