A new chapter in outdoor recreation and conservation began last Wednesday as the Cherokee Nation officially opened Sallisaw Creek Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and public tours.
The event, held April 1 at the park located on the Robert S. Kerr Reservoir, drew tribal leaders, community members and honored guests to celebrate the completion of the 100-acre development.
Gladys Thornton, wife of the late David Thornton Sr. who served the tribe for about 20 years, cut the ceremonial ribbon, recognizing his years of service to the tribe and his vision for the park’s future.
Among those in attendance were Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner, members of the Cherokee Nation Cabinet and Council, and Chuck Garrett, along with the Cherokee Nation Businesses Board of Directors and executive leadership.
Cherokee National Treasure Tommy Flute performed a traditional flute selection during the ceremony.
Described as a place to “gather, discover and relax,” Sallisaw Creek Park represents a significant investment in both tourism and environmental stewardship.
The park is protected under the Cherokee Nation Park, Wildlands, Fishing and Hunting Preserve Act of 2021, authored by Chief Hoskin, and reflects the tribe’s ongoing commitment to preserving natural resources while expanding public access.
“Preservation is a cornerstone of Cherokee values,” Chief Hoskin said.
“This park is a testament to the Cherokee Nation’s unwavering commitment to stewarding our natural resources and connecting people with the land.”
Located in Sequoyah County, the park offers a wide range of amenities, including 74 fullservice RV sites across two campgrounds, five luxury cabins, a fourlane boat ramp with access to the reservoir, and a welcome center with restrooms and laundry facilities.
Additional features include a 35-acre catchand- release fishing pond, horseback riding trails and opportunities for archery hunting.
Deputy Principal Chief Warner emphasized the deeper significance of the project beyond recreation.
“Access to nature is more than recreation; it’s restoration, reflection and reconnection,” he said. “These spaces will continue to serve as the backdrop for memories to be made and cherished.”
The site, part of a larger 1,300-acre property transferred to the Cherokee Nation in 1998 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has undergone major upgrades since 2022.
Improvements included extensive infrastructure development, such as more than 40 miles of underground utilities and the construction of an on-site water treatment facility.
Garrett noted the park’s importance as both a cultural and economic asset. “We have a responsibility to support projects that reflect both our values and our needs,” he said. “Sallisaw Creek Park is something special— it grounds us in who we are and reminds us what is important for our future.”
Open to the public seven days a week, the park is expected to serve as a destination for both local residents and travelers along Interstate-40, further positioning Sequoyah County as a hub for outdoor recreation and tourism.
