Tornado damage forces closure of popular Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Oklahoma - Sulphur, OK - News Article Locations on Waymarking.com

The Chickasaw National Recreation Area, popular among locals and tourists, is closed indefinitely because of the massive tornado damage here and in the downtown area.

Article text:

The Chickasaw National Recreation Area, a popular tourist destination in southern Oklahoma, is closed indefinitely due to extensive damage caused by a tornado last weekend.

"Everyone was just scared. Fear was a real thing that night," said Devon Bradley, acting superintendent of the Chickasaw National Recreation Area.

Bradley was visiting family in Kansas City when the tornado struck. He rushed back to Sulphur, Oklahoma, after hearing about the incident from park rangers.

"Some of our folks and employees were in the storm shelters and a couple of the storm shelters were blocked by debris," Bradley said.

Despite the terrifying situation, all the people trapped in the storm shelters were rescued and no injuries were reported. However, the park itself wasn't as fortunate. The storm left trees down, roads closed, and power lines needing repair across the park.

"We're asking the public — for everyone — to stay calm, stay out of the area for now until we can make it safe for reentry," Bradley said.


The park administration is currently uncertain about the duration of the closure. They are working with various groups to manage the situation.

The park, which is part of the national park system, usually employs 38 people. According to Bradley, more than 200 national park employees, many from out of state, will be assisting in the cleanup and restoration efforts.

"If we get a good response time from everybody we're calling in, obviously that timeline could be increased or expedited but right now we are looking at weeks," Bradley said.

According to the park's website, all campground reservations and special use permits have currently been canceled through May 13, and there may be further cancellations as conditions continue to be assessed.

The park's administration is urging the public to stay patient and avoid the area until it is declared safe for reentry.

Type of publication: Television When was the article reported?: 05/02/2024 Publication: koco Article Url: [Web Link] Is Registration Required?: no How widespread was the article reported?: regional News Category: Weather

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