About City of Broken Arrow Parks and Recreation Located in northeast Oklahoma, Broken Arrow is the fourth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 120,000 people spread out over nearly 60 square miles. The City is located in both Tulsa and Wagoner counties and is part of the Tulsa metropolitan area which has a population of almost one million. From 2000 to 2010, U.S. Census Bureau numbers show the City grew by 32% making it one of the fastest growing incorporated municipalities in Oklahoma. Broken Arrow is also home to the third largest manufacturing hub in the state with many employees working in the energy sector. Residents in Broken Arrow enjoy a high quality life characterized by low crime, high performing schools, affordable housing, and easy access to many parks and recreation facilities. Though Broken Arrow was originally an agricultural community, its economy is diverse. Major employers in the area include Broken Arrow Public Schools, Walmart Stores, Northeastern State University, Flight Safety, the City of Broken Arrow, and Zeeco. Broken Arrow has received many awards and accolades for its livability over the years. It was named the 2020 “Happiest City in... Oklahoma” by Zippia and the “9th Best for Most Customer Friendly U.S. City” by Yelp in 2016. It has also been ranked one of the best U.S. cities for first-time home buyers by WalletHub, one of the safest cities in Oklahoma by Movoto, and one of America’s 50 best cities to live by 24/7 Wall Street. The City fosters a sense of community by sponsoring seasonal festivals and events each year including Rooster Days, a local Saturday Farmers Market and weekly musical performances in the parks. With destination attractions in the Rose District, the Performing Arts Center, Bass Pro Shops and more, residents and visitors have many options when it comes to choosing shopping, dining, cultural and entertainment activities. The Parks and Recreation Department manages over 800 acres of public land, with 41 parks throughout the City. Residents are able to stay active year round with a myriad of recreation opportunities such as our annual Daddy Daughter Dance, Mom & Son Luau, Kids’ Fishing Derby and nature programs at our Nature Center and hiking trails. Some of the most popular venues include Battle Creek Golf Club, community centers, cycling and running trails, disc golf course, football, baseball, soccer, and softball complexes, a skate park, 7 splash pads, and three aquatic facilities. The Broken Arrow Public School District is comprised of twenty-five schools including fifteen elementary schools, five middle schools, and five secondary schools. A portion of the city is also served by Union Public Schools and Bixby Public Schools. For those seeking higher education, Northeastern State University has a campus in Broken Arrow. Other area universities and colleges include Tulsa Technical Institute, Tulsa Community College, The University of Tulsa, Oklahoma State University, Langston University, and the University of Oklahoma. Broken Arrow has a median income of $86,681 and an average home value of $169,855. The City’s ad valorem rate is 16.46 mills.