Senator Standridge Invites Oklahomans to Visit New Trails at Lake Thunderbird

NORMAN – Sen. Lisa Standridge, R-Norman, is encouraging Oklahomans to stretch their legs on a newly renovated trail system at Lake Thunderbird State Park.

Standridge was among the speakers at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday at Lake Thunderbird to unveil nearly 14 miles of professionally reworked trails.

“Tourism is one of the biggest contributors to Oklahoma’s economy, and this fantastic new trail system is just another reason for people to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors in our great state,” Standridge said. “These trails will give residents and visitors a reason to put their phones down and enjoy Oklahoma’s natural beauty while spending time with family or friends on a walk or a hike.”

Standridge added that Oklahoma’s state parks and accessible walking and biking trails encourage Oklahomans to live healthier lifestyles. Getting outdoors is good for everyone’s mental and physical well-being, she said.

The $1 million project to renovate the trail system to prevent erosion, improve trail markings and make the trails more accessible to people of all skill levels was funded through American Rescue Plan Act dollars. The work and planning were a joint effort between the Cleveland County Economic Development Coalition, Visit Norman, the Oklahoma Department of Tourism, the Bureau of Reclamation and the Cleveland County Commissioners.

“This trail system is an investment in a healthier Oklahoma that will help build stronger relationships and a greater sense of community,” Standridge said. “When communities invest in their residents, everyone benefits.”