A group is set to present to the Bricktown Design Review Committee on Wednesday July 9th the prospect of erecting a huge ride and observation platform.

The StarFlyer is an Austrian-engineered structure that has 12 separate cars that hold two people each, about 220 feet off the ground.

The top of the structure can be fitted with a view platform (I believe this will be the case for the proposed project). Also, it would be brightly lit and see from miles around.


A similar StarFlyer is installed at Six Flags over Texas and several other Six Flags parks, where they are called SkyScreamer.


More from their presentation:



You are over 200 feet in the air. Looking out you can see for miles and looking down you remember how far the ground is below you. However, this isn’t a roller coaster or an extreme ride- it is the Star Flyer and it is unlike any other attraction on the market.

Funtime is proud to share its newest scream maker with riders worldwide. The StarFlyer is built around the principle that flying is fun for everyone. When designing it we looked at what made today’s park-goers adrenaline pump and created an attraction that is impressive from the ground and thrilling in the air.

Guests boarding the StarFlyer step into the open-air seats that can only be unlocked by the attendant. After being secured all the seats lift into the air and the sweeps start to spin. Soon the din of the park melts away and all riders hear is the clanking of chains, the whir of the motor and the screams of fellow passengers. As guests spin they look around and see eye-to-eye with the Ferris wheel and roller coasters.

The StarFlyer is a great combination of attractions. It serves as a:
• Flat Ride
• Park Icon
• Observation Tower



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


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/starflyer1.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/starflyer5.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/starflyer2.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/starflyer4.jpg

Cool. I think? Another family friendly addition to bricktown.

I wonder how many drunks people will spray puke over people below

Cool. I think? Another family friendly addition to bricktown.

Same reaction. I don't really know what to think.

My main concern is that this will impact our skyline too greatly. Now I wouldn't be too concerned if this was a unique structure that you could easily identify with our city, but by the sound of it there will be dozens of these things across the world.

This is...interesting. Is this supposed to be our answer to the Stratosphere?

I would probably like this better in the Boathouse District, but I'll withold judgement until I see the end results.

Cool. I think? Another family friendly addition to bricktown.

There are certain powers that be that are really pushing Bricktown to be more family-oriented. That could be great - if done right. This attraction falls in with that. I think it could be really cool as long as they don't half-ass it.

It seems Bricktown is slowly becoming Frontier City 2.0

I think this has the potential to be fantastic.

It's on a prime, vacant corner and also on the canal. Will bring so much life and color to that area.

It's also perfectly located between the ballpark, Brickopolis and the the theater and Red Pin bowling. Helps to build a bit of synergy between all and will almost certainly lead to more.

It will also help draw more people to the district, canal, boat rides, etc.


There is the opportunity to customize the top and make a unique view platform as well.

don't think it fits at all:dontgetit: would be better around the river or closer to where the big ferris wheel is supposed to go. Really don't want to leave a nice dinner at Mickey Mantles and feel like I stepped into 6 Flags. . . or have "screamers" interrupting a nice stroll down the canal.

Ugly....just my $0.02.

Let's wait and see what is actually proposed. Hopefully the pictures we see here are just of the concept and the actual thing will be customized to be unique to OKC.

I agree that perhaps the Boathouse adventure district is a better fit than Bricktown. .but perhaps it will be unique in final proposal. just seems odd placement

How are they supposed to put brick on that thing?


:-P

Again, I really think this is a great idea and a perfect spot, as long as it's done well.

Remember, Bricktown is OKC's *entertainment* district and this fits well with everything around it.

The River / Boathouse is an active *recreational* district. And plus, you already get nice views from the zip line there.

Doesn't Avis own this lot?

Doesn't Avis own this lot?

Yes, it's owned by an LLC that tracks back to the Scaramucci's.

I corrected the article above.

don't think it fits at all:dontgetit: Would be better around the river or closer to where the big ferris wheel is supposed to go. Really don't want to leave a nice dinner at mickey mantles and feel like i stepped into 6 flags. . . Or have "screamers" interrupting a nice stroll down the canal.

agree!

don't think it fits at all:dontgetit: would be better around the river or closer to where the big ferris wheel is supposed to go. Really don't want to leave a nice dinner at Mickey Mantles and feel like I stepped into 6 Flags. . . or have "screamers" interrupting a nice stroll down the canal.

Ironically, if you had to name the place in bricktown that is currently the least fit in this district it would be Mickey Mantles, as it is the ONLY upscale restaurant. Not that I'm saying it should not be there.

Very interesting and unique proposal. These types of attractions can really help make a place special. I for one will certainly be driving in from Tulsa to check it out if it ever moves into reality.

Those of you already coming out to detract it should give it a chance - at least wait till you've seen the concept pitch to be too critical. One ride does not equal six flags, and there's already so much going on in Bricktown that a few "screamers" will hardly be noticeable over the din of everything else. I think it would make the place lively. The argument for what "fits" an area gets old really fast. If you want to stroll someplace quite, try... anywhere else?

These star flyers can be designed to look really cool. I like the StarFlyer at Wiener Prater in Austria. 8516

Edit: there's also this: http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/gronalund.jpg

Ironically, if you had to name the place in bricktown that is currently the least fit in this district it would be Mickey Mantles, as it is the ONLY upscale restaurant. Not that I'm saying it should not be there.

I agree with this. There has been an explosion of upscale options in this town recently but they have not been in Bricktown.


Very interesting and unique proposal. These types of attractions can really help make a place special. I for one will certainly be driving in from Tulsa to check it out if it ever moves into reality.

Those of you already coming out to detract it should give it a chance - at least wait till you've seen the concept pitch to be too critical. One ride does not equal six flags, and there's already so much going on in Bricktown that a few "screamers" will hardly be noticeable over the din of everything else. I think it would make the place lively. The argument for what "fits" an area gets old really fast. If you want to stroll someplace quite, try... anywhere else?

These star flyers can be designed to look really cool. I like the StarFlyer at Wiener Prater in Austria. 8516

Edit: there's also this: http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/gronalund.jpg

Wish this part of the forum had a 'Like' button. It's about time that Bricktown start evolving into a first-class destination unique to OKC rather than a half-assed attempt at copying other cities. If done right, this StarFlyer will be a great asset.

Would much rather another version of the Top-o-Texas Tower than this...

Top o? Texas Tower Ride Facts | State Fair of Texas (http://bigtex.com/top-o-texas-tower-ride-facts/)

Ironically, if you had to name the place in bricktown that is currently the least fit in this district it would be Mickey Mantles, as it is the ONLY upscale restaurant. Not that I'm saying it should not be there.

Um. The mantle

Nona's is very nice as well, as is the Melting Pot.


Keep in mind MM Steakhouse will be facing Brickopolis with laser tag and other games; canal with boat rides right in front. Directly to the east is the ballpark.

It's already right in the middle of all types of entertainment uses, clubs, a school and everything else.

This.... This is very... Strange?

I have never heard of one of these types of deals that isn't in a "theme park" setting.

I will withhold judgement until proposal is revealed.

I like the idea and look forward to seeing the proposal. It seems the most recent trend has been giant Ferris Wheels and now they are ubiquitous - from Atlanta to Seattle. This attraction will gives the height without the ground area a Ferris Wheel takes up (which has to be as wide as it is tall). If it could include an observation deck it would be even better because I am getting too old to ride stuff like that :).

For comparison sake, here is a roller coaster set to anchor a new development in Orlando.

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And not to be out-done, here is the Orlando Wheel

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Maybe if they made the base the shape of that Rand Elliot tornado thing it would appease both sides...

Although the agenda item specifically says "northwest corner of Reno and Mickey Mantle" in the proposal there is a photo of the *southwest* corner of that intersection:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/starflyer3.jpg


This would be on Randy Hogan's property, right by the huge fountain plaza.

You wouldn't think that it would fit there... I guess we'll find out more on Wednesday.

that Roller coaster tower is pretty cool.. lets do that..LOL.
I look forward to see the proposal and will hope for the best.

This might be really cool! I wonder if they'll implement a really tall viewing area or perhaps a restaurant on top. Can't wait to see renderings!

Although the agenda item specifically says "northwest corner of Reno and Mickey Mantle" in the proposal there is a photo of the *southwest* corner of that intersection:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/starflyer3.jpg


This would be on Randy Hogan's property, right by the huge fountain plaza.

You wouldn't think that it would fit there... I guess we'll find out more on Wednesday.

That photo is the NW corner of Reno & Mickey Mantle. The curb you see at the front is the alley north of Reno. The plaza-type area with crepe myrtles is the SE corner of Avis' lot.

Steve's article is reporting Brandon Arthur, a landman with Drovers Trail Land Company is the man behind the ride:

220-foot-high ?Star Flyer? ride to be pitched for Bricktown | News OK (http://newsok.com/220-foot-high-star-flyer-ride-to-be-pitched-for-bricktown/article/4986423)

the more I think about it, the more I don't like it. esp if It looks anything like the renderings. its such a prime location (granted nothing has really happened here, yet) that it would seem like a waste to put something that belongs at the state fair here. plus no one will ride it in the winter. hard no

That photo is the NW corner of Reno & Mickey Mantle. The curb you see at the front is the alley north of Reno. The plaza-type area with crepe myrtles is the SE corner of Avis' lot.

Right. Now it makes sense.

From Steve's article:


“He has been told if he should be able to get all the blessings of the city and go through all the hoops to even be able to say he can do all this, we will definitely entertain the idea of a lease with him,” Scaramucci said. “But we also want to feel comfortable with the design of the ride — that it will fit in with the entertainment district.”

Instead of a star in the center of the ride make it a spur and the City will won't be able to approve it fast enough.

the more I think about it, the more I don't like it. esp if It looks anything like the renderings. its such a prime location (granted nothing has really happened here, yet) that it would seem like a waste to put something that belongs at the state fair here. plus no one will ride it in the winter. hard no

There has been no rendering of what may be proposed for Bricktown. What is shown on this page is similar concepts at amusement parks. I am sure the Bricktown ride will be customized to fit in with everything already here. In addition, the amusement park rides shown don't have the observation deck that the Bricktown ride will have. What will be proposed here will likely be more palatable than what is shown in the images above.

the more I think about it, the more I don't like it. esp if It looks anything like the renderings. its such a prime location (granted nothing has really happened here, yet) that it would seem like a waste to put something that belongs at the state fair here. plus no one will ride it in the winter. hard noWhere are the renderings?

sorry. renderings=anything like the images above

There are certain powers that be that are really pushing Bricktown to be more family-oriented...

Really? You know this based on some information you've obtained somewhere from a trustworthy source, or are you pulling it straight out of thin air because that's what you believe is happening?

Ironically, if you had to name the place in bricktown that is currently the least fit in this district it would be Mickey Mantles, as it is the ONLY upscale restaurant. Not that I'm saying it should not be there.


I agree with this. There has been an explosion of upscale options in this town recently but they have not been in Bricktown.

Please. Mickey Mantle's, The Mantle, Nonna's, KD's and Melting Pot ALL fit the definition of upscale from OKC standards.

Really? You know this based on some information you've obtained somewhere from a trustworthy source, or are you pulling it straight out of thin air because that's what you believe is happening?

That has always been the case even back when Kirk Humphreys was mayor. It's the reason Lower Bricktown came to be to begin with. Regardless, the StarFlyer has potential to be a real landmark in Bricktown if done right. My hopes is that it is something that looks good as part of the city's skyline and that the city can be proud of.

Family friendly options and adult-themed options in an urban entertainment district are not mutually exclusive. Bricktown has more diversity of use and diversity of users than any urban district, strictly from a demographic and socio-economic standpoint. It is a different place at 11 AM on a Saturday than it is at 11 PM. And it is a different place on weekdays than it is either of those times. There is not some grand conspiracy to replace adult options with kiddie options, no matter how hard you try to spin it that way.

Family friendly options and adult-themed options in an urban entertainment district are not mutually exclusive. Bricktown has more diversity of use and diversity of users than any urban district, strictly from a demographic and socio-economic standpoint. It is a different place at 11 AM on a Saturday than it is at 11 PM. And it is a different place on weekdays than it is either of those times.

So true.

We need more things to do during the day and evenings apart from bars and restaurants.

Nightlife and family-friendly have peacefully coexisted in this district since inception and there is plenty of room for more of both.

Family friendly options and adult-themed options in an urban entertainment district are not mutually exclusive. Bricktown has more diversity of use and diversity of users than any urban district, strictly from a demographic and socio-economic standpoint. It is a different place at 11 AM on a Saturday than it is at 11 PM. And it is a different place on weekdays than it is either of those times. There is not some grand conspiracy to replace adult options with kiddie options, no matter how hard you try to spin it that way.

We've talked about this plenty in the general Bricktown thread. I am all for family friendly if done right. If it is first class and/or unique to OKC rather than scaled down, mediocre versions of things in other cities. StarFlyer may end up being just that.

I don't know... I think this would be best in the Wheeler District.... Or maybe Boathouse.

Ironically, if you had to name the place in bricktown that is currently the least fit in this district it would be Mickey Mantles, as it is the ONLY upscale restaurant. Not that I'm saying it should not be there.

There is also The Mantle which is upscale, KD's which is slightly upscale, and then Nonna's. Mickey Mantles is the only upscale steak house I guess.

Excuse me, I meant to mention Nonna's in my post, which I have now edited. Five (5) places that all easily qualify as upscale from an OKC standard.

Bricktown has room for all types of entertainment, not just eating or getting drunk. This could be a fun corner with this....kind of an unexpected frivolity. Across from the ballpark, the movie theater, a bowling ally, a Starbucks, a Sonic and a Taco stand seems pretty compatible.

We've talked about this plenty in the general Bricktown thread. I am all for family friendly if done right. If it is first class and/or unique to OKC rather than scaled down, mediocre versions of things in other cities. StarFlyer may end up being just that.

That's a glass half empty take on it. There is probably nothing that can be announced in OKC without there being gnashing teeth about how it isn't special. Nothing is ever good enough.

Bricktown has room for all types of entertainment, not just eating or getting drunk...

Thanks. Exactly right.

sorry. renderings=anything like the images aboveyeah... if it looks anything like the pictures... then it won't be any good. My hope is, they are just floating the concept of this and integrate it with something spectacular.

I like it. Probably will never ride it but my Grandsons will enjoy it.

Although the agenda item specifically says "northwest corner of Reno and Mickey Mantle" in the proposal there is a photo of the *southwest* corner of that intersection:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/starflyer3.jpg



Not to go all Heritage Hills nimby on ya'll... I just wonder what people living in those luxury condos are going to think. Particularly if it really is a carnival ride with screaming people for hours on end. lol

My folks have a place in there. I told them about this and they said the noise wont be any worse than any weekend night

It is 200 feet in the air and when you get that high up the screams dissipate. This is my experience from riding a lot of roller coasters and watching them from the ground...

I don't like the idea. It will look very out of place.

Not to go all Heritage Hills nimby on ya'll... I just wonder what people living in those luxury condos are going to think. Particularly if it really is a carnival ride with screaming people for hours on end. lol

Remember, the mayor owns one of those condos.

I may be in the minority here, but I think this could be cool and unique.

That's a glass half empty take on it. There is probably nothing that can be announced in OKC without there being gnashing teeth about how it isn't special. Nothing is ever good enough.

I am in very much in favor of this unless they try to totally half-ass it. This could be special for OKC. Bricktown needs to evolve into something unique and special, not a watered down version of other cities (as it currently is for the most part).