Cleveland County opens $1 million Lake Thunderbird trail overhaul

By AI, Created 5:26 AM UTC, May 28, 2026, /AGP/ – Cleveland County has opened a redesigned mountain bike trail system at Lake Thunderbird State Park after a $1 million investment of ARPA funds. Officials say the project is meant to boost tourism, improve livability and help attract workers and business investment to the county.

Why it matters: - Cleveland County is using federal recovery money to turn Lake Thunderbird into a tourism and quality-of-place asset. - The new trail system is meant to help the county attract visitors, support local businesses and strengthen workforce recruitment. - The project adds long-term maintenance planning, which officials say protects the public investment over time.

What happened: - The Cleveland County Economic Development Coalition, the Cleveland County Board of Commissioners, Visit Norman, the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation and the Federal Bureau of Reclamation announced the grand opening of the redesigned trail system at Lake Thunderbird State Park. - The project used $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds. - The rebuilt trail network covers 13.78 miles in the park’s Clear Bay area. - Rock Solid Trail Contracting, based in Arkansas, built the system.

The details: - The former trails were replaced with professionally designed, sustainable multi-use trails. - The redesign includes improved drainage and erosion control to protect water quality. - The layout supports beginner through advanced riders. - The system includes enhanced trail flow, upgraded infrastructure and wayfinding. - CCEDC also secured approval to buy about $5,000 in specialized maintenance equipment. - Local partners will use that equipment to maintain the trails and protect the county’s investment. - CCEDC said the project went through eligibility review, budgeting, procurement, contracting and ongoing reporting to meet ARPA requirements. - CCEDC led coordination with Cleveland County leadership through federal compliance, local approvals and implementation.

Between the lines: - The project is part of a broader economic development strategy built around livability and outdoor recreation. - CCEDC President and CEO Lawrence McKinney called the effort part of modern economic development and said quality of place is essential for competitiveness. - McKinney also said CCEDC’s five-year strategic plan included the project as one of four workforce development initiatives and that the plan received the Best Use of Federal Resources award nationally. - Lake Thunderbird is one of Oklahoma’s most visited state parks, so the trail upgrade could have an outsized impact on regional tourism. - VisitNorman President Dan Schemm said the project should increase visitation, extend stays and bring repeat visitors. - Oklahoma Tourism Executive Director Amy Blackburn said the collaboration links local leadership, state resources and federal investment.

What’s next: - Officials expect the trail system to draw more riders and other outdoor visitors to the park. - The county and its partners will focus on maintaining the new system so it remains a durable public asset. - Local businesses may see more traffic if the park keeps visitors in the area longer.

The bottom line: - Cleveland County is betting that a better trail system will pay off in tourism, talent attraction and long-term economic development.