The American Planning Association – Oklahoma Chapter (APA Oklahoma) recently announced the winners of the 2018 Planning Awards Program. Among the projects recognized is the Charley Young Park in Bixby, Oklahoma. The park was recognized with the 2018 Great Public Space award in at the 2018 Annual State Planning Conference in Midwest City, Oklahoma on October 1, 2019.
OU Urban Design Studio alumna Marcae’ Hilton is the Planning Director for the City of Bixby and helped plan and implement the Charley Young Park. The park is within the heart of downtown Bixby and has roots dating back to the 1920s. The redesign of this historic park included the addition of pedestrian and bike facilities, street-scaping on the park’s perimeters, wayfinding signage and increased landscaping.
Learn more about the park and the City of Bixby.
Featured image: award-winning Charley Young Park in use
On April 24, 2026, the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture hosted its annual Graduate Student Showcase, a celebration of research, design innovation, and creative exploration across all graduate programs within the College.
The Gibbs College of Architecture celebrates fifth-year architecture student Haley Praytor, who has been recognized at the national level for her design work. In early March, Haley received a Graduate Division Award of Merit for her submission to the 2025 Metal Building Manufacturers Association student design competition.
Ronald Frantz Jr., emeritus professor, has been named a 2026 Mary Means Leadership Award recipient, the highest honor presented by Main Street America. The award was announced at the Main Street Now Conference in Tulsa, recognizing leaders who advance preservation-based economic development and community revitalization.
