Black Mesa State Park Receives International Dark Sky Park Designation
KENTON, OK - Black Mesa State Park, located in the far western panhandle of Oklahoma in the United States, has been designated as an International Dark Sky Park by DarkSky International.
This is an important achievement for Oklahoma State Parks as Black Mesa State Park is the first park in the system to receive this designation, cementing its role as a leader in preserving the state's natural nocturnal heritage and the exceptionally dark skies of the Oklahoma panhandle.
The protection of naturally dark night skies is crucial for wildlife, human health, and our cultural connection to the universe. Black Mesa State Park’s long-term commitment to reducing light pollution serves as an outstanding model for public lands seeking to protect these invaluable natural resources.
“Oklahoma State Parks is so grateful for the new International Dark Sky Park designation coming to Black Mesa. With this being the first in the state we are so excited for the opportunities this designation will bring to Polly’s facility at Black Mesa, Oklahoma State Parks, and the state of Oklahoma. Black Mesa has always been a night sky destination for folks to visit, so this designation will take that to a new level. This is such an amazing achievement, and we
are so proud of our staff for this,” said Oklahoma State Parks Director, Richard Keithley.
“We wholeheartedly congratulate the Black Mesa State Park Manager, PollyAnna Kiker, and her hard-working staff for their work to earn Dark Sky State Park designation! The dark skies around Black Mesa State Park and Kenton, Oklahoma, and the infrastructure in that local area make this area of the state perfect for astronomy and the Okie-Tex Star Party. The skies of the entire Black Mesa area remain one of the last places where the night sky remains untouched. Each year, hundreds of astronomy enthusiasts travel here from around the world just to spend some time under dark skies. Black Mesa State Park has undergone enormous efforts to preserve the night sky by removing or upgrading park lights and educating visitors as to the importance of dark skies. We have partnered with them to educate the public. Black Mesa is more than just a park - it’s a classroom, a sanctuary, and a rare window into the Cosmos. Visiting the Black Mesa area is transformative and something we look forward to at every opportunity,” said the OKC Astronomy Club.
Black Mesa takes its name from the layer of black lava rock that coated the mesa about 30 million years ago, creating a dramatic and isolated landscape. The State Park consists of two distinct locations. The main park (628 acres) is located near Lake Carl Etling and offers amenities like RV and tent campsites, picnic facilities, and boat ramps. Fifteen miles to the northwest lies the Black Mesa Nature Preserve (1,750 acres), included in the certification, which is home to the Oklahoma High Point Trail and Oklahoma's highest point at 4,973 feet above sea level.
This unique area marks the geographical point where the Rocky Mountains meet the shortgrass prairie. Due to this intersection, many species are at either the easternmost or westernmost point of their natural range. The park and preserve support a wide variety of wildlife, including black bear, bobcat, mountain lion, mule deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, golden eagles, scaled quail, black-billed magpies, and pinyon jays, all of whom benefit from a protected nocturnal environment.
Prior to the dark sky initiative, Black Mesa State Park was unfortunately an island of light in a very dark region, featuring multiple streetlights and unshielded fixtures, some shining directly over campsites. In 2019, park staff began working with leadership in Oklahoma City to create a truly dark park.
To achieve certification as an International Dark Sky Park between 2019 and 2025, staff undertook a comprehensive lighting retrofit and removal program. All streetlights in the park were permanently turned off and removed, all remaining light fixtures were fully shielded or replaced with warm-colored, low-intensity options, and unnecessary lighting was eliminated entirely. Additionally, the park implemented interpretive signage and dark sky guidelines for
guests, ensuring visitors understand their role in protecting the night. Black Mesa State Park now offers guests an opportunity to view the night sky with minimal light pollution.
“Black Mesa State Park staff have worked exceptionally hard to create a dark park for our guests to enjoy,” said PollyAnna Kiker, Black Mesa State Park Manager. “Certification is proof of the park staff's dedicated efforts to preserve some of the darkest skies in Oklahoma.”
The park staff is now focused on leveraging this designation to expand its public outreach programs. Future plans include the development of year-round night sky viewing events, partnerships with regional astronomy clubs, and the creation of a dedicated astronomy viewing area. These efforts aim to educate the public about the importance of dark skies and light pollution abatement across the region.
“Black Mesa State Park and Nature Preserve’s certification shows how thoughtful lighting management, strong partnerships, and a commitment to visitor experience can protect the night sky while enhancing it. By addressing lighting concerns, creating dedicated dark sky viewing areas, and collaborating with the Oklahoma City Astronomy Club, Black Mesa is setting a powerful example for Oklahoma’s state parks and positioning the region as a destination for astrotourism and astrophotography. We are excited to see such commitment and look forward to continued partnership with Black Mesa State Park.” remarked Amber Harrison, International Dark Sky Places program manager.
About the International Dark Sky Places Program: Founded in 2001, the International Dark Sky Places Program is a non-regulatory and voluntary program encouraging communities, parks, and protected areas worldwide to preserve and protect dark sites through effective lighting policies, environmentally responsible outdoor lighting, and public education.
When used indiscriminately, artificial light can disrupt ecosystems, impact human health, waste money and energy, contribute to climate change, and block our view and connection to the universe. Black Mesa State Park now joins more than 255 Places that have demonstrated robust community
support for dark sky advocacy and strive to protect the night from light pollution.
Learn more by visiting darksky.org/what-we-do/international-dark-sky-places/
About DarkSky International: The mission of DarkSky is to preserve and protect the nighttime environment and our heritage of dark skies through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. Learn more at darksky.org/