“If you are having a picnic in the park, and you (carry) a legally licensed firearm, it is fine for you to be in the park,” Bales said. “If you choose to go into one of the public buildings — like a community center or pro shop — that part of the law says, ‘No, you can’t.’”

The city’s website states its policy as follows: “No Weapons in the Park except as permitted by State Law.”

Gathering Place officials declined to comment on the park’s gun policy Tuesday, instead citing a statement it issued Saturday night.

“Over many years, we sought input from the Tulsa community on how to ensure Gathering Place is a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for Tulsans and their families. The community responded emphatically that firearms at the park are not conducive to creating this kind of environment, which is why they are not permitted. Park security and the Tulsa Police Department are working together to ensure these rules are clearly communicated and consistently enforced,” the statement says.

Over the last several years, the park has been widely touted as one of the largest private gifts to a public park system or municipality.