(405) 297-1429

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Preserving and sharing
the native habitat of Martin Park
for current and future generations.

Friends of Martin Park Nature Center

Our mission is to preserve Martin Park as a pristine natural area and to safeguard its purpose as a Nature Center from harmful development. Friends can contribute by assisting the Directors/Naturalists with educational programs, enhancing natural habitats, maintaining the park, and raising public awareness and engagement through educational events and outreach initiatives.

Friends act as a platform for engaged citizens, like you, to support the enhancement and utilization of the Park. We offer financial backing for nature programs, initiatives to support local flora and fauna, and special public events. While we appreciate financial contributions, recruiting new Friends is essential to our mission, as we believe that having more Friends is always beneficial.

Browse Martin Park Programs

Park Hours

Martin Park is open Wednesday through Sunday and closed Monday and Tuesday.

Park grounds are open on all federal holidays, though the visitor center will remain closed.

April 1 through October 31

Park Grounds including trails, Fun Forest Playground, and picnic areas: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Visitor Center: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

November 1 through March 31

Park Grounds including trails, Fun Forest Playground, and picnic areas: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Visitor Center: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Park Amenities​

  • 2.5 miles of woodland trails.
  • Visitor Center with live animals, nature learning library and restrooms.
  • ADA Accessible INTEGRIS Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Courage Trail, a half-mile trail that provides users with the opportunity to enjoy the outdoor world in a meaningful way.
  • Picnic pavilion, seating up to 30 & available for rent.
  • Nature-themed playground.

Martin Park Ordinances & Rules

To preserve Martin Park as a specialty nature area and make the park experience more enjoyable for all of our visitors, we ask everyone to abide by the following rules and ordinances:

  • No fires (Municipal Code 38-90)
  • Smoking or use of any tobacco products are prohibited (Municipal Code No 30-471)
  • No fishing or hunting
  • No swimming or wading (Municipal Code No 38-145)
  • Bicycles are not allowed in the park
  • Releasing of animals is prohibited (Municipal Code No 38-93)
  • Feeding of wildlife is NOT allowed
  • Stay on the designated trails
  • Pets of any kind are STRICTLY PROHIBITED (Municipal Code No 38-93). ADA service animals are welcome. ESA not recognized.
  • Cameras are welcome and encouraged, but the use of drones or unmanned aircraft is strictly forbidden (Municipal Code No 38-99).
  • Weapons of any kind are prohibited, except those firearms as permitted by state law. (Municipal Code Article X)

Guided Hikes and Interpretive Programs

Bring your school, scout, church or other group out to learn about nature with a guided hike, ambassador animal meet and greet, or a Project Wild learning game!

Schedule a Hike or Interpretive Program

Guided hikes and interpretive programs are available from at 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, pending available park staffing. If you have a specific topic you want Park Naturalists to speak about, please let them know when you call to make reservations.

Cost & Availability

Park-led activities cost $5 per person, per selected activity, for all students and adults in attendance. Reservations must be made in advance, and a minimum of 10 people is required. We recommend scheduling your hike three to four weeks in advance. Hikes and interpretive programs are not offered outside of park hours or on days when the park is hosting special events. Payment is due at time of service. Payment can be made by purchase order, credit/debit card, check or exact cash. For more information, please contact Martin Park staff at (405) 297-1429 or [email protected].

Helpful Hints

  • Download our Field Trip/Guided Hike Resource Guide(PDF, 207KB) .
  • Hikes fill up quickly. It is best to book at least one month in advance.
  • Arrive for your hike 15 minutes before start time. Park staff reserve the right to refuse service if groups arrive 30 minutes or more past their scheduled time.
  • Dress for the season and weather. Close-toed shoes are recommended.
  • Sunscreen and bug spray are recommended. Do not apply in the building.
  • Call in advance if anyone in the group requires special disability accommodations.
  • A 1:10 adult-to-student ratio is recommended for school groups.
  • Feeding bread, crackers, cereals and human foods to wildlife is not permitted.
  • If it is raining on the day your tour is scheduled, please call the park to confirm whether the hike can still go on.
  • Teachers and group leaders are responsible for disciplining their children.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear to the park?

Close-toed shoes are recommended for most activities, including hiking. We also recommend sunscreen, insect repellent and your own water bottle.

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, per City ordinance (No. 38, IV 38-39).

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. Also, some animals may become dependent on human food, which could affect their migration and other natural habits. Please respect natural feeding habits and don’t feed the animals.

Wandering off of the trails can crush plants and flowers, disturb park wildlife, erode soils, and create unsightly foot trails. Staying on the trail also helps you avoid ticks and poison ivy. We also don’t want anyone getting lost.

Spring Creek is a natural and untreated water source, so bacteria, algae and other materials that may be harmful to humans may be present in the water, especially after rain events. Avoid wading or bathing in Spring Creek for your own safety. No lifeguards are on duty at Martin Park.

No. Martin Park does not have the staff or facilities to receive wild animals. Leaving 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:

You can also drop off sick or injured wildlife at the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter, 2811 SE 29th Street before 4 p.m. weekdays.

Yes. The likelihood of encountering a venomous snake in this part of Oklahoma is extremely rare, though not impossible. If you do happen upon a snake, use caution and leave the animal alone. Do not try to touch it or pick it up.

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 Scouts, Girl Scout Silver or Gold Awards, Adventure Scouts, 4H Club, and other commendations. Call our park naturalists at (405) 297-1429 to discuss project ideas.