Renovation and new fitness programs planned for Lake Hefner Boathouse
(http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=379-Renovation-and-new-fitness-programs-planned-for-Lake-Hefner-Boathouse)
OKC RIVERSPORT is seeking to greatly enhance the historic Lake Hefner Boathouse as part of a push to increase recreation programs at the lake.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/hefnerboathouse1.jpg


Plans by AHMM Architects show reinventing the existing harbourmaster's building at 4407 S. Lake Hefner Drive for water sports and shore-side fitness activities.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/hefnerboathouse2.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/hefnerboathouse5.jpg


Within a few weeks, RIVERSPORT will offer kayak and stand up paddle board rentals at Lake Hefner, along with sailing lessons and camps, with the larger plan to be implemented later.

The improved facility would feature large doors opening to the lake, an expansive roof terrace and observation deck with a new bar.

At the adjacent marina, plans include boat, kayak and stand-up paddling rental, bicycle rental, a food and merchandise concession and meeting facilities.

RIVERSPORT manages similar programs on the Oklahoma River and Lake Overholser.

The Hefner project is near the existing Lake Hefner bike and pedestrian trails, which will soon tie into the new MAPS 3 Will Rogers Trail (http://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=43086&p=986114#post986114) and allow for access south to the Oklahoma River trail system.

RIVERSPORT is currently seeking capital partners and pursuing general fund-raising.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/hefnerboathouse3.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/hefnerboathouse4.jpg

Great for the area. I think it would be cool if they did a little outdoor beach type workout area like you'd see in California.

That's great. I'm at Hefner rather frequently and didn't know this boathouse existed.

Do they currently do bike rentals at Hefner, or just at Overholser and the river

No.


RIVERSPORT currently offers kayak and stand up paddle board rentals at Lake Hefner, along with sailing lessons and camps.

Very cool. Interesting that they chose AHMM for this.

isn't that a police building right now?

Excited for this! I've always thought Hefner has been somewhat underutilized/under-promoted and this will help make it a bigger recreation destination for OKC. I wish they would change the no swimming rule and bring in a bunch of sand to make a beach out of one of the park areas. A beach with a bunch of sand volleyball courts and some kind of food/bar shack would kill it out there, especially with this development and the east wharf restaurants nearby.

isn't that a police building right now?

Yes, but RiverSport also uses it.

Nice! I used to ride my bike thru that area several times a week. In fact, the only major crash I've had as an adult was on a little dirt road about 100 yards south of that building. It circles back on itself and the ground looked drier than it really was. Going around the circle, my tire dug into the wet sand and I was on the ground before I even knew I was in trouble. That one hurt.

That would be a great use of the building. With the stall rental functions being online now it's only use is a small police presence and police storage. I haven't had a boat on the lake for a couple of years but back then the officers said the city was looking at closing the office there and having regular patrol officers cruise by regularly. That's how Overholser has been for years.

On a slightly different note. I was a participating member, officer even, in the LHBOA when we had sailboats. I noticed that their clubhouse is GONE! I know it wasn't in the best shape and I'm pretty sure participation dropped off dramatically the last few years but it still suprised me.

It's great to remodel this building, I hope construction doesn't stall kayak rentals this summer. Riversports has been operating heir for at least a year, and it is sooooo much better to kayak and SUP on Hefner than the river or nasty boring Overholser, where it takes paddling a mile through the trench to even get to stinchcomb.

Excited for this! I've always thought Hefner has been somewhat underutilized/under-promoted and this will help make it a bigger recreation destination for OKC. I wish they would change the no swimming rule and bring in a bunch of sand to make a beach out of one of the park areas. A beach with a bunch of sand volleyball courts and some kind of food/bar shack would kill it out there, especially with this development and the east wharf restaurants nearby.

Agreed! Has Hefner always been no swimming or was there a time it was allowed?

I can remember back to the early 60s and it has been no swimming since then. So I would guess it always has.

I'm in my late 60's. My parents also grew up in Oklahoma City, both being born before 1920. I don't remember either parent ever talking about swimming in Lake Hefner. My mother used to talk about taking the streetcar up Classen to Belle Isle Lake to swim. I went fishing with my Dad at Lake Hefner when I was a youngster (back in the 1950's) and he never mentioned swimming in the lake.

However, I would love to see a beach with swimming at Lake Hefner, if the water purification department approved and we had assurances that none of the lake-borne illnesses besetting some of Oklahoma's lakes & ponds would not likely ever be a threat to any swimmers. Also, if the cost to the city for insurance is within reason, or, if the city decided to self-insure, the possibility of accidents would not be too big a risk. We maintain a lot of public pools, including the Foster Pool indoor facility (where I swim several times a year), so city park management has a lot of experience.

Does anyone know if Lake Thunderbird or Lake Stanley Draper allows swimming? Do any other cities' water supply lakes allow swimming? What are their experiences?

and we had assurances that none of the lake-borne illnesses besetting some of Oklahoma's lakes & ponds would not likely ever be a threat to any swimmers.
Can you expound on these illnesses in our lakes? This is the first I've heard of it.

Can you expound on these illnesses in our lakes? This is the first I've heard of it.

I believe several Oklahomans have died in the last 5 years of blue-green algae in Oklahoma's lakes & ponds.

From Newschannel 4:
Health officials: Oklahoman dies from amoeba after swimming in lake (http://kfor.com/2015/08/12/health-officials-oklahoman-dies-from-amoeba-after-swimming-in-lake/)

http://kfor.com/2015/08/12/health-officials-oklahoman-dies-from-amoeba-after-swimming-in-lake/

Also from Newschannel 4:

Oklahoma family warning others after daughter dies from ‘brain eating amoeba’ (http://kfor.com/2016/06/10/oklahoma-family-warning-others-after-daughter-dies-from-brain-eating-amoeba/)

http://kfor.com/2016/06/10/oklahoma-family-warning-others-after-daughter-dies-from-brain-eating-amoeba/

and from the Oklahoma Department of Health:
Potential for Human Illness Associated with Blue-green Algae Blooms in Oklahoma Lakes (https://www.ok.gov/health/Disease,_Prevention,_Preparedness/Acute_Disease_Service/Disease_Information/Blue-Green_Algae.html)
https://www.ok.gov/health/Disease,_Prevention,_Preparedness/Acute_Disease_Service/Disease_Information/Blue-Green_Algae.html

Does anyone know if Lake Thunderbird or Lake Stanley Draper allows swimming? Do any other cities' water supply lakes allow swimming? What are their experiences?

I'm not sure about Draper, but I know without a doubt that Thunderbird has swimming areas. There are two swimming beaches.

I'm in my late 60's. My parents also grew up in Oklahoma City, both being born before 1920. I don't remember either parent ever talking about swimming in Lake Hefner. My mother used to talk about taking the streetcar up Classen to Belle Isle Lake to swim. I went fishing with my Dad at Lake Hefner when I was a youngster (back in the 1950's) and he never mentioned swimming in the lake.

However, I would love to see a beach with swimming at Lake Hefner, if the water purification department approved and we had assurances that none of the lake-borne illnesses besetting some of Oklahoma's lakes & ponds would not likely ever be a threat to any swimmers. Also, if the cost to the city for insurance is within reason, or, if the city decided to self-insure, the possibility of accidents would not be too big a risk. We maintain a lot of public pools, including the Foster Pool indoor facility (where I swim several times a year), so city park management has a lot of experience.

Does anyone know if Lake Thunderbird or Lake Stanley Draper allows swimming? Do any other cities' water supply lakes allow swimming? What are their experiences?

Hefner was not built till 1947, so if you do not remember it being an option when you were young, it probably was not ever

Pretty sure swimming has never been allowed at Hefner.

However, they do have the Redman Triathlon at the lake and they do allow swimming then.

I've never really understood the "don't get in the water" rules on OKC lakes. You can ski at Draper. Skiing requires getting in the water. On Overholser you can "jet ski". You'll never see anyone doing that and not spending time in the water. At Hefner you can sail small boats and kite sail, etc. Again, can't be done without spending time in the water. What difference would swimming make. BTW, all the allowed activities are more dangerous than swimming for liability purposes.

Redman Tri notwithstanding, no swimming allowed at Hefner, Overholser or Draper.

https://www.okc.gov/departments/parks-recreation/lakes-and-fishing/boating

I've never really understood the "don't get in the water" rules on OKC lakes. You can ski at Draper. Skiing requires getting in the water. On Overholser you can "jet ski". You'll never see anyone doing that and not spending time in the water. At Hefner you can sail small boats and kite sail, etc. Again, can't be done without spending time in the water. What difference would swimming make. BTW, all the allowed activities are more dangerous than swimming for liability purposes.

Maybe 40 people vs many hundreds if they had a beach. Could be a liability issue for all i know with those numbers.

Excited for this! I've always thought Hefner has been somewhat underutilized/under-promoted and this will help make it a bigger recreation destination for OKC. I wish they would change the no swimming rule and bring in a bunch of sand to make a beach out of one of the park areas. A beach with a bunch of sand volleyball courts and some kind of food/bar shack would kill it out there, especially with this development and the east wharf restaurants nearby.

Putting in a lot of sand volleyball courts out there would be awesome. I hadn't ever thought about it before, but I know the ones in Tulsa that REI is displacing are very busy.


I'm in my late 60's. My parents also grew up in Oklahoma City, both being born before 1920. I don't remember either parent ever talking about swimming in Lake Hefner. My mother used to talk about taking the streetcar up Classen to Belle Isle Lake to swim. I went fishing with my Dad at Lake Hefner when I was a youngster (back in the 1950's) and he never mentioned swimming in the lake.

However, I would love to see a beach with swimming at Lake Hefner, if the water purification department approved and we had assurances that none of the lake-borne illnesses besetting some of Oklahoma's lakes & ponds would not likely ever be a threat to any swimmers. Also, if the cost to the city for insurance is within reason, or, if the city decided to self-insure, the possibility of accidents would not be too big a risk. We maintain a lot of public pools, including the Foster Pool indoor facility (where I swim several times a year), so city park management has a lot of experience.

Does anyone know if Lake Thunderbird or Lake Stanley Draper allows swimming? Do any other cities' water supply lakes allow swimming? What are their experiences?

Lake Arcadia in Edmond allows swimming. None of the drinking water lakes in the Tulsa area allows swimming, though. I was shocked the first time I went to Arcadia, then I looked at the run of area and I assume they figure a little pee can't be worse.

Really, I think the no swimming policies are all just for the yuck factor. I don't think that is a good enough reason to deny the recreational benefits of opening the lakes. I mean how many people in Edmond or Norman really think "Hey, this water might have some human pee in it." I'm personally much more concerned about drinking all chemical runoff from the Penn Square area parking lots.

I've never really understood the "don't get in the water" rules on OKC lakes. You can ski at Draper. Skiing requires getting in the water. On Overholser you can "jet ski". You'll never see anyone doing that and not spending time in the water. At Hefner you can sail small boats and kite sail, etc. Again, can't be done without spending time in the water. What difference would swimming make. BTW, all the allowed activities are more dangerous than swimming for liability purposes.

Lake Hefner is a fairly small lake smack in the middle of a metropolitan area. I seems like if you started opening it up for swimming then so many people would show up that it would look like the River Ganges in no time. There might be a bit of a liability issue as well. The kiteboarders are kind of daredevils and realize that they're on their own if they get in trouble. I have a sailboat out there and I accept the fact that if I have an emergency and call 911 I shouldn't expect help to arrive any time soon unless lake patrol just happens to be on the water at the time. I have seen other boaters give assistance to kayakers and other boaters in trouble though. If thousands of swimmers started showing up I don't see how the city could get away with not having lifeguards and police patrolling the area.

There's also the issue of the wildly variable water levels. What happens when the beautiful beach we build ends up being 100 yards from the water? I love the lake and I would be all for a big area with sand volleyball, swimming, cookout area, restaurants, etc... I like the idea of the boathouse getting rennovated. Many times I have been out at the docks on my boat with no one around wondering to myself "I wonder how long until this place gets abandoned?" It'll be nice to see more activity around that area.

The city is now going to study the idea of allowing people to swim at Lake Hefner, Overholser and Draper.

Glad to see this *finally* being considered as whatever the issues may be, certainly they can be resolved.

The drinking water issue always comes up but it seems silly considering motor boats and all their pollution are allowed.

The city is now going to study the idea of allowing people to swim at Lake Hefner, Overholser and Draper.

Glad to see this *finally* being considered as whatever the issues may be, certainly they can be resolved.

The drinking water issue always comes up but it seems silly considering motor boats and all their pollution are allowed.

I

My initial reaction is that sounds pretty cool.

The city is now going to study the idea of allowing people to swim at Lake Hefner, Overholser and Draper.

Glad to see this *finally* being considered as whatever the issues may be, certainly they can be resolved.

The drinking water issue always comes up but it seems silly considering motor boats and all their pollution are allowed.

Plus with from what is picked up in runoff, most anything of concern a human might add to the lake is already there.

Plus with from what is picked up in runoff, most anything of concern a human might add to the lake is already there.

Right.

And it's not like they don't treat and purify the water anyway.

Will be very interested to see what the study says.

While I hope swimming will be permitted - at the same time I wonder how much trash it could bring. It's a shame that some people don't pick up after themselves around water. If you've ever seen lake locations after a big weekend you know how much debris lake people can bring. If swimming is allowed I hope the city has enough personnel to keep places picked up and clean.

I've been to some of our state lakes and recreation areas when there are tons of people. Anyone been to Turner Falls on a holiday lately?. Completely over run and pretty nasty. That's why I would be against this policy change.

However, if it's decided to allow people to swim in these three municipal water supplies, then the city should charge them an admission fee to do so. You already have to have a license for a boat or personal water craft, and fishing. So why not for swimming. At least there could be a revenue stream created from it.

I've been to some of our state lakes and recreation areas when there are tons of people. Anyone been to Turner Falls on a holiday lately?. Completely over run and pretty nasty. That's why I would be against this policy change.

However, if it's decided to allow people to swim in these three municipal water supplies, then the city should charge them an admission fee to do so. You already have to have a license for a boat or personal water craft, and fishing. So why not for swimming. At least there could be a revenue stream created from it.

Admission fees are difficult. Just do a paid parking lot.

^^ There you go. Just like Arcadia lake. Have a designated swimming area and you have to pay to gain access. There would have to be some kind of control or it would be a huge mistake.

Would be a cool if we could import some sand and build a beach. Good maps project.

Would be a cool if we could import some sand and build a beach. Good maps project.

Good point!

This could be done at Thunderbird & Arcadia. They would have to add more sand on occasions as rain and drainage would wash much of it into the lakes. City could pilot one of its 3 major lakes (Hefner, Draper or Overholser) before a decision could be made for all three.

How about the Oklahoma River, could it be used to experiment with a beach-like setting in a designated area; what about the area beneath the proposed ADG pedestrian bridge on the Oklahoma River?

Import a lot of sand, build sand volleyball courts, and add some type of bar/restaurant and you'll have a popular hangout spot.

Good point!

This could be done at Thunderbird & Arcadia. They would have to add more sand on occasions as rain and drainage would wash much of it into the lakes. City could pilot one of its 3 major lakes (Hefner, Draper or Overholser) before a decision could be made for all three.

How about the Oklahoma River, could it be used to experiment with a beach-like setting in a designated area; what about the area beneath the proposed ADG pedestrian bridge on the Oklahoma River?

The Oklahoma River is highly contaminated due to runoff in general and in particular from the stockyards.

They held a triathlon there a few years ago and tons of people got sick.

Unfortunately, people are never going to be allowed in the water, other than in boats.

The Oklahoma River is highly contaminated due to runoff in general and in particular from the stockyards.

They held a triathlon there a few years ago and tons of people got sick.

Unfortunately, people are never going to be allowed in the water, other than in boats.

Yup. When I rowed on that river I had many teammates get ear infections due to water being splashed while training and competing. This river is somewhat polluted and is made worse by the fact that there isn't much flow to it which gives it the brown color that we know and love. The river could be greatly improved if they had a way to increase its flow but I know that there isn't always enough water upstream to create that. This isn't just an issue for us though, I've rowed in many different cities that would have similar issues and each place has their own challenges.

Ironically, the fact the river is pretty much stagnant with completely controllable water levels is one of the big reasons it's such a great rowing venue in the first place.

So much potential here.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/hefnerboathouse090217.jpg

It's too bad you can't have powerboats on there.

^^^^
But that's not true though. No swimming, skiing or personal watercraft but power boats are absolutely allowed.

^^^^
But that's not true though. No swimming, skiing or personal watercraft but power boats are absolutely allowed.

That must have changed then and if so they should advertise it. I remember trying to take my old boat out there and I can't remember if it was lake patrol or what said couldn't have powerboats because they created wake and it was a no wake lake. I've never seen anything out there that wasn't a sail boat but to be honest I'm not up there much.

https://www.okc.gov/departments/parks-recreation/lakes-and-fishing/boating

Lake Hefner:

All watercraft are permitted, except for engine-propelled personal watercraft under 12'
Wakes allowed in open areas only, and not within 150' of other watercraft, 150' from any boat ramps or docks, or 100' from shorelines
No swimming or water skiing allowed
Boat ramps are located at the City Boat Harbor and the Lake Patrol Station near the southwest side of the lake

I went to the site and read about that after I saw his message. Interesting that has changed. I'd be interested in renting a covered slip for my pontoon out there cause right now it's getting no use. Problem looks like they are V slips but I can always back the boat in.

Of course the very successful Redman Triathlon is held here every year, and the first leg - a 2.4 mile swim - is in Lake Hefner. It is a great event both for triathletes and our city. The 2017 Redman will be on Saturday, September 16.

I went to the site and read about that after I saw his message. Interesting that has changed. I'd be interested in renting a covered slip for my pontoon out there cause right now it's getting no use. Problem looks like they are V slips but I can always back the boat in.


I would recommend doing that. We really enjoy going for a cruise, docking at the east warf, eating dinner, then watching the sun go down as we cruise back to the harbor.

I would recommend doing that. We really enjoy going for a cruise, docking at the east warf, eating dinner, then watching the sun go down as we cruise back to the harbor.

Yes this sounds very much like something we would enjoy. I called yesterday to inquire on a slip and they said they had several available in the smaller sizes, which is exactly what I was looking for. I plan to go scope it out maybe this weekend or next, but I'm guessing I'll be getting one. Can you attest to them all being V shaped in the front or do they have both? This isn't a deal breaker but would be nice to have the option.

I would recommend doing that. We really enjoy going for a cruise, docking at the east warf, eating dinner, then watching the sun go down as we cruise back to the harbor.

Do you have a pontoon boat?

Do you have a pontoon boat?

I'm the one with a pontoon not sure if that's what you meant, just figured I'd chime in. :D

What's the latest on the boat house renovation? Has anyone heard any updates?

What's the latest on the boat house renovation? Has anyone heard any updates?

They are still in fund-raising mode.

Still raising money for this project.

Took these over the weekend.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/hefnerboathouse072918a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/hefnerboathouse072918b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/hefnerboathouse072918c.jpg

Still raising money for this project.

Took these over the weekend.

So were you just sitting at Louie’s lakeside having a cocktail and running your drone from the patio? Please say yes, because that would be baller.

Side note, I took a drive out there a week ago and I’m always amazed how many areas and accesses there are to that lake. Plus, lots of people parked in cars off the main roads in the heat of the day with their windows up. Drugs? Naps? Prostitution?

Are those rails that lead from the boathouse into the water?

Are those rails that lead from the boathouse into the water?

Yes, I believe they use them for the police boats (or did at one time).

Side note, I took a drive out there a week ago and I’m always amazed how many areas and accesses there are to that lake.

We live just east of the lake and every once in a while will drive to the Braums on Expway and get ice cream for the kids, then take grand back through the lake grounds. I love all the little spots and open areas and places for people to go enjoy nature. Or enjoy whatever they're enjoying with their windows up in the heat of the day.

I really hope this deal can get done. The East Wharf has all the 'entertainment' on the lake, would be great to have this little option here. Would be a fantastic bike ride there for a couple drinks on a nice day.