The iconic rocket slide that has been a fixture at Dixon Durant Park since the 1960s landed again at the park on Monday.
The rocket was launched from the park earlier this year for necessary refurbishment to bring it up to safety specifications.
“The rocket is officially back where it belongs,” Durant Parks & Recreation Department said, in a social media post. “There’s still a little work to be done before it’s ready for play, but we’re getting closer. Thanks for your patience while we finish things up. We can’t wait to see kids enjoying Rocket Park again.”
Dixon Durant Park, originally called Northside Park, has been informally known as “Rocket Park” for decades because of the rocket slide.
In April 2024, the city announced that while the rocket would remain, the slide would be removed and the entrance sealed so no one could enter it. This was based upon a recommendation from the Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group who said in an audit of city parks that it did not meet current safety standards.
The city’s plans for the rocket changed after the Democrat posted pictures on social media announcing plans to seal it shut. Many were saddened by this news and said the rocket slide should remain, and the post was shared hundreds of times. Former resident Veroncia Pope started an online petition to save the slide, and her petition garnered 1,377 signatures.
Two days later, the city announced the rocket would be refurbished and kept as a usable piece of park equipment while updating safety standards.
“We believe the improvements will make the slide safer for our children while keeping the nostalgia and sentiment of the rocket slide,” City Manager Pam Polk said at the time.
In February, the rocket slide was taken to Texoma Millwright for renovation, and it received a new coat of paint by Vail Precision before landing at the park on Monday with excitement from residents who are happy to see that the rocket is back.
