Well the place you just said is near the highlighted section. Just on the other side of I-35. This will be a closed system and wont interact with the river at all except for the flat water rowing which is still water rowing.

Here is a quick drawing of a quick course. I don't know much about rowing or mountain biking so this is just showing that the space is there for both.

The pink is walking for hiking and standing, and sitting for viewing.
The green would be a mountain biking trail.
The rest should be labeled.


http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5222/5691750063_99a0c2ea9f_b.jpg

Thanks for info Dennis. Nonetheless, I've still heard near Eastern Ave., and I hope that's the case. If we put it where highlighted, that basically leaves NO room for expansion for future boathouses on boathouse row. Sure, we've got all the major universities committed now, but it's reasonable to think more private institutions, Olympians, and elite clubs will want to eventually build.

I think the pull a part lot is ideal

Not to mention that just to the east of the ramp to gain access to I-40 eastbound from the future boulevard, there will be a bridge going over I-40 to connect to Lincoln...

Their is a good chance it is not going to discharge any water into the river/lake metro and if they build at that location it could not, the water would need to pool at the bottom then be pumped to the top. The exception being if the build at one of the dams and diverted the water around that which might be more inconsistent for operations. Even if this was done, only the one on eastern seems to have enough elevation change between the water being retained and the level it could be discharged at most of the year to attempt a course, and even that height difference may not be enough.

The most recent MAPS3 timeline also budgeted for land acquisition and since the previous neighborhood in the area of the boathouses has been acquired by someone, unless it was bought by ODOT which seems unlikely as their is still road access then the two leading candidates are the city and the boathouse foundation, either of which would not necessitate taking the several months budgeted to complete the acquisition process.

Does it look like they are planing to put ramps from Shields to sw 15th to anyone else?

I for one hope we don't use up 30 to 50 acres near the urban core for a water rafting facility, especially waterfront land. I am think this is something that should go in the eastern part of town to take advantage of the natural terrain or maybe near Lake Draper. I also don't think a parking garage is going to be feasable since they would need a 12 foot clearance on the parking deck to make sure SUVs with kyaks on top can get in.

Kerry, it's going to be on the Oklahoma River, the only question is where.

Kerry, it's going to be on the Oklahoma River, the only question is where.

yes it will .. but it won't actually be part of the river it will be a self contained system .. but designed to look like it is part of the river

Kerry, it's going to be on the Oklahoma River, the only question is where.

Do you have a link that confirm that?

Never mind - I see it is included under the heading of Oklahoma River Improvements on the MAPS III site.

I just hate the site highlighted above because it doesn't allow for expansion of the boathouse area or the rafting attraction.

Exactly my point I was making on the previous page.

This is one item I wouldn't mind seeing the city council deviate from the original plan. If this was moved out to the eastern part of City the natural terrain would add a lot to attraction, and might allow it to be bigger than it might otherwise be.

This is one item I wouldn't mind seeing the city council deviate from the original plan. If this was moved out to the eastern part of City the natural terrain would add a lot to attraction, and might allow it to be bigger than it might otherwise be.

that would kind of defeat the purpose ... having it close to downtown/bricktown .. will be great for events and tourists ... as well as the olympic training that will take place on only on the course but in the gym and other boathouse facilities

This is one item I wouldn't mind seeing the city council deviate from the original plan. If this was moved out to the eastern part of City the natural terrain would add a lot to attraction, and might allow it to be bigger than it might otherwise be.

It is an artificial course, it is unlikely to look natural wherever it is, if it is built like the one they said they are modeling it on it will clearly not look natural. They will probably try to bid events to take place their like the do boathouse row as well as start some more of our own, 400 athletes from out of town are here for one of the smaller events of the year this weekend with expected crowd of a few thousand. Close proximity to the quantity of hotels, entertainment and the level of facilities (even more so after MAPS3 work is done) is not common in rowing/canoe/kayak venues; natural is common and not going to draw more to events, and moving it east also moves it farther from the vast majority of the population. Having it in use visible from two interstates is a level of ongoing advertising to locals they could never buy with sticking it out in the middle of nowhere.

I'm sure they'll want to keep it close to the Devon Boathouse, as that is now the location of the OKC High Performance Center, which is already being used by Olympic hopefuls in canoe/kayak as well as rowing.

I believe the plan has always been to have the whitewater facility nearby. The whole operation will fall under the OKC Boathouse Foundation, after all.

Kerry, it's going to be on the Oklahoma River, the only question is where.

Absolutely, and it needs to be near the Boathouse Row area to compliment the synergy of that area.

Here's a great video tour from yesterday of the Devon Boathouse and the OKC High Performance Center with a screen capture of the finish tower progress:

http://www.newsok.com/devons-divine-boathouse-reflections-of-progress/multimedia/video/934440306001

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/misc/finish5611.jpg

WOW WOW WOW! 3 WOWS UP! What an amazing facility and video ... I had no idea how extensive this facility is. I am flabbergasted. EVERYONE should spend the 9 minutes it takes to view this video from beginning to end. Especially the end.

I think you could fit the rapids in that area and still have room for more boat houses if you need. Just draw a line/road behind the current boat houses and continue it to the end. Build it north of there and keep the boat houses to the south. If we can keep it near the boathouses then that means we can keep pushing ourselves as a rowing hotspot. This isn't going to just be for citizens. It will be a training ground for athletes. If we can get an Olympic level course we will be in a unique position in rowing. We will have all the world class boathouses plus world class rapids in the same area. How many cities have that? We could have a rowing championships here and be able to host every kind or rowing possible.

I wouldn't even care if they scrapped the rapids and put the money into more river improvements. Any city can build a faux rapids course, but we're the only city with the Olympic rowing training facility.

I posted this a while back, but all those facilities at the Devon Boathouse -- even including the high altitude training room -- are available to the general public for a reasonable monthly fee.

That includes using the rental bikes and kayaks and they even provide rowing/canoe/kayak coaching.


More information here:

http://riversportokc.org/p/rowkayak-high-performance

I wouldn't even care if they scrapped the rapids and put the money into more river improvements. Any city can build a faux rapids course, but we're the only city with the Olympic rowing training facility.

The projects selected and order of building on river improvements is in a large part influenced from the people who run boathouse row. Side note: their are US Olympic rowing training facilities in Chula Vista(San Diego), CA and Princeton, NJ.

I wouldn't even care if they scrapped the rapids and put the money into more river improvements. Any city can build a faux rapids course, but we're the only city with the Olympic rowing training facility.

I think we need the projects that average people can actually interact with. The rapids course will be important for engaging citizens in an active lifestyle, which is desperately needed in Central Oklahoma.

As for that video, anyone spending $45,000 on a canoe or kayak is out of their minds and needs serious help. I bought a large used canoe for about $300 back when I was going to school in Canada. But I'm glad they have such a great facility in OKC.

I don't disagree at all, Spartan. I was just expressing personal ambivalence about the project. As long as they don't pigeon-hole the expansion and improvement of the river course with the location of the facility, I'll be more than happy.

WOW WOW WOW! 3 WOWS UP! What an amazing facility and video ... I had no idea how extensive this facility is. I am flabbergasted. EVERYONE should spend the 9 minutes it takes to view this video from beginning to end. Especially the end.

+1 Awesome facility!

WOW WOW WOW! 3 WOWS UP! What an amazing facility and video ... I had no idea how extensive this facility is. I am flabbergasted. EVERYONE should spend the 9 minutes it takes to view this video from beginning to end. Especially the end.


Good suggestion, and I am glad I did so.

Kerry, it's going to be on the Oklahoma River, the only question is where.

I spoke personally with someone on the executive board about this project and its location. From what he shared with me the drawings on this thread is projected location for the white water feature.

One of the Devon boat captains also told me it was going to be in that area also.. He said there was a map of it inside the boathouse. I did not check, but may be worth a trip to see.

It is an artificial course, it is unlikely to look natural wherever it is, if it is built like the one they said they are modeling it on it will clearly not look natural. They will probably try to bid events to take place their like the do boathouse row as well as start some more of our own, 400 athletes from out of town are here for one of the smaller events of the year this weekend with expected crowd of a few thousand. Close proximity to the quantity of hotels, entertainment and the level of facilities (even more so after MAPS3 work is done) is not common in rowing/canoe/kayak venues; natural is common and not going to draw more to events, and moving it east also moves it farther from the vast majority of the population. Having it in use visible from two interstates is a level of ongoing advertising to locals they could never buy with sticking it out in the middle of nowhere.

This is a destination attraction - it will receive no advantage from being next to two interstates. People who go to this will plan their whole day around it and will know well in advance that they are going. As for natural, million of people go whitewater rafting every year and almost all of it is in a natural setting. It is part of what attracts the rafters. I understand the connection between this facility and those available at the boathouse but if this location is chosen then neither can ever be expanded. What we have now is all we will ever get - ever.

My guess is that for every professional athlete that uses this facility there will be 100 or more locals - it is not a boathouse - it's an adventure park

People who go to this will plan their whole day around it and will know well in advance that they are going. As for natural, million of people go whitewater rafting every year and almost all of it is in a natural setting. It is part of what attracts the rafters. I understand the connection between this facility and those available at the boathouse but if this location is chosen then neither can ever be expanded. What we have now is all we will ever get - ever.

My guess is that for every professional athlete that uses this facility there will be 100 or more locals - it is not a boathouse - it's an adventure park

Kerry, they are not going to try to recreate the Colorado River here. The site certainly appears to be sufficient for what it is designed to be and should achieve it's purpose.

See some recent updates and photos here: http://boathousedistrictdevelopment.blogspot.com/


http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8aHxXLIrdqc/TcdnO3G5RFI/AAAAAAAAC6M/aX8po6oOtIk/s1600/IMGP0179.JPG

THAT is an awesome photo. Wow.

Brilliant video.

Kerry, they are not going to try to recreate the Colorado River here. The site certainly appears to be sufficient for what it is designed to be and should achieve it's purpose.

There is no doubt in my mind they are going to build it right next to the boat houses. I just happen to think it would be better built where more land is available for future expansion of both the whitewater park and the boat house district. In fact, I would have like to have seen this area with canals put in connecting to the river and midrise residential towers built with boat slips. Sort of our own mini-version of Ft Lauderdale (or any of 100 other small towns here in Florida).

There was a difficult to hear comment today about the whitewater facility and getting it ready to possibly train for the Olympics. Are we supposed to build a facility that is going to compete with the one in Charlotte? While we can create an artificial river, we don't have the natural rivers to compete with North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee. People who kayak congregate in North Carolina, not only because of the Olympic training facility, but also because many of them are associated with the Nantahala Outdoor Center and they kayak the local rivers. I don't see how we can compete with the variety available in the area. I also suspect the operating costs and liability costs will negate any economic development from a facility like this.

I know they have talked about having it ready for an event before the 2016 Olympics and they will likely do training camps here, though that seems an optimistic completion date. For slalom Olympic training the artificial courses are better than natural rivers, so should at least worth considering when choosing a place to train. They may pick up some under 23 athletes if OCU offers scholarships like they do for sprint kayaks. We have some advantages in proximity to housing/employment, unemployment rate, cost of living and employers actively hiring athletes so it would not surprise me if we pick up some but I don't think it will get to the point of being a major completion. I have know idea about the potential for economic development vs costs.

I can see some training camps here, and if we actually offer scholarships at OCU we'll get some athletes. But again, North Carolina is the center of the US kayaking business for more reasons than an artificial course in Charlotte, which is not going away. That's why I question the economic windfall it supposedly will provide. I thought I'd heard Charlotte was losing money on their course.

I can see some training camps here, and if we actually offer scholarships at OCU we'll get some athletes. But again, North Carolina is the center of the US kayaking business for more reasons than an artificial course in Charlotte, which is not going away. That's why I question the economic windfall it supposedly will provide. I thought I'd heard Charlotte was losing money on their course.

They had a massive amount of debt they were having to pay back and competition with natural rivers, the facility would have been making money if it were not having to pay back loans. Plus it sounds like the chamber wants to have it to sell quality of life and try to attract visitors/conventions, but that is harder to quantify if it actually worked or not. I don't think they were going after kayaking businesses but any that would be considering either expanding here or moving here.

I can see some training camps here, and if we actually offer scholarships at OCU we'll get some athletes. But again, North Carolina is the center of the US kayaking business for more reasons than an artificial course in Charlotte, which is not going away. That's why I question the economic windfall it supposedly will provide. I thought I'd heard Charlotte was losing money on their course.

the charlotte course is not close to downtown ..

also remember that we are all ready one of the very few official training sites for US canoe and kayak (clearly the flat water) and if we have a white water course we very likely will become an official training site for that as well ..

Perhaps if there's more than one official training site we can be one. Maybe they'll hold kayaking competitions here occasionally. But, again, I doubt too many serious kayakers will move here when their only recreation options are a manmade course and the Tulsa Wave when there's another artificial course in Charlotte. That's my point. It's a completely different community than the crew community and we cannot compete with North Carolina unless they're going to close their course or they cannot accomodate everyone there. I'm fine with building it. My husband is a whitewater kayaker and he'll get a kick out of the course since now he has to fly to other states for serious whitewater. But, it's not going to offer something like a day long rafting trip for tourists, unless it's a lot longer than I think it will be. I just don't see if being the economic boon that we're being told it will be.

i don't think tons of people will move here for it ... but i would bet a lot of money that within the first 5 years of it being open we host the US national championships and the olympic trials ..

Also as much as anything it is for the use and enjoyment of the Citizens of Oklahoma City. This will not only bring in noteriety and additional events and athletes, to the area but will be a source of sport introduction to a section of the country that does not get a great deal of exposure to it. This coupled with the additional health benefits, and you have one more option that enhances the quality of life for everyday citizens. Additionally, those who relocate from other areas of the country who might miss this sport will have a place that they can utilize to keep on top of it. It of course will not compare with the thrill of running a river, but it is far better to have the option than not to have any options.

I have been looking at getting into rowing/kayak, it is a big thing here in Austin, there are several rental companies on Town Lake. Once a month they have a Latin Music Night on The Lake and people take kayaks , canoes or tubes out the the floating stage and sit on the water and listen to music.

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/222335_730579545967_39600888_37654726_5363933_n.jp g

Perhaps if there's more than one official training site we can be one. Maybe they'll hold kayaking competitions here occasionally. But, again, I doubt too many serious kayakers will move here when their only recreation options are a manmade course and the Tulsa Wave when there's another artificial course in Charlotte. That's my point. It's a completely different community than the crew community and we cannot compete with North Carolina unless they're going to close their course or they cannot accomodate everyone there. I'm fine with building it. My husband is a whitewater kayaker and he'll get a kick out of the course since now he has to fly to other states for serious whitewater. But, it's not going to offer something like a day long rafting trip for tourists, unless it's a lot longer than I think it will be. I just don't see if being the economic boon that we're being told it will be.

They can both be official training sites. Rowing has three official sites and not everyone trains at the national centers even then, USA Canoe/Kayak did have a press release they will (or did I have not payed that much attention to their management) open an office here but has not indicated they will close the current one(s). Plus Bank of America has been their largest sponsor for several years, which alone make it unlikely for them to pull out of Charlotte outside of what you had mentioned.

I am not sure how long the recreational course will take but the competitive leg is about the same distance and will take less than two minutes by someone skilled. You could do it a few times or different boats/rafts but a whole day would be a bit long unless their are more things to do their than just do the circuit. It sounded like they were considering things like a climbing wall, zip line, areal elements. It would not surprise me if they offered use of recreational kayaks on the river with admission as a sort of cross promotion for the riversport programs but so far I have not seen much real detail on plans, hopefully they will have a brochure with at least something for August or October since those are their largest events this year it is the most likely time something might be put out since it does not seem like they have prepared any public statements leading up to the council adopting a timeline.

FYI - looks like work is about to start in earnest on extending the Zone G section of the canal from the river under the new I-40 bridge so that it stops just short of the Bricktown Canal.

Steve, is the budget for that still $3MM? At least that is the figure that is stuck in my head from the 2007 bond.

FYI - looks like work is about to start in earnest on extending the Zone G section of the canal from the river under the new I-40 bridge so that it stops just short of the Bricktown Canal.

They only just met on preliminary engineering plans today, the main funding will be from bonds let in April of next year.

I have been looking at getting into rowing/kayak, it is a big thing here in Austin, there are several rental companies on Town Lake. Once a month they have a Latin Music Night on The Lake and people take kayaks , canoes or tubes out the the floating stage and sit on the water and listen to music.

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/222335_730579545967_39600888_37654726_5363933_n.jp g

Big difference is that downtown and urban Austin is all around the river/Lady Bird Lake. That and the shores are heavily vegetated. In OKC the river is surrounded by industry. That will likely change over time but presently it isn't the most aesthetically-pleasing place.

Big difference is that downtown and urban Austin is all around the river/Lady Bird Lake. That and the shores are heavily vegetated. In OKC the river is surrounded by industry. That will likely change over time but presently it isn't the most aesthetically-pleasing place.

For rowing or sprint kayaking in Austin, the better segment would not be surrounded by downtown but west of Lamar or the train bridge, it is much straighter and has less bridges (especially since most downtown are coming before/after a turn). The part east of that would be fine for recreational kayaking or practicing turning and going longer distances.

Project to link Bricktown Canal, Oklahoma River
By Brian Brus
Journal Record
Oklahoma City reporter - Contact: brian.brus@journalrecord.com / 405-278-2837 / https://twitter.com/JRBrianBrus
Posted: 08:06 PM Wednesday, August 31, 2011

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Bricktown Canal will finally be connected to the Oklahoma River, or nearly so, with the construction of a river extension, basin and dock to allow passengers to disembark one boat and get on another.

Construction contracts for the $2.7 million project, approved this year by the City Council under a general obligation bond issue, are expected to be signed by December, officials said, with work to begin shortly thereafter. The preliminary design is being handled by Johnson & Associates and Howard-Fairbairn Site Design, chosen by Oklahoma City’s public works and parks departments. The companies have worked together before on other river and canal projects; this is the first time they will be involved in an area that directly incorporates both waterways.

In the companies’ report to council members this week, the project was referred to as “the icing on the cake” of one of the most visited attractions in the city. Public Works Director Eric Wenger said the project has long been intended, and the relocation of the Interstate 40 Crosstown provided an opportunity to take advantage of other work such as the utility line relocations and construction of a canal bridge under the highway.

“This project has been a long time in the making. City leaders always envisioned this connection from Bricktown to the river,” Wenger said.

Wenger said officials expect the connection will attract more business development and pedestrian traffic to what has been the terminus of the canal. The area has not yet been zoned for particular business types, he said. Regardless, it will also allow passengers of riverboat cruises from as far away as hotels on Meridian Avenue easier access to Bricktown attractions, after a quick switch to canal taxi boat.

The project extends the river channel north of Boathouse Row, under the new Interstate 40, to the south end of the of the Bricktown Canal near the Land Run statue exhibit.

Johnson & Associates President Tim Johnson told City Council members that over the years as separate canal and river projects were being developed, the two waterways became separated by a vertical distance of 19 feet, with the canal being higher. To make the trek from one basin to the other comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, about 400 lineal feet of paved walkway at a 5-percent incline will be necessary after a large amount of dirt is excavated from the site.

An elevator at the site is not within the current budget, Johnson said, but plans allow for inclusion at a later date. The city’s parks department, which is responsible for maintaining the other two elevators on the canal, has reported challenges that must be addressed if a third elevator is installed, company officials said.

“They have shared that there have been problems with maintenance as well as vandalism of the elevator units,” the City Council report said. “Given the more remote location of this project, policing and maintaining an elevator in this area may prove to be even more difficult and costly. If an elevator is designed, it will require a design that is slightly different than what has previously been designed in the northern portion of the canal area.”

They shuold have just built one of these.

http://img.geocaching.com/cache/57ffd601-6fca-4d6e-a99f-c76e4b6f213c.jpg

http://i1.trekearth.com/photos/27489/img_0396-1_copy1.jpg

Nm

Where is this monster? And why does it exist?

This was already posted

Where is this monster? And why does it exist?

It is the Falkrik Wheel in Scotland. It connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal and replaces 11 locks that were in disrepair. It is part of the effort to restore canals in Scotland. The vertical lift is 79' so an OKC version would have been much smaller (only needing a vertical lift of 19'). Sadly, we get a wheelchair ramp instead.

Maybe, instead of a ramp, they could build a miniature version of that thing that could serve as a rotating elevator.

Maybe, instead of a ramp, they could build a miniature version of that thing that could serve as a rotating elevator.

The Falkirk Wheel is a rotating elevator.

n61KUGDWz2A

Are the river improvements completly finished?

Are the river improvements completly finished?

Not even close, they have almost finished the designs for the first phase of four from MAPS3. The river extension to the canal is not part of MAPS3 though, it is from the 2007 city bond election.

So when are they going to be finished?