Pull up to Heritage Park on a weekend and you might wonder for a second if there’s an admission gate somewhere. There isn’t — it’s a free city park — but the confusion is understandable. The multi-story playground at 23 N. Poplar St. is packed with miniature replicas of real Sapulpa landmarks: a working-scale TeePee Drive-In, a nod to Liberty Glass, Egan Bros. General Store, and a 50-foot oil derrick that has been climbed by generations of kids.
It’s the kind of place where kids disappear into the structures for an hour while parents find a spot under the covered pavilion. There are slides, swings, indoor restrooms, and enough detail baked into the theming that adults end up doing a slow lap just to see what they missed.
Located next to the Sapulpa Public Library on the western edge of downtown, Heritage Park is free, open to the public, and one of the most distinctive playgrounds in the state.
The Story Behind the Big Build
The driving force behind Heritage Park was American Heritage Bank, which commissioned the project as a gift to Sapulpa on its 100th birthday. The bank partnered with Sapulpa Main Street to bring the concept to life, working with Leathers and Associates of Ithaca, New York — architects who had built a national reputation on exactly this kind of community-driven playground project.
What made it feel like Sapulpa’s own was the involvement of local kids. Elementary school children from around the area contributed design ideas, and their fingerprints are all over the finished product. The park is full of miniature replicas of real Sapulpa landmarks: Liberty Glass, the TeePee Drive-In, Egan Bros. General Store.
The Community Shows Up Again
After two decades of heavy use, the park drew some scrutiny in 2025 when an inspection raised questions about its long-term future. The community responded the same way it did in 2004 — loudly and with a willingness to help. Multiple independent structural engineers subsequently confirmed the park is sound, and the city shifted focus from demolition to repair. Sapulpa is actively pursuing grants and private funding to keep Heritage Park in great shape for the next generation of kids who are going to grow up here.
What You’ll Find at Heritage Park
Heritage Park spans more than 15,000 square feet, which sounds like a lot until you actually walk through it and realize it earns every bit of that footprint. The playground is divided into distinct zones so kids of different ages aren’t constantly colliding. A dedicated Tot Lot for ages 2–5 keeps the little ones on equipment sized for them, while a separate section for ages 5–12 ramps up the challenge. The oil derrick — a three-story-plus climbing structure — is the centerpiece of the big-kid zone, but it draws plenty of all-ages curiosity for obvious reasons.
Across the park you’ll find four slides, monkey bars, tubes and tunnels, numerous climbing structures, a sandbox, and sensory activity elements built into the design. The swing situation is more thoughtful than most city parks: three baby swings, two standard swings, and three ADA-accessible swings mean nobody is waiting long and everyone has a spot. Three covered picnic tables are located on the north side of the park in addition to the larger pavilion, giving families plenty of space for lunch without fighting over the same shaded table.
The pavilion itself is available on a first-come, first-served basis and does not accept reservations, so arriving early on busy weekends is a good call. Indoor restrooms are on-site — but be warned, there are no changing tables.
Old Town Sapulpa Is Right Across the Street
While the kids are burning energy on the playground, look north toward the corner of Hobson and Poplar. Those weathered Old West storefronts you’re seeing — the saloon with the batwing doors, the hand-painted mortuary sign, the frontier optometrist — are not a historic district. They’re the work of local artist Joe Krout, who transformed his metal garage building into one of Sapulpa’s most photographed roadside attractions rather than comply with a city ordinance against plain metal facades on main corridors.
The installation, known as Old Town Sapulpa, has drawn international attention partly because Google’s mapping algorithm once mistook “Diggum-Deep Mortuary” for an actual casket service and listed it as a legitimate business. A pollinator garden doubles as a cemetery out front, wildflowers and all. It’s right across the street from Heritage Park and makes for a natural add-on stop — especially if you’re visiting during the day before heading over to the Route 66 Christmas Chute, Sapulpa’s annual 800-foot walkable holiday light canopy that runs through downtown each December.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heritage Park in Sapulpa
Is there an admission fee for Heritage Park?
No. Heritage Park is a free public park open to everyone.
Can I reserve the pavilion at Heritage Park?
The covered picnic pavilion is available on a first-come, first-served basis and does not accept reservations.
What are the park hours?
Sapulpa city parks are open from 4:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
How long does a visit to Heritage Park take?
Most families spend anywhere from 45 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on how long the kids want to stay on the playground.
Is the playground currently open?
Yes. Heritage Park is open and the playground is fully accessible.
What’s near Heritage Park in downtown Sapulpa?
The park is steps from the Sapulpa Public Library and within walking distance of downtown dining and shops. The Sapulpa Historical Museum and Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum are also a short drive away.
