Due to recent and ongoing concerns, Zink Lake faces controversy regarding safety and water.
Zink Lake, a project that has been years and millions of dollars in the making as well as Tulsa’s new man-made attraction finally opened on Aug. 30. Throughout the extended Labor Day weekend, the grand opening attracted nearly 100,000 people to its festivities. The event was very well received, however, there are currently some major concerns held by the public that need to be addressed.
Zink Lake is not safe for swimming or wading; it is strictly for other kinds of water sports. The lake is ready to be used for paddle boarding, rowing, and fishing. The accompanying Tulsa Wave Park is separated into multiple sections divided by difficulty. This area is intended for kayaking, surfing, and tube floating. The water is variable and conditions are dependent on the state of the Arkansas River, which is the source of this man-made lake. The water is dangerous and safety at this location should not be taken lightly.
The second day included a brief scare when a 15-year-old boy fell into the water. The boy was quickly swept up in the current and others jumped in after the boy in an attempt to rescue him. The 15-year-old was followed by his older brother who quickly lost control. The two were rescued and were ultimately okay. However, this scare raises serious safety concerns in regard to this attraction.
The River Parks Authority has been clear about the need to wear lifejackets and even proper head gear while out on the water. Life jackets are available for rent at the location. Not only is the tumultuous state of the water a serious concern, but the cleanliness of the water itself is a worry. It has been suggested that the area is at serious risk for E. coli and other pollutants. The water is being monitored closely by the City of Tulsa and the public can view the current data through their website. However, there is a serious concern that this is still not enough. The Arkansas River has never been certified as safe for swimming by the Public Health Department. And though the attraction is not for swimming, while on the water, you are still likely to be in close contact with it. There are concerns about the data not being comprehensive enough to guarantee a safe experience for families, especially kids. Many activist groups are urging people not to partake due to these concerns.
Along with safety concerns, expect frequent closures of Zink Lake. Though it is hoped that this will be open year-round, this attraction is dependent on the weather. After a storm, pollutants are stirred up in the water, making the water dangerous to interact with. After heavy rainfall, the attraction will experience multiple days of closure to allow any pollutants in the water to settle. This problem arose quickly. The attraction was closed after only three days of being open and remained closed for multiple days. It has now returned to normal operation, however, this issue is expected to arise frequently.
Though there are many exciting opportunities at the new Zink Lake attraction, concerns around safety and water quality are inhibiting the lake’s successful operation. There is a lot of fun to be had and many are eager to engage. The luster of this new experience has not yet worn off. However, officials and activists are urging caution to all those interested.
