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What should I wear to the park?
Since the grounds of Martin Park are open year-round, we recommend outdoor visitors always check the local weather forecast and dress appropriately. Close-toed shoes are recommended for most activities, including hiking. We also recommend sunscreen, insect repellent and that visitors bring their own water bottle if they intend to stay outdoors for a long period of time.
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Why can't I bring my dog or other pet to the park?
The goal of Martin Park is to provide visitors with the opportunity to experience nature, including possible encounters with wildlife. While park staff are very fond of our domesticated animal friends, our wildlife may not be. For the protection of visitors, the wildlife who live in the park, as well as your pets, we ask that all pets remain at home. The NO PETS restriction is a City ordinance (No. 38, IV 38-39)
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Why is feeding the wildlife forbidden?
Bread, cereals and other processed human food contains ingredients that may interfere with the natural digestive process of park wildlife, and could make them ill. In addition, some animals may become dependent upon human intervention in their feeding cycles, which could affect their migration and other natural habits. Please respect natural feeding habits and don't feed the animals.
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Why do I have to stay on the trail?
While our wish is for visitors to experience nature as up-close as possible, we ask that all explorers stay on the designated park trails. Wandering off of the trails can crush plants and flowers, disturb park wildlife and create unsightly foot trails. Other reasons to stay on the trail are to avoid ticks and other insects, poison ivy, eroded soils and to keep from getting lost.
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Why can we not wade or swim in Spring Creek?
We understand the appeal of dipping one’s toes in a bubbling creek, especially on a hot summer day. However, unlike our park swimming pools where certified lifeguards are on hand to monitor swimming activities, we are not able to provide this service at Martin Park. We are also not able to guarantee the quality of the water since Spring Creek is a natural and untreated water source. Bacteria, algae and other materials that may be harmful to humans may be present in the water, especially after rain events. We ask park visitors to follow the ordinance as written and to avoid wading or bathing in Spring Creek for their own safety.
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I found an injured or abandoned wild animal. Can I bring it to the park?
No. Our park staff are not licensed nor capable of caring for sick or injured animals, nor do we have the facilities to receive them. Dumping a sick or injured animal could not only cause further harm to the animal dumped, but can also risk illness among other park wildlife.
If you find an abandoned or hurt wild animal, please contact one of the following organizations:
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Are there snakes at Martin Nature Park?
Like any natural area, Martin Park features a wide variety of wild animal species, including snakes. While we cannot guarantee that all snakes in the park are non-venomous, the likelihood of encountering a venomous snake in this part of Oklahoma is extremely rare. If you do happen upon a snake, please exercise caution and leave the animal alone. Do not try to touch it or pick it up.
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I am a member of a scout troop, 4H or other club and would like to do an advanced service project at the park. Can I do this?
The staff naturalists at Martin Park Nature Center work regularly with youth leaders from various groups who wish to fulfill their advanced service requirements, including Eagle Scout, Girl Scout Silver or Gold Awards, Adventure Scouts, 4H Club and other commendations. Scouts who wish to complete a project at the park must start their project a year before their 18th birthday. Call our park naturalists at (405) 297-1429 to discuss project ideas.
