I have this from someone fairly high up in the org that is a close friend, who I would think would be in those meetings, but it was casual conversation at dinner, so maybe there was misunderstanding one way or the other.

A video promoting the upcoming 2014 Canoe Marathon World Championships.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1dmqvGJvE0

Sweet, now nobody say we didn't welcome them here! (kidding, kidding)

Sweet, now nobody say we didn't welcome them here! (kidding, kidding)

I would have never know when I drove past the memorial. I didn't see a big banner hanging across the entrance to the memorial welcoming them. What about the people walking around the memorial? How will they know about this? My heavens, we're such a elementary minded small town. And to think, people suggest we're becoming a better city, but we can't even place a big "WELCOME!!!!" banner on our most precious site in all the city. This means my dreams of a convention center and the stage center tower happening in my lifetime are absolutely hopeless.

To actually comment on the subject; that is pretty neat. I've always had an interest in water sports, even though I've never sought out to become a rower of any sort.

I would have never know when I drove past the memorial. I didn't see a big banner hanging across the entrance to the memorial welcoming them. What about the people walking around the memorial? How will they know about this? My heavens, we're such a elementary minded small town. And to think, people suggest we're becoming a better city, but we can't even place a big "WELCOME!!!!" banner on our most precious site in all the city.

With respect, the memorial is a world class, solemn place, that, in my opinion, doesn't need banners hanging from it like a homecoming game. I very much appreciate the NCAA visitors, but the memorial averages 350,000 visitors per year. Even if the NCAA filled the arena to capacity for the three straight nights and every single visitor between nights was a different person (i.e. no repeat visitors, which we know didn't happen), and they all visited the memorial while here, that's still only 60,000 visitors to the memorial, representing 17% of its average visitor count. So that's the best case. If we could justify a banner there, why only for that 17% and not the other 82%? Put one somewhere else if you want, but I just don't think the memorial is the place. Personally, I live next to the memorial, and I walk through it almost everyday. While foot traffic those days (and yes, I was there each of the three days) was higher than it had been lately (this time of year traffic is lower due to the weather and such), I've seen it MUCH busier during the Summer months than it was due to NCAA visitors.

Satire, shawnw, satire.

Sorry, didn't catch it. Usually do.

That's a pretty bad no-catch my friend :wink: the "To actually comment on the subject" was a giveaway ;-)

I don't really understand how an engineer would say it would "cause more problems than it would solve". If you're looking to wind-screen, it's super easy. You just work to re-direct the air, not block it. If they were planning on doing something to put a wall up to blunt-force block it, then it would have been a mistake. It can be as simple as a jet-exhaust type thing...just angle the air up. Or more stylish and run angled horizontal slats between vertical poles. But causing problems....not sure I would buy into that one. Just do some quick google searches for wind walls and you'll see the wide variety of things that exist today.

Feel free to not buy into it. I'm just repeating what I was told. Granted the buck doesn't stop with this person (someone with whom it does could always say do it anyway, damn the engineers), but they're definitely in the room. So even if it ends up happening, these discussions are actually taking place, and I'm just passing them along. Time will tell.

With UCO boathouse and the new Whitewater course starting construction in the next few weeks, the Boathouse District is going to be hoppin'.

I can't wait to see dirt a turnin where the whitewater course is going in!

The Regatta next year is going to be epic. How long will construction on the UCO boathouse take? I know the WWR course is scheduled to be completed some time next year.

I heard there also might be a covered motor cross track by the River, any truth to this?

The Regatta next year is going to be epic. How long will construction on the UCO boathouse take? I know the WWR course is scheduled to be completed some time next year.

I believe 18 months was the time expected.


I heard there also might be a covered motor cross track by the River, any truth to this?
May be a mix of projects, they recently did a pump track for bikes and plan to do a indoor artificial surf thing but as of yet I had not seen any announcement like that (unless it is being done by a completely separate group outside of the Boathouse District and had not come to the point it needed approval from the public boards).

Saw some suryeyors out there on the East end of the white water rapids area this morning. A couple of guys with a tripod.

In the next report to the OKC Riverfront Redevelopment Authority from the Director of Development, it is mentioned they finally have acquired all the land to construct the whitewater course & the MAPS office indicates the project will be ready to advertise for construction bids in the next several weeks.

Yeah, they had a single holdout property that the were finally able to acquire.

I still think a boardwalk running along the north side of the river would be really cool. It could go from the south end of the park over to the boathouse area.

Are state lawmakers set to contribute $90 million toward a new Oklahoma River resort? | News OK (http://newsok.com/are-state-lawmakers-set-to-contribute-90-million-toward-a-new-oklahoma-river-resort/article/4846181)

How do we make this happen but not AICC?

It would be incredibly disappointing if the AICC is not built. This state loves to brand itself as "Oklahoma: Native America," but breaks promises when it comes to Native issues of substance. This center would, and still could, go a long way in teaching Oklahomans about the Native history the state uses for tourism. It also likely would/could become maybe the number one tourist attraction in the state. When people come to Oklahoma they think of Native culture and would likely flock to a center where they could learn more. This is all so disappointing.

Disgusting.

What if the AICC IS the new Okla River Resort?

What if the AICC IS the new Okla River Resort?

Now that would be a positive outcome.

It would be incredibly disappointing if the AICC is not built. This state loves to brand itself as "Oklahoma: Native America," but breaks promises when it comes to Native issues of substance.

Well, that is in keeping with our historical practices.

I'm sure a few posters (Edgar) were pleased to see Mayor Mick get stuck on the zip line today. LOL

Governor Fallin tests new zipline | Oklahoma City - OKC - KOCO.com (http://www.koco.com/news/Governor-Fallin-tests-new-zipline/26133526)

This is encouraging:


Longtime Oklahoma City developer and civic leader, David T. Yost, has
approached the river trust about a possible donation of a large number of mature
trees for placement along the Oklahoma River. Various options for the grove
location are under review at this time.

why don't we do this sort of thing more often (plant mature trees en mass)?

^

We've done it some... There was a big effort north of the airport recently.

I think it's a matter of having miles and miles of areas to cover. So much so that even when it's done it's hardly noticed.

Calling it a "grove" makes it sound like it will only be in one location. Of course, that is better than nothing.

The wife and I picked up our season Riversport Adventure Passes today - actually, they were 'Extreme' Adventure Passes (includes the new zip line for $100/ea.).

We spent a little over two hours there this evening and had a great time. Wasn't busy at all and got to do everything multiple times.

I really think a season pass is the way to go. A single turn on the hipline is $20 or $50 for unlimited one day use. For $100 you can go whenever you want ands stay as long or as little as you want.

My favorites were the zipline, the slide and the multiple rock wall climbs.

The wife really liked the rock walls, the slide and this interactive game that was similar to SIMON.

We didn't do the bike or kayak rentals, but plan on doing so soon.

If you have kids (or are just young at heart) this is a can't miss.

The wife and I picked up our season Riversport Adventure Passes today - actually, they were 'Extreme' Adventure Passes (includes the new zip line for $100/ea.).

We spent a little over two hours there this evening and had a great time. Wasn't busy at all and got to do everything multiple times.

I really think a season pass is the way to go. A single turn on the hipline is $20 or $50 for unlimited one day use. For $100 you can go whenever you want ands stay as long or as little as you want.

My favorites were the zipline, the slide and the multiple rock wall climbs.

The wife really liked the rock walls, the slide and this interactive game that was similar to SIMON.

We didn't do the bike or kayak rentals, but plan on doing so soon.

If you have kids (or are just young at heart) this is a can't miss.

Do you know if the pass will include the whitewater venue when it opens? It does sound like that is a great value.

Do you know if the pass will include the whitewater venue when it opens? It does sound like that is a great value.

If it does, I'm sure it will be a pretty significant price upgrade. If memory serves me, the pass was initially $75 - then it raised to $85. Now its $100 with the new zipline.

Won't have to worry about that though for at least a season or two.

Another great thing.... the way the adventure area is laid out, parents or guests can come along for free if they want and watch up close and personal. Lots of picnic tables and even a few things to do for free (playground, SIMON game, etc.). Its not a 'everyone has to pay' to get anywhere near the par' sort of atmosphere. Also, all the employees (look to be college students), were very friendly and helpful.

If it does, I'm sure it will be a pretty significant price upgrade. If memory serves me, the pass was initially $75 - then it raised to $85. Now its $100 with the new zipline.

Won't have to worry about that though for at least a season or two.

I'm betting once the whitewater river course is done that they'll have separate tier packages to justify various priorities. Someone may want to only pay so much to do certain things vs. the next person that may want a summer pass for whitewater and zipline but nothing else.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S5

I'm betting once the whitewater river course is done that they'll have separate tier packages to justify various priorities. Someone may want to only pay so much to do certain things vs. the next person that may want a summer pass for whitewater and zipline but nothing else.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S5

They already do that to a point. You can do a pass for a single attraction ($20 to just do the Zipline - pretty pricey if you ask me). Or, you can get an all inclusive pass for the day. Or, you can get a regular season pass for $85 or add the zipline for $100.

I hope the rafting isn't crazy expensive.

I really wanted do the fitness membership but its $50/month - which I thought was high considering I'd need to buy two.

I'm betting once the whitewater river course is done that they'll have separate tier packages to justify various priorities. Someone may want to only pay so much to do certain things vs. the next person that may want a summer pass for whitewater and zipline but nothing else.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S5

They have less now than they did a couple years ago, after more things have opened, but they will probably keep adjusting their system over time.

This gives a comparison of the cost of the various passes offered in Charlotte.

Buy Online | U.S. National Whitewater Center (http://usnwc.org/buy-online/)

This gives a comparison of the cost of the various passes offered in Charlotte.

Buy Online | U.S. National Whitewater Center (http://usnwc.org/buy-online/)

bchris02? Is that you?

This is exciting!


The National Drag Boat Association calls the Oklahoma River one of the nation’s best venues for drag boat racing. It will bring racing back to the river in 2015, the 50th anniversary of the association, and it will make Oklahoma City its headquarters.

The Oklahoma River has a natural wind block, and water levels and river flow are controlled by a low-water dam system. Support facilities, including the Chesapeake Tower, help support race operations and television production. Oklahoma City has been hosting drag boat races since 2004.

The association reports an average of 100 race teams from across the country compete, roaring down the River at 200 mph. The 2014 race was rescheduled for 2015, and races will be scheduled for Austin, Dallas, St. Louis and Tulsa.

- Drag boats will race on the Oklahoma River in 2015 (http://www.justgoodnews.biz/2014/05/29/oklahoma-good-news/drag-boats-will-race-oklahoma-river-2015/?utm_content=buffere7f67&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer)

A natural wind block....that all but essentially cancelled I think the last two events (maybe one, can't remember). I don't recall if it was the last or time before last that it was so incredibly windy all weekend they barely raced.

That said, I enjoy releasing my inner redneck and going to these.

sheesh, 200 mph on a river!!!

Retiny

What was happening at the river tonight? Anyone know? There was a big gathering of people with tents and booths and there was a big sign that lit up and said 'CURE'.

What was happening at the river tonight? Anyone know? There was a big gathering of people with tents and booths and there was a big sign that lit up and said 'CURE'.

I know they were screening a film, not sure if there was anything else

bchris02? Is that you?

LOL, don't hang that on me. It was just the only place to show a comparable area with prices.

I know they were planning on showing Despicable Me 2 outside, but don't know if that happened last night or not.

I was there with my wife after work, but we were just doing the Adventuresport but did notice all the people next door.

One really cool thing is it appears Adventuresport is adding a couple of a really cool inflatables to the mix. One I was told is the largest inflatable water slide in the US. They were inflating it as we were leaving. I saw two other deflated inflatables in other areas.

Here's a collage from our visit yesterday.....

http://s25.postimg.org/ru2hlhvvj/River_Sport_Collage.jpg (http://postimage.org/)
hosting images (http://postimage.org/)

We try and go every couple of days and wear our heart rate monitors and treat it as a fun workout. I love (and hate) that every time we go its pretty empty - as in more staff than visitors.

Had a bit of a disappointment on my last visit to the Okla. River Development. Our Riversport Adventure pass covers bicycle rentals along the river - to be checked out at the Chesapeake Boathouse. Went the other day and was told that they actually only have had just 2 rental bikes so far this season. Yes, that's TWO bikes total. They said they had a few other bikes but that schlegel bicycles is supposed to be maintaining them but so far this season they have not and they don't know when they'll ever get around to it.

That was a fairly big disappointment as one of our deciding factors in getting the pass was the thought it would keep us from having to haul bikes downtown and we could simply use theirs. Also, of the two bikes they had, neither would fit my wife (bikes were too tall).

Same goes for the Subaru Momentum Pump Track at the RiverSport Adventure area. The staff member said they were down to only one bike that was truly operable as the others either had non-working brakes or the seat would not stay straight.

not that it helps with the track, but what's up withe spokies kiosk that's supposed to go at the boathouse, that would at least augment the rental situation...

not that it helps with the track, but what's up withe spokies kiosk that's supposed to go at the boathouse, that would at least augment the rental situation...

No idea about the Spokies - but that doesn't help those that pay $100/season or $50/day for what's supposed to be an all-inclusive pass.

Reminds me when car dealers advertise a really great price on a car - just to find out its literally just one single car in inventory.

6/14/2014 Riversport Update: Good news, the Chesapeake Boathouse now has several bikes that are working and can be rented. Was told they got someone fixing all their bikes after receiving numerous complaints.

On a negative note..... they still have a lot of staff communication issues to work out. Depending on who you ask you get different and often conflicting answers.

Example; This morning a group of us wanted to go kayak at the Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge (included in the RiverSport pass). Called the only phone number for Riversport 405-552-4040 and was told they were launching kayaks at both the downtown river and Overholser locations and started at 7am.

We load up and drive from Edmond to Overholser. Once we get there the boathouse door is locked (even though they are supposed to be open) and when the girl working there does come open the door she says that are in fact NOT launching kayaks at that location because of wind (which according to an online search is only at 20 MPH). I said we had called just 30 minutes ago and were told they were launching kayaks. We got a shrug and were told we should next time call and transfer directly to that boathouse and ask (FYI, the extension is 4412).

So, we had to turn around and all go back home. Got home and decided to call to find out exactly what wind speed was acceptable. Called the extension 4 times and each time was sent directly to "The voicemail you are calling is full and cannot accept new voicemails, good bye" (or something to that effect). Called the main operator and they tried transferring me with the same result.

Spoke to a manager on duty and she couldn't reach the Route 66 Boathouse either and she also assumed they were launching boats there this morning. She said she'd try to reach a staffer at the boathouse on their personal cell phone.

Like I've said, I really like the facilities they are building and the different activities that are being offered, but communication seems to be a big issue that can get frustrating very fast after you've spent hundreds of dollars on passes for yourself and family. Hopefully they get all the kinks worked out soon.

Another example of bad management/customer service. This has been happening for 2 weeks now.... call their main number 552-4040 and listen to the recorded operator. They tell you to push 1 for park locations and hours. When you do that (just like calling the Route 66 extension) you immediately get a recording telling you the voicemail you're calling is full! Why is there even a voicemail on the location and hours extension? Shouldn't it just be a recording giving you the address and hours of operation?

I went yesterday and took my son and one of his friends. We did the zip line, the rumble drop, the slide, the rock climb, the rope course and the kayaks. We had a great time. My only complaint was that I thought $50 was a little steep for one day.

6/14/2014 Riversport Update: Good news, the Chesapeake Boathouse now has several bikes that are working and can be rented. Was told they got someone fixing all their bikes after receiving numerous complaints.

On a negative note..... they still have a lot of staff communication issues to work out. Depending on who you ask you get different and often conflicting answers.

Example; This morning a group of us wanted to go kayak at the Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge (included in the RiverSport pass). Called the only phone number for Riversport 405-552-4040 and was told they were launching kayaks at both the downtown river and Overholser locations and started at 7am.

We load up and drive from Edmond to Overholser. Once we get there the boathouse door is locked (even though they are supposed to be open) and when the girl working there does come open the door she says that are in fact NOT launching kayaks at that location because of wind (which according to an online search is only at 20 MPH). I said we had called just 30 minutes ago and were told they were launching kayaks. We got a shrug and were told we should next time call and transfer directly to that boathouse and ask (FYI, the extension is 4412).

So, we had to turn around and all go back home. Got home and decided to call to find out exactly what wind speed was acceptable. Called the extension 4 times and each time was sent directly to "The voicemail you are calling is full and cannot accept new voicemails, good bye" (or something to that effect). Called the main operator and they tried transferring me with the same result.

Spoke to a manager on duty and she couldn't reach the Route 66 Boathouse either and she also assumed they were launching boats there this morning. She said she'd try to reach a staffer at the boathouse on their personal cell phone.

Like I've said, I really like the facilities they are building and the different activities that are being offered, but communication seems to be a big issue that can get frustrating very fast after you've spent hundreds of dollars on passes for yourself and family. Hopefully they get all the kinks worked out soon.

Another example of bad management/customer service. This has been happening for 2 weeks now.... call their main number 552-4040 and listen to the recorded operator. They tell you to push 1 for park locations and hours. When you do that (just like calling the Route 66 extension) you immediately get a recording telling you the voicemail you're calling is full! Why is there even a voicemail on the location and hours extension? Shouldn't it just be a recording giving you the address and hours of operation?

There customer service is one of the biggest things they need to improve, especially since they keep prices at this level. If you are just getting recreational kayaks then 20 mph does not sound that bad, if you are getting mid to higher end sprint kayaks I could see that being too high since they are unstable to begin with.


I went yesterday and took my son and one of his friends. We did the zip line, the rumble drop, the slide, the rock climb, the rope course and the kayaks. We had a great time. My only complaint was that I thought $50 was a little steep for one day.


They still seem to be trying to figure out what they want to do on prices, they definitely tend to charge high when something new comes out, in the past it has dropped afterward. The membership plans have also not has a lot of long term consistency either.

I went yesterday and took my son and one of his friends. We did the zip line, the rumble drop, the slide, the rock climb, the rope course and the kayaks. We had a great time. My only complaint was that I thought $50 was a little steep for one day.

I 100% agree. This was actually our deciding factor in buying season passes. We knew we'd enjoy going more than twice, so the best bargain was a pass.

However, if you didn't think you'd go often - or if you're just passing through - its pretty pricey at all levels below a season pass.

Watched a young couple on a date show up to zip line. I could tell the guy hadn't called ahead and he about fell over when they told him it was $20 for each of them to zipline JUST ONCE. I don't think he planned on spending $40 for a few minutes of recreation before/after a dinner/movie date.

Regardless, if they can get the communication and consistency worked out, its a great facility.

The season pass is definitely the way to go, but I knew this would be a one time thing for me. The help on the zip line/rope course was very good. They had too many people, if anything.

The season pass is definitely the way to go, but I knew this would be a one time thing for me. The help on the zip line/rope course was very good. They had too many people, if anything.

I would clarify on customer service, every issue I have ever had/seen/heard was the sort of things handled at the reception desks. Knowing about what is offered in plans (several time I have seen the staff give wrong answers over promising, especially bad at services only offered at boathouses with unique services they never work at), for at least from when I joined to at least a year later they had a service listed that you would receive on the membership contract but was at the time still just something they were hoping to offer in a couple years, also on multiple occasions people being told they would be allowed to do something when in the payed instruction sessions but then the people at the front desk having no idea so rejecting them on those promised items, poor response time, having no clue who's responsibility something is and not contacting a manager to make judgement call on when they do not know how to handle a situation (I think this one has gotten better).

A UK rowing magazine did a feature on the river, the Boathouse Foundation and Devon Boathouse. (http://content.yudu.com/A2x3sf/Row360-001-Aug-2014/resources/38.htm)

Tulsa's Arkansas River pedestrian bridge also serves as a fishing pier. Could this work on the Oklahoma River where there is an abandoned train (trestles) bridge between Exchange & Western Avenues?


https://sp1.yimg.com/ib/th?id=HN.608054347269931201&pid=15.1&P=0 https://sp1.yimg.com/ib/th?id=HN.608053183331176433&pid=15.1&P=0 https://sp1.yimg.com/ib/th?id=HN.608023256000038521&pid=15.1&P=0
Pics of the pedestrian bridge and fishing pier in the Tulsa River Parks on the Arkansas River.

There is an abandoned trestles bridge on the Oklahoma River between Western Avenue and Exchange Avenue which could be converted into a fishing pier much like the one in Tulsa. How about beautifying this area with a pedestrian bridge and fishing pier (retrofitted) using the abandoned train (trestles) bridge?

Does anyone know if there is a development plan for this area?


https://sp1.yimg.com/ib/th?id=HN.607987672197172937&pid=15.1&P=0 https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQaLViDKKoGPlzpEYPb7BRQaOstXawa2 vnMIA17geh7sUdRKOFi
Abandoned train trestle bridge (on the Oklahoma River
between Western & Exchange Avenues) looks much like these pics above.

You can enter this area from south end of Exchange Avenue Bridge turn onto 11th and head east. This bridge is just north of Boardman at 1135 S McKinley Ave; also the area where there use to be a bike park just west of Western Avenue. The old bike (dirt area) could be paved and used for parking.

Thoughts, suggestions (?)


http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif "Oklahoma City looks oh-so pretty... ...as I get my kicks on Route 66." --Nat King Cole.http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif

If there were fish?

(I know there probably are, but they don't "stock" it right?)