Judge Tosses Lawsuit Filed By Supporters Of B.C. Franklin Park

A judge tossed out the lawsuit filed by six Tulsans who are fighting to keep a north-side recreation center from being razed.

The group's attorney said the judge ruled the lawsuit was filed too late, and they shouldn't have filed it in the first place.

The City of Tulsa said, however, although the lawsuit was dismissed, it will continue to meet with the group about the future of the center at B.C. Franklin Park.

9/1/2012 Related Story: Tulsans Lobby To Save Tulsa Recreation Center At B.C. Franklin Park

The city released this written statement Friday:

"Although the motion to dismiss was granted, the City of Tulsa continues to meet with interested parties about the future of the Tulsa Parks system. The current estimate for repairs to B.C. Franklin Recreation Center alone, is approximately $1.6 million in today's dollars, which does not include costs for ongoing operations. The City of Tulsa continues to look to the 2010 Tulsa Park Master Plan as a guideline to meet the needs of current and future residents by positioning Tulsa to sustain and improve the community's vast and unique parks and recreation assets. The citizen-driven Tulsa Parks Master Plan establishes a clear direction to guide city staff, advisory committees and elected officials in their efforts to enhance the community's parks and recreation services and facilities. Mayor Bartlett has stated that he would like to see Tulsa Parks included in the resolution for Vision2 quality of life projects that Tulsa County voters would have the opportunity to vote for on Nov.6."

The recreation center has been rundown and sat unused for years, but the group hoped the lawsuit would force the city to reopen it.

The group of citizens is deciding whether or not to appeal.