Thanks Urbanized. I have a feeling they may just hold off until the whole thing is done. Is it okay to ask for no more rain? As that should help...

is it okay to ask for no more rain? As that should help...

no!!!!!

The bridge is open from the west, but is still disconnected from the chk boathouse. In fact the Orange snow fencing on the west side was still there but torn down, but the cement was poured and dry and I crossed over it with no problem just cant get to the boathouse district.

But you can park in the Chesapeake Boathouse parking lot and ride your bike around to the bridge to access the north shore trails, right?

nope, they have the trail blocked off from the boathouse to the bridge. And of course the trail that goes under I40 towards the canal is still under construction. So still no access from the boathouse to the north trail going west.

South trail it is then!

I usually park at Wheeler park and run from there, a sketchier crowd hangs out there however (I saw a man walking around COMPLETELY NAKED a few weeks back). IT shouldn't be long before the bridge access is open to the boathouse, it looked like they were just waiting for the cement to dry on the trail leading up to the bridge (not on the actual bridge).

I usually park at Wheeler park and run from there, a sketchier crowd hangs out there however (I saw a man walking around COMPLETELY NAKED a few weeks back). IT shouldn't be long before the bridge access is open to the boathouse, it looked like they were just waiting for the cement to dry on the trail leading up to the bridge (not on the actual bridge).

Now that's funny, lol. I almost parked there once, but like you said, the sketchier crowd made me think better of it, so I went a little east to the Robinson Landing. There were more people parked there--regular folks.

I noticed an event on the schedule for this week, might have a bit of a niche audience but could be fun


REEL PADDLING FILM FESTIVAL

FRIDAY, JUNE 28 • 7P
SandRidge Stars & Stripes weekend will get underway on Friday night as the 2013 Reel Paddling Film Festival makes a stop in the Boathouse District. The world tour features the best paddling films from around the globe. Films will be projected on the side of the Chesapeake Finish Line Tower. The event is free to the public. Learn more about the 2013 Reel Paddling Film Festival [more (http://www.reelpaddlingfilmfestival.com/)]

FEATURED FILMS
Huck • New Zealand Kayak Fishing with Rob Fort • Driftwood • A Hand to Stand • Balance • Out Living It • Go Ganges! • Facing Waves • That First Glide • Currents: The Grand Canyon • Florida Everglades – A Canoe Journey

Is the zip line open yet?

So who would care to guess how long it will be before we see something actually being built for the OU and UCO boathouses?

So who would care to guess how long it will be before we see something actually being built for the OU and UCO boathouses?

I don't think OU is building a boathouse down there anymore since they are building something in Norman. I would guess an announcement for the UCO boathouse by the end of the year and construction to start by next summer.

I don't think OU is building a boathouse down there anymore since they are building something in Norman. I would guess an announcement for the UCO boathouse by the end of the year and construction to start by next summer.

OU is still building their boathouse. Someone mentioned it earlier in the thread but they are only building an gym type facility at OU so that athletes don't have to drive all the way up to the river everytime they want to workout/train. It's kind of tough to have a boat house without anywhere to row.

OU is still building their boathouse. Someone mentioned it earlier in the thread but they are only building an gym type facility at OU so that athletes don't have to drive all the way up to the river everytime they want to workout/train. It's kind of tough to have a boat house without anywhere to row.

My understanding is that it would be a training facility in Norman with a self propulsion tank like at the Devon boathouse. I guess if they are doing both, that is great for both areas.

My understanding is that it would be a training facility in Norman with a self propulsion tank like at the Devon boathouse. I guess if they are doing both, that is great for both areas.

No one at OU has said the boathouse was not going to be built so unless something has changed, I think the boathouse is still in the plans. Everything out of OU has said that the the on campus facility is being built as a place to train when not on the water. They are currently training on campus at Lloyd noble. If they are only building the on campus facility than they are taking a major budget cut. The on campus facility is being built at about half the cost of the boathouse.

No one at OU has said the boathouse was not going to be built so unless something has changed, I think the boathouse is still in the plans. Everything out of OU has said that the the on campus facility is being built as a place to train when not on the water. They are currently training on campus at Lloyd noble. If they are only building the on campus facility than they are taking a major price cut. The on campus facility is being built at about half the cost of the boathouse.

Gotcha. Thanks for the clarification.

I don't think OU is building a boathouse down there anymore since they are building something in Norman. I would guess an announcement for the UCO boathouse by the end of the year and construction to start by next summer.

Most of the uses the new Norman gym does is things they were already doing but borrowing facilities from other athletic departments, so they only bussed everyone downtown once a day verses multiple times. Those are weight/erg room, sports medicin rooms, coaches offices and meeting space. The indoor tank has some uses but will only be used a little compared to how much they use real boats. It would be a scheduling nightmare if they tried, there is something like fifteen or more squads in different boats that at minimum all will do at least an hour a day. Though that is why their boathouse will be small compared to OCU's, since OCU'S merged their gym with the boat storage facility (which is the only technical requirement to be called a boathose in rowing), most boathouses around the country are not even as nice as the preliminary plans OU/BHF released.

So Snowman...end of summer is nearing....which is when it was stated that the zip line is to be installed. What is the latest you have heard on that?

So Snowman...end of summer is nearing....which is when it was stated that the zip line is to be installed. What is the latest you have heard on that?

I have not heard much recently on it but most of the development info I see is from watching and reading material from the riverfront redevelopment committee, though it may have already been approved to go ahead when the did the sky trail.

I would not expect any large projects to start until mid October, since they try to limit impact of construction around The head of the Oklahoma Regatta, which is usually the largest attended event they do all year.

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

They made it a key point by saying (and I don't remember where I saw this in print) that the zip line would be installed at the end of the summer. Schools have all started up. Maybe they meant like the legit end to the summer, September 21st. Who knows. I just wanna ride that thing ;-)

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

They made it a key point by saying (and I don't remember where I saw this in print) that the zip line would be installed at the end of the summer. Schools have all started up. Maybe they meant like the legit end to the summer, September 21st. Who knows. I just wanna ride that thing ;-)

They have had a tendency to be a bit optimistic about when they get projects completed (there have been a few since i started doing things there in 2011 that did not start construction till after the estimated completion date).

They have had a tendency to be a bit optimistic about when they get projects completed (there have been a few since i started doing things there in 2011 that did not start construction till after the estimated completion date).

That breaks my heart. I'm probably going to have to wait til next summer to scream like a girl huh? lol

Once they start, how long can a zip line realistically take to install? 10 to 20 days?

Once they start, how long can a zip line realistically take to install? 10 to 20 days?

The main thing is constructing the tower on the south side of the river, the one on the north side seemed like it went up pretty quick and the south one's floor plates are neither as wide or long but it is as tall since there will be two zip lines so you can cross the river either way.

So Snowman...end of summer is nearing....which is when it was stated that the zip line is to be installed. What is the latest you have heard on that?

Well maybe you should not have asked someone who has been out of town for a few weeks, I heard today that it is either about to be opening or they might have already done some sort of soft opening

Well maybe you should not have asked someone who has been out of town for a few weeks, I heard today that it is either about to be opening or they might have already done some sort of soft opening

I didn't know you made an announcement on here that you have been out of town. My baddd...

I didn't know you made an announcement on here that you have been out of town. My baddd...

I had not, it was just a joke. I was surprised to hear that it could be ready since I am pretty sure they had not even dug holes to pour concrete for the foundation of the polls before I left.

I had not, it was just a joke. I was surprised to hear that it could be ready since I am pretty sure they had not even dug holes to pour concrete for the foundation of the polls before I left.

Ahhh, gotcha ;-) Yeah, I haven't been down that way since I got back from my (real, haha) vacation 2 1/2 weeks ago. I'd like to get down there and ride along the trails again so I will be looking for certain!

As I drove by this morning, I couldn't see anything being constructed on the opposite side of the river.

As I drove by this morning, I couldn't see anything being constructed on the opposite side of the river.

Judging from the rendering at the top of this page it looks like there are two zipline towers on the south shore. Guessing you to downstream and then back across over to where the whitewater facility will be, making it a 3 part course!

Judging from the rendering at the top of this page it looks like there are two zipline towers on the south shore. Guessing you to downstream and then back across over to where the whitewater facility will be, making it a 3 part course!

Could be, but I only see light poles right now. Can't tell if they are doing foundation work though.

Could be, but I only see light poles right now. Can't tell if they are doing foundation work though.

That's why I said..."in the rendering at the top of the page". :D

Here's as good of conformation we'll get that the OU boathouse is still planned, from steve:


10:28
Comment From Ronaldo
Is OU building a boathouse on the river? If so when?
10:28

Steve Lackmeyer: Yes. I am told design work is underway and more info should be coming out this next year.

Here's as good of conformation we'll get that the OU boathouse is still planned, from steve:

or that fact that it has been on every OU regents update for the last 3 years ..

or that fact that it has been on every OU regents update for the last 3 years ..

Didn't realize that. Posters keep bringing up that they thought it was cancelled due to the on campus training facility so I figured I'd post Steve's answer. Can you post a link to their latest update or at least where to find it?

from the may 2013 agenda that had a capital projects update http://digital.libraries.ou.edu/regents/minutes/2013_05_09-10.pdf

II. PROJECTS IN PLANNING, DESIGN OR CONSTRUCTION,
FUNDING IDENTIFIED IN FULL OR IN PART, NORMAN CAMPUS

39 Boathouse: The proposed new boathouse will be located in Oklahoma City near other
existing and future facilities on the Oklahoma River. The facility will include space for
storage of shells, oars, ergometers, and other equipment; a changing/locker area with
showers; a multi-purpose area for team meetings, workout, etc; a small training/treatment
room; an entry lobby and hospitality area; restrooms for men and women; and access to
the waterfront. The total estimated cost is $6,500,000, with funding from a combination
of private funds and Athletics Department capital funds.

also from next weeks riverfront redevelopment authority Beer sales are coming to the river full time

F.
Adopt Joint Resolution approving, in concept, a request by the Oklahoma City Boathouse Foundation to offer daily sales of low-point beer within the Boathouse District of Regatta Park at specific sites in and adjacent to the Chesapeake Boathouse, the Devon Boathouse, and the Chesapeake Finish Line Tower; and directing staff to prepare, for consideration by the Oklahoma City Board of Adjustment, an application for a zoning variance to allow such sales.

Great! Thanks!

Great! Thanks!

No problem

There is a river zip line update at Boathouse District Development (http://boathousedistrictdevelopment.blogspot.com/)

It is coming and will be exciting!

I'm getting pumped for the zipline tomorrow!

I just wish OU would get off their butts and get the freaking boathouse going. The largest university in the state with the most financial backing and it's the last to the game.....

Maybe Boone can help, lol.

Several years ago wasn't there talk about doing an indoor surfing venue? Did I dream that or did it get axed at some point?

Sandridge...

I just wish OU would get off their butts and get the freaking boathouse going. The largest university in the state with the most financial backing and it's the last to the game.....

Why do they need one? From what I understand they have training facilities at OU or least that is where they will be. So the boathouse would only be for boat storage and maybe a small classroom. Nothing they need to build ASAP.

I want them to build one. Is there ever any possibility of OSU building a boathouse?

Sorry if this is stupid question, but after these universities build them, what other entities might build some as well? Could OKC Public Schools possibly build one for their rowing programs? Maybe Edmond or Norman public schools? I'm not sure if they use the Devon and Chesapeake boathouses specifically though. Maybe OCCC?

Several years ago wasn't there talk about doing an indoor surfing venue? Did I dream that or did it get axed at some point?

According to the website it's still in the plans.


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I want them to build one. Is there ever any possibility of OSU building a boathouse?

Sorry if this is stupid question, but after these universities build them, what other entities might build some as well? Could OKC Public Schools possibly build one for their rowing programs? Maybe Edmond or Norman public schools? I'm not sure if they use the Devon and Chesapeake boathouses specifically though. Maybe OCCC?

OSU does have an OKC campus so I don't think it would be a huge stretch.


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OSU does have an OKC campus so I don't think it would be a huge stretch.


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Most of those students are not traveling back and forth between the main campus though, their commute would be three times as long as OU's team, which might make Lake Blackwell look better if they do start a team.

It'll be cool when there are more destinations to paddle or row to in the future. Now, when you rent a paddle board or kayak you kind of just go down the river and back, right? I'm not an expert so maybe there are more options than I'm aware of. But, regardless, it'll be better if there are options with more foot traffic and activity. It would be fun to paddle over to a landing off the river to picnic, catch a bite to eat, play volleyball, or visit the Wheeler District Ferris wheel.

Maybe there's more to get to than I know about though. Are there plans to add some small docks along the river as stopping points?

It'll be cool when there are more destinations to paddle or row to in the future. Now, when you rent a paddle board or kayak you kind of just go down the river and back, right? I'm not an expert so maybe there are more options than I'm aware of. But, regardless, it'll be better if there are options with more foot traffic and activity. It would be fun to paddle over to a landing off the river to picnic, catch a bite to eat, play volleyball, or visit the Wheeler District Ferris wheel.

Maybe there's more to get to than I know about though. Are there plans to add some small docks along the river as stopping points?

I heard some of the kayakers used the canal for access to restaurants in bricktown, after carrying their boat from where the river and canal meet, not sure if it was just to see if it could be done or more of a regular thing.

Took some Instagram shots for NewsOK Instameet the other day. Don't really care for Instagram but had to use it for their contest.

Instagram (http://instagram.com/unfrsakn)

I heard some of the kayakers used the canal for access to restaurants in bricktown, after carrying their boat from where the river and canal meet, not sure if it was just to see if it could be done or more of a regular thing.

Not aware of that, and if it had happened between 9 AM and midnight I would almost certainly know about it. They would be subject to arrest, trespassing charges and a fine of $250 each. They would also likely have serious trouble with the Oklahoma River Boathouse Foundation, perhaps losing their privileges there. On top of that, they technically are not allowed to paddle the waterway that goes under the I-40/UP bridge. I would advise against it.

Moved a bunch of posts here:

Oklahoma River Zip Line - OKCTalk (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Oklahoma+River+Zip+Line)

Moved a bunch of posts here:

Oklahoma River Zip Line - OKCTalk (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Oklahoma+River+Zip+Line)
I was not aware that thread previously existed. Thanks!

Nm

Not aware of that, and if it had happened between 9 AM and midnight I would almost certainly know about it. They would be subject to arrest, trespassing charges and a fine of $250 each. They would also likely have serious trouble with the Oklahoma River Boathouse Foundation, perhaps losing their privileges there. On top of that, they technically are not allowed to paddle the waterway that goes under the I-40/UP bridge. I would advise against it.

You know, at some level I can understand this because you don't want it to get out of control, but it's actually a pretty neat concept. If we ever get the river developed as a destination in itself, it would actually be very cool to have it open to the public to pull up to the dock of places and eat, then get back on your boat and head out. We'd have to have some way to coordinate it with the rowing folks or have it on the next lock section upriver, but it would be pretty cool IMO. The canal, while developed, was not built to accommodate that type of traffic and you certainly don't want people riding jet skis up and down that...it's just not able to handle either the spray, the wake, noise,....really anything. But it would be cool to be able to hop in a small craft and paddle your way up the canal to eat :) Maybe you can work the calories off on your way back down the canal LOL

It will never happen, sorry. Too much liability and existing boat traffic in a VERY confined waterway.

It will never happen, sorry. Too much liability and existing boat traffic in a VERY confined waterway.

While I do not see kayak use on the canal being very common, I believe both the boathouse staff and at least some on the council and/or city staff has made statements there is support for the idea. It might be something they only grant a temporary permit during large events where you have people unusually enthusiastic (and capable) with kayaking in town for a few days who are likely are using their own kayaks.

I would understand concern for the taxis seeing them or inexperienced/visiting kayakers following traffic rules but I do not see an issue with existing traffic or it being confined, there is enough room for the canal taxis to pass by each other, it is far easier for a taxi to pass a kayak as they are like 1/6th the width of a watertaxi, both are going pretty slow ( compared to bikes & cars in a similar situation on city roads) and kayaks can be pretty nimble to turn and clear the way if they were to be aware of a possible taxi collision. Also since both are open vehicles are more likely to hear each other propelling themselves and might even be able to give the other verbal warnings with time to spare if a situation either noticed a possible problem, signs could be posted to travel on one whichever side is proper. With there only being six taxis, the existing traffic is pretty light.