Do I need a permit to put my houseboat in the river and just anchor it off to the side out of the way? There's not much for thru traffic to dodge. Dock access there would be good too, I was considering putting it on airbnb because of the great skyline view.

a friend took this pic flying into OKC yesterday. misses the white water rafting but a great pic.
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We went as a work group today and has a wonderful time. We did the rafting, Sky trail; and the little bike course. I had to leave early, but the rest of the group stayed for tubing and kayaking.

This is a wonderful area for Oklahoma City.

What/where is an OSU boathouse?

http://www.ocolly.com/news/article_c353a612-6646-11e6-8be7-bbbce8649ec5.html

Presumably this...
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Source: http://www.riversportokc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/OKCBF_160045_BHD_SiteMap.pdf

http://newsok.com/multimedia/video/5157799736001#gsc.tab=0

I think some type of hotel would work well here.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/boathouserow062017d.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/boathouserow062017b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/boathouserow062017a.jpg

Great pictures! About two more 30 story high rises:ot:

Awesome pics. Sure wish we didn't have that giant highway and clover blocking the city from this area.

I spent a lot of time out there last night and was really disappointed with how the photos and video turned out.

It became overcast right before sunset and I think the light was just wrong.

I want to try from the same angles with the sun rising behind the camera, but not sure the neon lights on the boathouses are on in the early AM.

Also, I want to find an angle where you get the boathouses and skyline but minimize the freeway.

If you want a good angle towards down try and get a little closer to the zipline, or about 20 or so feet above the water.

The lights on the boathouses are on in the morning. I'd recommend around 6am or so.

If you want a good angle towards down try and get a little closer to the zipline, or about 20 or so feet above the water.

The lights on the boathouses are on in the morning. I'd recommend around 6am or so.

Thanks, will try.

One of the issues is that light standards on the north bank and the perspective of the drone actually requires you be back from the water, and I'm super paranoid about running into something!

I'll get down there early one morning and give it another go. I've always said the right angle of those boathouses with the skyline behind could be OKC's signature, as it would be unique.

Try standing on the south shore as you fly. Should give you a more personal vantage point that you can then imagine and base your filming off of. You could also stand on the Lincoln bridge to get an idea of height and then just fly it straight down the river (avoid zipline cords) and that should also be a good angle.

Try standing on the south shore as you fly. Should give you a more personal vantage point that you can then imagine and base your filming off of. You could also stand on the Lincoln bridge to get an idea of height and then just fly it straight down the river (avoid zipline cords) and that should also be a good angle.

Thanks again.

There are lots of obstacles around there.

Typically with a drone, you start it and then send it straight up. Get it high enough there is almost nothing that can interfere. One excpetion: the area around Jones where there is a construction crane and some very high power lines.

Lower-angle shots are way more problematic and I need to have more practice before increasing my level of difficulty.

Fortunately, there are about 150 other things I want to cover!

This video is linked at a time stamp that should be a pretty good view in the morning: https://youtu.be/MRJ9jPLJHh4

You might want to try just a little bit lower and you'll get a lot of road out of the picture. Best of luck!

This video is linked at a time stamp that should be a pretty good view in the morning: https://youtu.be/MRJ9jPLJHh4

You might want to try just a little bit lower and you'll get a lot of road out of the picture. Best of luck!

Thanks!

Couple of other things: Both the Devon and UCO boathouses now have LED / neon lights that are out on the east sides; and the zip line structure is really only lit from the west side.

So, from the east perspective where you get the boathouses and skyline, those things aren't going to look very good at present.

Yeah they were the worst at keeping those light strips maintained while I was on the team. I don't think they normally focus on replacing them until competitions come around.

There's also the option of waiting until those are replaced and just getting a shot of the Chesapeake boathouse in the foreground on the right and the skyline on the left if you want to try that.

Those lights must be neon because LED pretty much lasts forever.

And I know Rand loved to use neon.

Red Steakhouse recently had to replace the majority of their neon lighting system.

Figured I'd post this here too since it is relevant to both.

Oklahoma River, future convention center draw new trade show (http://newsok.com/article/5562890)


Paddlesport Retailer, the official trade show for paddlers, is set to start a five-year stint in Oklahoma City that is expected to start with more than 1,000 vendors and 600 buyers.

...

“They do on-the-water demos; that's a big deal for them,” Hollenbeck said. “They set up their booths at the convention center. But one whole day is on the water. It's really easy for them here to bring a truck and set up or even walk to the water. In Salt Lake City, it was 45 minutes to the water.”

Mike Knopp, executive director of the Oklahoma City Boathouse Foundation, saw a site inspection delegation wowed by the river, the hotels, restaurants and entertainment in Bricktown, and plans for the future convention center.

“They came out having very low expectations,” Knopp said. “They left not wanting to look at anyplace else.”

Reads like a pretty huge get for the river/convention center.

^

http://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=43621

O’Connor: Boathouse District moves onward and upward

By: Cathy O'Connor Guest Columnist October 3, 2017

This week the Oklahoma City Boathouse Foundation will be celebrating with friends and donors for reaching their fundraising goal to honor longtime Boathouse District visionary Aubrey McClendon. In addition to naming the whitewater facility The Aubrey K. McClendon Whitewater Center, the boathouse foundation launched the Onward & Upward campaign – named after McClendon’s signature phrase. The money raised will support boathouse foundation operations, provide youth scholarships for boating programs, support the annual Oklahoma City National Whitewater Festival and develop a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) program at the Boathouse District using the natural resources, systems and energy associated with moving water.

Aubrey was one of the first champions of the Boathouse District. In 2001 when Oklahoma City was transforming the Oklahoma River through the original MAPS plan, he spearheaded the formation of the Oklahoma City Boathouse Foundation and led the development of the district. The Chesapeake Boathouse, built in 2006, was the first structure in the district, which has since rapidly grown to include a row of iconic boathouses along the river, the world-class Chesapeake Finish Line Tower, the Riversport Adventure Park and the Riversport Rapids, a nonprofit recreational and athletic training whitewater and rafting venue, fully funded by MAPS 3.

Today, the Boathouse District hosts world-class events that draw thousands of people to the area. America’s top athletes train in world-class training facilities, as well as recreational rowers and paddle sport enthusiasts. The OKC Riversport Junior Crew offers competitive and development rowing teams for kids ages 11 and up, which has attracted over $3 million in college scholarships to participants.

Tragically, Aubrey won’t see his fulfilled vision of the Boathouse District. But, his leadership and legacy are evidenced in the continued development of the district. The successful Onward & Upward campaign ensures people of all ages and interests – from tourists and rafting enthusiasts to Olympic athletes – get the opportunity to share in Aubrey’s vision for Oklahoma City.

By the way, the OSU logo on the kayak rental building still looks bad and seems inappropriate for a MAPs funded project.

By the way, the OSU logo on the kayak rental building still looks bad and seems inappropriate for a MAPs funded project.

Absolutely agree. I know it's been discussed before but I don't have time to scour through 1100+ posts. Can anyone provide a brief explanation for why the OSU sign is up there?

The partnership with OSU for the swift water rescue training.

Yup, it’s total nonsense. So prominent and it’s the only logo down there. The swift water rescue training is a loose tie at best. This is a publicly funded building and OSU didn’t spend a dime to construct it. If they want to add orange neon lights that’s fine, but the OSU logo needs to go.

Which, please let's not frame this as an OU-OSU debate. I would love to see OSU's logo along Boathouse Row... but, in this case, (a) it looks bad IMHO (another word might be misplaced or even cheap) and (b) it's a city funded project - it really does appear from I-35 that the entire Whitewater Course is somehow OSU's. Just weird.

A list of people to contact:

Executive Team

Michael J. Knopp
Executive Director
405-552-4040 ext. 4502

M. Elizabeth Laurent
Senior Director, Marketing & Sales
405-552-4040 ext. 4127

John Riggs
Senior Director, Operations & Events
405-552-4040 ext. 4503

Melanie Borger
Director of Athletic Programs
405-552-4040 ext. 4311

Directory
Allen, Charlie
Maintenance Coordinator

Brown, Sarah
Events Manager
405-552-4040 ext. 4505

Buchanan, Ashleigh
Marketing Coordinator, RIVERSPORT Programming
405-552-4040 ext. 4304

Chavez, Ernesto
IT Manager
405-552-4040 ext. 4111

Coleman, Sara
National Events Asssociate

Conner, Tray
Guest Relations Manager
405-552-4040

Cribbs, Crissie
Group Sales Associate
405-552-4040 ext. 4119

Fallin, Christina
Development Associate
405-552-4040 ext. 4127

Goodman, Todd
Sales Manager
405-552-4040 ext. 4116

Harjo, Dinah
Youth Outreach
405-552-4040 ext. 4213

Jacobs, Andrea
Human Resources
405-552-4040 ext. 4121

Kephart, Abby
Private Event Coordinator
405-552-4040 ext. 4117

Lake, Deanna
Staff Accountant
405-552-4040 ext. 4110

Miles, Taylor
Account Executive
405-552-4040 ext. 4992

Miller, Angela
Staff Accountant
405-552-4040 ext. 4126

Nicoll, Kimberly
Group Sales Associate
405-552-4040 ext. 4309

Reese, Jo
Group Sales
405-552-4040 ext. 4115

Reyes, Andres
Rafting Operations Manager

Russell, Lexi
Retail Coordinator
405-552-4040 ext. 4310

Shew, Tony
Operations Manager
405-552-4040 ext. 4514

Sutter, Shelley
Facilities Coordinator

Taylor, Holland
Marketing Coordinator, Social Media & PR
405-552-4040 ext. 4993

Vukusich, Molly
Marketing Manager
405-552-4040 ext. 4114

Williams, Lucas
RIVERSPORT Adventures Manager
405-552-4040 ext. 4508

Wilson, Ann
Development Administrator
Executive Assistant to Mike Knopp
405-552-4040 ext. 4118

I'm sure someone on this list can help you guys out.

USS Oklahoma City submarine memorial

Pretty cool proposal but an absolutely massive use of space

http://m.newsok.com/article/5575723?utm_source=NewsOK.com&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=NIC-Facebook

USS Oklahoma City submarine memorial

Pretty cool proposal but an absolutely massive use of space

http://m.newsok.com/article/5575723?utm_source=NewsOK.com&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=NIC-Facebook

This would be awesome. There is very little that can be done in that sliver next to the Boathouse, the River, and I-40. What's interesting is there is no road access to it (which begs how it will be built). It will increase foot traffic to the river, the canal-river interchange, and help block they eyesore view of I-40 from the rivers for kayakers and the like. Think about renting a kayak at Riversports and paddling up next to this, or walking from the Land Run monument to here.

I believe this would be the site:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/submarine.jpg

I absolutely love this idea. I toured a submarine in Cleveland and it was one of my favorite activities, not to mention they staffed it with Veterans who were incredible to talk to and learn from. Would definitely be a nice continuum from the Bricktown Canal, to the Land Run Monuments, to the boathouse, and then to this. People could spend an entire afternoon walking around down there! Looking at Pete's pic I hope that OKC continues to develop the river trails with some park features, nice rocking seats along the river, lighting, signage, etc. That would connect to Scissortail park in theory and we would have a pretty amazing green zone.

From the article: "The memorial is planned to coincide with the decommissioning of the USS Oklahoma City submarine. The sail that tops the submarine would be salvaged and attached to a replica of the hull, which is prohibited from being put on display."

Forgive my ignorance, but I assume this means the main portion of the submarine would be a replica and thus not interactive/able to be toured? (EDIT: I watched the video, which confirms this.) The article makes it seem like the actual submarine could not be displayed or toured for security reasons. And even if they could I imagine the cost to move the actual submarine, which I assume would involve disassembling at least portions of it, would probably be prohibitively expense. If so, that is understandable but disappointing. Half the fun of something like this is being able to tour the craft. That being said, I really like the idea. Definitely a worthy cause and educational opportunity.

From the article: "The memorial is planned to coincide with the decommissioning of the USS Oklahoma City submarine. The sail that tops the submarine would be salvaged and attached to a replica of the hull, which is prohibited from being put on display."

Forgive my ignorance, but I assume this means the main portion of the submarine would be a replica and thus not interactive/able to be toured? (EDIT: I watched the video, which confirms this.) The article makes it seem like the actual submarine could not be displayed or toured for security reasons. And even if they could I imagine the cost to move the actual submarine, which I assume would involve disassembling at least portions of it, would probably be prohibitively expense. If so, that is understandable but disappointing. Half the fun of something like this is being able to tour the craft. That being said, I really like the idea. Definitely a worthy cause and educational opportunity.

I assume this is because the real USS Oklahoma City has a nuclear reactor within it. Decommissioning the reactor whilst preserving the hull is probably impossible.

I assume this is because the real USS Oklahoma City has a nuclear reactor within it. Decommissioning the reactor whilst preserving the hull is probably impossible.

Yeah. Have to imagine while it could theoretically be made safe the Navy is not apt to do so for this type of purpose and the cost of doing so would make such a project unrealistic.

It said the new hull would be an exact replica of the current sub. Also, the mast from the original would be placed on top and be 15 feet tall. They said they have located some of the large Cannons from the USS Oklahoma that would be a part of the memorial. They also said the monument would be mounted as high as possible so it would be seen from I-40.

I'm ready to donate to this cause.

I’m excited about this. It has been a big challenge to get people to treat Bricktown and Riversport as a single destination connected by the canal. There are some things in the works to improve and better highlight the Bricktown Landing/Regatta Park connection, but this is one more thing to knit it all together.

I've always thought the Boathouse District would be a great place to put a bunch of sand volleyball courts (maybe 4-8) to draw more people there.

I've always thought the Boathouse District would be a great place to put a bunch of sand volleyball courts (maybe 4-8) to draw more people there.

I have said the same thing. If you see the success of the Downtown OKC Inc. pop-up sand volleyball @ the ballpark each summer, then you can bet public courts literally anywhere would be a success. Place them in an area where a foodtruck could post up and you suddenly have a neat fair weather setup with minimal costs.

I've always thought the Boathouse District would be a great place to put a bunch of sand volleyball courts (maybe 4-8) to draw more people there.

I always thought with the addition of that we could try and lure an AVP Tour stop.

From the article: "The memorial is planned to coincide with the decommissioning of the USS Oklahoma City submarine. The sail that tops the submarine would be salvaged and attached to a replica of the hull, which is prohibited from being put on display."

Forgive my ignorance, but I assume this means the main portion of the submarine would be a replica and thus not interactive/able to be toured? (EDIT: I watched the video, which confirms this.) The article makes it seem like the actual submarine could not be displayed or toured for security reasons. And even if they could I imagine the cost to move the actual submarine, which I assume would involve disassembling at least portions of it, would probably be prohibitively expense. If so, that is understandable but disappointing. Half the fun of something like this is being able to tour the craft. That being said, I really like the idea. Definitely a worthy cause and educational opportunity.

I've always thought that a donated small ship from the naval mothballs would go over very well on the river. Even a decommissioned minesweeper...something that can be boarded and toured. Several decommissioned ships are available for donation. Even an old destroyer is only 400 ft long.

I've always thought that a donated small ship from the naval mothballs would go over very well on the river. Even a decommissioned minesweeper...something that can be boarded and toured. Several decommissioned ships are available for donation. Even an old destroyer is only 400 ft long.

I love this idea.

However, I wonder if the river is deep enough?

It is not deep enough.

The draft of the Avenger class minesweepers is 15 feet. I don't think the North Canadian is that deep in any section of the river.

Edit: The Arleigh-Burke and Zumwalt class destroyers have a draft of about 30 feet.

I've always thought the Boathouse District would be a great place to put a bunch of sand volleyball courts (maybe 4-8) to draw more people there.

Get rid of the Pull a part yard, and turn it into a giant beach park, with room for volleyball courts or anything else. Road access isn't great over there so building anything substantial will be challenging. Even with the new Central Park, there's room for more outdoor things to do, particularly if the options in a particular area are few and far between for development.

(I guess that obnoxious new substation is there too, so that would take away from the benefits of a park, but still).

The way I understand it, the rivers deepest part is above the dams at a max depth of 12 feet.

You'll be lucky to find a good portion of the river that's deeper than 8-10ft, especially as you get closer to the sides.

Maybe I am wrong, but I am pretty sure the river could be easily dug out to accommodate a ship for display if they really wanted to. It isn't like it needs to be legitimately floating - but then again, how do you even move a ship to Oklahoma? In pieces? Maybe one could be partly assembled.

Not sure how it got there, but at one time there was a submarine (I think Batfish is the name of it) in Muskogee. But Muskogee is an inland port city.

Not sure how it got there, but at one time there was a submarine (I think Batfish is the name of it) in Muskogee. But Muskogee is an inland port city.

The USS Batfish is a submarine from WWII. It was sailed up the Mississippi and then the Arkansas river to Muskogee. It stopped at Muskogee because the Arkansas river wasn't deep enough to get it to Tulsa! Cool tourist spot

This would be the exact placement of the USS OKC replica:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/submarine1.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/boathouse012818.jpg

From Steve's chat today with Mike Knopp:


As far as right now, we're in the midst of some small projects. We are very excited about how they add to the lifestyle experience along the river. One is the further build out of our bike park. We are introducing new elements. You may notice a new paint job on the pump track. It's turning into annother world class feature for the boathouse district. We will be hosting the Red Bull Pump Track World Championship qualifier in two weeks. It's another way to drive exposure and interest to Oklahoma City.

We're building a dog park. It's going to be right next to the McClendon Whitewater Center. It will be unique. It will be free. It will have a restaurant right next to it. You can enjoy some food, have your dog out with you, enjoy a view of the river. We will agility features - we will be calling this Boathouse Barks and Brews. That's coming very soon.


Another thing coming up is we are going to enhancing our recreational channel in the whitewater center to add additional surfing features and make it more accessible to new kayakers.


We have an outdoor lifestyle amenity that is unique in the world in that it is urban. It will be showcased to hundreds of outdoor retailers who will be coming to Oklahoma City for the new Paddleboard Sports Retailer show in August. We believe this is going to be a transformational event that will expose Oklahoma City to a new set of retailers and more over, brand Oklahoma City as a premier new outdoor destination.

There is a developing interest in new restaurant concepts and lifestyle amenities and I believe that will likely be among the first opportunities that we will consider.

There were some portions of the MAPS 3 plan for the river that were trimmed during early budget concerns. Now there is a surplus and we are recommending a set of improvements for the Boathouse District to compliment the world class facilities that already exist. These things are meant to help further elevate the Boathouse District as a destination for not only Oklahoma City residents but also tourists from around the world.


we are beginning a master plan discussion where are looking at the future commercial private development opportunities as well as parking. Structured parking development is something that is being considered, including the opportunity to do mixed use development. One idea is doing something creative like a garage that would be skinned with climbing walls.

They did that in Chattanooga and it was well received.

I understand the need for the rocks, but I wish they would build a decking over them to create a walkway directly up to the edge of the river. It would make the unnatural nature of how straight the river is a little easier on fhe eyes and make interacting with the river a little more intimate.

I love the Boathouse District, I really do, and the architecture of those buildings are so interesting and well-done. But in looking at that picture, I have to wonder why they haven't planted more trees among and between the boathouses. I understand it's not going to be a forest overnight, but it's just so ... stark. Is there some reason, maybe involving lines of sight from the observation decks? They could at least plant trees along the parking lot side of the structures. This is really sort of a pet peeve of mine whenever I come home for a visit. Trees do grow in Oklahoma, and they just make the landscape so much more ... inviting.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/boathouserow050618.jpg

https://www.facebook.com/Thrillist/videos/10156436844045891/UzpfSTM5ODAxNTAwMDIzNTY3MToxODM5MzI0NzAyNzcxMzUz/

The Boathouse District was featured recently on Thrillist as the attraction chosen from Oklahoma that contributes to making America awesome - already nearly 1 million views!

I understand the need for the rocks, but I wish they would build a decking over them to create a walkway directly up to the edge of the river. It would make the unnatural nature of how straight the river is a little easier on fhe eyes and make interacting with the river a little more intimate.

If you've ever been to Louisville they have really nice riverfront park that does a great job with the shorelines.

http://www.hargreaves.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Hargreaves-Associates-Louisville-Waterfront-Park-Project-Page-18.jpg

Paddlesports Retailer Finds New Home in Oklahoma City (https://www.canoekayak.com/news/industry-updates/paddlesports-retailer-finds-new-home-oklahoma-city/)


Paddlesports Retailer, the official trade show “for paddlers, by paddlers” celebrated its second year with a bang, wrapping up its successful 2018 move to Oklahoma City on Aug. 30.

After the show’s inaugural run last summer in Madison, Wis., organizers selected a new location. The reasons included OKC’s world-class urban paddlesports venue on the Oklahoma River, highlighted by the $45.2 million Riversport Rapids Whitewater Center, as well as its Cox Convention Center in the heart of downtown, soon to be replaced by a new, even bigger 200,000-square-foot convention center slated to open in 2020.

"Those are the two primary reasons we moved to Oklahoma City," says Show Manager Charles Connor. "We were out of space in our original location in Madison, and the paddlesports venue on the river worked great for both flatwater and whitewater exhibitors and attendees."

Interesting move to OKC. As a current resident of Madison, paddleboarding and kayaking is huge here with our lakes but we do lack any whitewater activities. Glad to see this giving OKC another viewpoint from these consumers.

I understand the need for the rocks, but I wish they would build a decking over them to create a walkway directly up to the edge of the river. It would make the unnatural nature of how straight the river is a little easier on fhe eyes and make interacting with the river a little more intimate.

I LOVE this idea^^^. It would instantly attract more folks down there. The riverfront has the most potential as a place to make a huge impact in the next decade following the finishing of the parks and Conv. Ctr. The mill property plus the developments on the southside of the river really make the potential for this area huge as a magnet for locals and visitors alike. If more development along the river including housing, hotels, retail and restaurants can be placed in attractive settings riverside, along with Wheeler, the Native American museum, and Riversports complex, this area could be dynamic and the main pull to the city center. SOOO much potential--a sort of OKC promenade along both sides of the river that is fully developed would be incredible. What possibilities!