Community members are invited to take part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the brand new Bentley Park, located in the Bellatona Neighborhood, at 3701 Wiltshire Drive. This special event, hosted by the City of Norman, will take place at 10 a.m. on August 17, 2024.

Bentley Park is dedicated in memory of Lionel K. Bentley, for his outstanding service to the City of Norman. Starting in 1972 as Assistant Park Supervisor, Lionel held various key positions, including Director of Parks and Recreation. He was instrumental in creating the Park Land Dedication Ordinance and establishing the Norman Park Foundation, to enhance public parks and recreation facilities. He also served as President of the Oklahoma Recreation and Park Society and was inducted into the Oklahoma Turfgrass Research Foundation Hall of Fame in 2021. He left the Parks and Recreation Department in 1985 to run Bentley Turf Farms until his passing in 2022, leaving a lasting legacy through significant private donations.

Bentley Park features a tennis court, pickleball court, large areas of native prairie plants, a perimeter walking trail, playgrounds, a half-court basketball court, and a picnic shelter. The shaded turf playground includes a wide variety of fun interactive features, including a toy car racetrack built into the tot lot!

"We are delighted to open Bentley Park to our community," said Jason Olsen, Director of Parks and Recreation. "This park stands as a tribute to Lionel Bentley's enduring legacy and his unwavering commitment to enhancing our public spaces. We are grateful for the generous donations from the Bentley family, which made this park a reality."

Families and community members are invited to join the celebration and enjoy the new amenities. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will include remarks from city officials, inflatables, a food truck, and more!

For more information, please contact the City of Norman Parks and Recreation Department at (405) 366-5472 or parksrec@normanok.gov.