Plans are moving forward for a commemorative display featuring components of multiple USS Oklahoma City Navy vessels just south of the lower section of Scissortail Park on the north shore of the Oklahoma River.


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The USS OKC Park Association is a non-profit privately-funded organization to commemorate all USS Oklahoma City-named naval ships, all of which served with honor and distinction.

The proposed display would feature the submarine sail and dive planes from the USS Oklahoma City (SSN-723) and components of other USS Oklahoma City vessels including the anchor and ship's bell along with narrative panels depicting the history of the two ships.

The group along with the City is seeking a long-term loan from the US Department of Defense to help fund this project.

It would be yet another project along the Oklahoma River as Scissortail Park now stretches to its shore and a completely renovated Wiley Post Park is to the south, along with dozens of projects in the Boathouse Row area.



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Nice! Are they still considering a pier at some point in the future?

It's good to see that at least the "head" of SSN-723 will be saved from the scrapyard.

Uh huh huh huh huh you said “head”

Excellent idea !!!!

It's good to see that at least the "head" of SSN-723 will be saved from the scrapyard.

sail or tower

Really digging the black stone forming the outline of the sub. Too bad there's no practical way to get anything of any real size up the river.

Sure hope they can pull this off.

Will be a good draw to get people from downtown down to the river.

This is great and all I just don't like the specific location as theyll have to take down some of the few mature trees along the river trail. They should either set it more back to preserve the trees or maybe on the other side of robinson on Sw15th.

I wish the Ok River had more trees like the Arkansas in Tulsa. The shade and windbreak from the trees is awesome.

Which they could research the possibility getting a small ship…..frigate, destroyer, minesweeper, or pt boat on the river as a museum.

Hope this works out, I always visit stuff like this when I travel.

Which they could research the possibility getting a small ship…..frigate, destroyer, minesweeper, or pt boat on the river as a museum.

Unless a spur of the lock system that allows barges to travel to Tulsa from the Mississippi River would be built, we are not going to be able to get anything that is larger than what can be transported via interstates or rail whole. It has been long enough since the US Navy had anything classed as a frigate, that it is unlikely any are left in mothballs to acquire. Theoretically destroyers would fit the locks width and length, not sure about depth along the entire route or bridge clearances. The USS Batfish had issues from depth to get all the way to Tulsa, so they adjusted their plan eventually building the museum in Muskogee.

For an extension to happen it would need to be driven by economic viability of building ports in OKC and along the route, and the previous system had some benefits of having heavy political support both in Oklahoma and Arkansas, along with pressure from there was some really devastating floods that came from those sections of rivers which was already addressed for OKC decades ago. Even then an extension of the Inland Waterway System seems more plausible on the Canadian river south of the metro, than the North Canadian / Oklahoma river that goes near downtown.

It would have to be cut into pieces, shipped and reassembled. Sounds pretty costly.

Originally this was supposed to be closer as in just west of the Boathouse district. The mast of the sub could be seen from I-40. This site will provide better access though.

Unless a spur of the lock system that allows barges to travel to Tulsa from the Mississippi River would be built, we are not going to be able to get anything that is larger than what can be transported via interstates or rail whole. It has been long enough since the US Navy had anything classed as a frigate, that it is unlikely any are left in mothballs to acquire. Theoretically destroyers would fit the locks width and length, not sure about depth along the entire route or bridge clearances. The USS Batfish had issues from depth to get all the way to Tulsa, so they adjusted their plan eventually building the museum in Muskogee.

For an extension to happen it would need to be driven by economic viability of building ports in OKC and along the route, and the previous system had some benefits of having heavy political support both in Oklahoma and Arkansas, along with pressure from there was some really devastating floods that came from those sections of rivers which was already addressed for OKC decades ago. Even then an extension of the Inland Waterway System seems more plausible on the Canadian river south of the metro, than the North Canadian / Oklahoma river that goes near downtown.

If I remember correctly, the Deep Fork was in discussion at one time to be the waterway. Not sure if either Canadian's were too.

If I remember correctly, the Deep Fork was in discussion at one time to be the waterway. Not sure if either Canadian's were too.

Deep Fork is a tributary of the North Canadian, but it does not seem wide enough near OKC for barge traffic

Deep Fork is a tributary of the North Canadian, but it does not seem wide enough near OKC for barge traffic

If Phoenix can have Town River in middle of the desert, OKC should be able to dam whatever tributary they have to create a real body of water that provides aesthetic beauty and recreational opportunities. Yes, Trees or structures mimicking trees that provide a better look.

If Phoenix can have Town River in middle of the desert, OKC should be able to dam whatever tributary they have to create a real body of water that provides aesthetic beauty and recreational opportunities. Yes, Trees or structures mimicking trees that provide a better look.

umm lake hefner ... lake draper lake overholser .. ??

and the oklahoma river ..

umm lake hefner ... lake draper lake overholser .. ??

and the oklahoma river ..

I was referring to lengthening and widening the Oklahoma River NOT lakes

I was referring to lengthening and widening the Oklahoma River NOT lakes

actually what you are talking about is creating more lakes ..

which is what the Oklahoma river actually is (a series of lakes)

Sorry, but the Oklahoma River was not originally a series of Lakes. It was formed by Damming the North Canadian River.

A 7-mile stretch of the North Canadian River has been transformed into a series of river lakes bordered by landscaped areas, trails and recreational facilities now known as the Oklahoma River.

Sorry, but the Oklahoma River was not originally a series of Lakes. It was formed by Damming the North Canadian River.

A 7-mile stretch of the North Canadian River has been transformed into a series of river lakes bordered by landscaped areas, trails and recreational facilities now known as the Oklahoma River.

yes i am aware ..

If Phoenix can have Town River in middle of the desert, OKC should be able to dam whatever tributary they have to create a real body of water that provides aesthetic beauty and recreational opportunities. Yes, Trees or structures mimicking trees that provide a better look.

It's actually Tempe Town Lake, not even in Phoenix and only 2 miles long.

I've swam in it and ran around it multiple times for Ironman Arizona. It's far from scenic and has way, way less in terms of parks and recreation than the Oklahoma River or even Lake Hefner.

Unless a spur of the lock system that allows barges to travel to Tulsa from the Mississippi River would be built, we are not going to be able to get anything that is larger than what can be transported via interstates or rail whole. It has been long enough since the US Navy had anything classed as a frigate, that it is unlikely any are left in mothballs to acquire. Theoretically destroyers would fit the locks width and length, not sure about depth along the entire route or bridge clearances. The USS Batfish had issues from depth to get all the way to Tulsa, so they adjusted their plan eventually building the museum in Muskogee.

For an extension to happen it would need to be driven by economic viability of building ports in OKC and along the route, and the previous system had some benefits of having heavy political support both in Oklahoma and Arkansas, along with pressure from there was some really devastating floods that came from those sections of rivers which was already addressed for OKC decades ago. Even then an extension of the Inland Waterway System seems more plausible on the Canadian river south of the metro, than the North Canadian / Oklahoma river that goes near downtown.

I was sort of bummed about it not being the whole boat, but that all makes sense. No way that thing is going to float up the san bar that is the Oklahoma River. And it's too big to put on a truck. I think this was a LA class attack sub wasn't it? Those are not small monsters! But it would have been REALLY cool to be able to walk through one of those like you can some of the old WW2 subs in places like Mobile, AL.

Press release from the City:

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Sail of USS Oklahoma City hopes to dock along Oklahoma River
04/11/2023

Today, Oklahoma City Council approved a memorandum of understanding with the Oklahoma City Riverfront Redevelopment Authority and the USS Oklahoma City Park Association to design and construct a commemorative display featuring nautical items from the USS Oklahoma City (SSN-723) submarine and the USS Oklahoma City (CL-91/CG-5/CLG-5) cruiser.

The maritime display will be located along the Oklahoma River, on the north shore of Wiley Post Park, 1700 S Robinson Ave. It will feature the sail and diving planes (hydroplanes) from the USS Oklahoma City sub (SSN-723), which served the U.S. Navy from 1988 - 2022 and possibly items such as the screw, anchor and ship’s bell from the USS Oklahoma City (CL-91/CG-5/CLG-5) cruiser, which served the Navy from 1944 -1979. Narrative panels are planned to tell visitors about each ship’s rich naval history.

Funding for the project will be raised privately by the USS Oklahoma City Park Association, led by retired Navy Commander Tucker McHugh, architect Don Beck and retired Rear Admiral and former Under Secretary of the Navy Greg Slavonic. A nonprofit has been established to accept tax-deductible donations to fund the building of this park. For more information or to contribute, email jmchugh5@cox.net.

“This park will honor the crews who served aboard the submarine and cruiser, which bared the name USS Oklahoma City for more than 80 years with service in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Frist Gulf War and Operation Iraqi Freedom,” said Slavonic. “The park will be an educational park and will allow the public to touch the sail from a real submarine and read the history of the submarine and cruiser on the many panels around the sail.”

USS Oklahoma City (SSN-723) was a Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine commissioned in 1988. At 360 feet long and displacing more than 6,900 tons of water, the USS Oklahoma City supported various missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. The nuclear-powered attack submarine’s motto, “The Sooner, The Better,” held a compliment of 129 sailors and was the first submarine to use Digital Nautical Charts (DNCs).

The USS Oklahoma City (CL-91/CG-5/CLG-5) was a Cleveland-class light cruiser commissioned in 1944 and converted to a guided missile cruiser in 1957. She was the first US Naval Ship to be named after Oklahoma City, and the first U.S. warship to conduct a successful combat surface-to-surface missile shot destroying an NVN mobile radar station in 1972. The 610-foot Navy cruiser supported the Okinawa campaign, Western Pacific, South China Sea and Vietnam.

“It has been my privilege for over 25 years to serve as OKC’s liaison to the USS Oklahoma City,” said City Council Chief of Staff Debi Martin. “This park will allow the history of our namesake sub to forever be part of our City’s legacy. We will honor the distinguished naval commanders and crew who served for 33+ years protecting our freedoms on international waters, while acknowledging the strong community support by OKC residents, the business community and local navy supporters.”

“It’s a great honor to provide the home for the USS Oklahoma City in Wiley Post Park,” said Parks and Recreation Director Melinda McMillan-Miller. “The new display will add to the attractions along the River and will continue to showcase Oklahoma’s important military history to future generations.”

The USS Oklahoma City Park Association hopes to open the exhibit in 2025.

Sorry, but the Oklahoma River was not originally a series of Lakes. It was formed by Damming the North Canadian River.

A 7-mile stretch of the North Canadian River has been transformed into a series of river lakes bordered by landscaped areas, trails and recreational facilities now known as the Oklahoma River.

I remember back in the day when the running joke was we had to mow the North Canadian River every month or so.

Sorry, but the Oklahoma River was not originally a series of Lakes. It was formed by Damming the North Canadian River.

A 7-mile stretch of the North Canadian River has been transformed into a series of river lakes bordered by landscaped areas, trails and recreational facilities now known as the Oklahoma River.

🤣🤣🤣

They should move that anchor that is near Contemporary Arts Museum to this same area.

^^^^^^^
That is already a part of the plan for this project

I wonder how this is coming along? I know it’s based on private donations. It would be nice to have completed by the time the Olympics come to town.

This project is set to get $4.75 million in TIF assistance.

This project is set to get $4.75 million in TIF assistance.

Pete which Tiff district?

Pete which Tiff district?

Downtown.

This project is set to get $4.75 million in TIF assistance.

I don't really get this. In order to get TIF doesn't the project have to generate sales for tax money? Are they going to sell tickets or something? I guess I just thought it was like a beautification project.

I don't really get this. In order to get TIF doesn't the project have to generate sales for tax money? Are they going to sell tickets or something? I guess I just thought it was like a beautification project.

schools also can/have gotten money from TIF .. they don't generate money ..

Work should start this winter; this is actually considered part of Wiley Post Park.

The pedestrian bridge and piers shown are conceptual and would be part of a future phase.

The budget shortfall will be bridged via TIF.

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That pedestrian bridge would be very welcome, for my use at least. Every once in a while my Saturday morning walks at the park take me all the way down to the river and across to Wiley Post park, but that requires using the Robinson bridge to get across which is an okay but not great experience.

I would certainly help bridge the two different parts of Wiley Post Park.

And help pedestrians and cyclists move between Capitol Hill and downtown.

USS Oklahoma City Memorial update . . .


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Oklahoma City Council to consider using $4.75 million in tax increment financing for navy memorial
planned for Wiley Post Park. The memorial site will sit on the north shore of the Oklahoma River.

“We’ve found a wonderful location,” McMillan-Miller said in a recent presentation to the Oklahoma City Economic Development Trust. “The memorial itself will include not just the USS Oklahoma City and dive plane, but other items of significance including plaques honoring crew members on this vessel.”

Funding is scheduled for approval on October 8. The monument itself is being paid for through private donations.

The memorial commemorates the USS Oklahoma City Cruiser, which was commissioned in 1944; decommissioned in 2022 after 34 years of service.

This is a great project that will complement Lower Scissortail Park and Wiley Post Park nicely. I wish we had a master plan to develop the area around Lower Scissortail Park into a vibrant, mixed-use district, rather than leaving the land solely in the hands of private developers. I've always wondered why OK/OKC travel agencies don't make a big deal about Major Charles B. Hall Airpark, located right by Tinker. With only three reviews on Google Maps, it's clear it's underappreciated. As a kid, I would have loved visiting to see airplane models like those!

Beautiful project. I hope they can do everything mentioned above.

This is another project in line to emphasize the river for the 2028 Olympics.

Well done.

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Good attraction to get people to walk down to the river from even the upper park. If anything ever bothers to develop around the parks in Core to Shore, well at least now we actually have something connecting the two fully from the core to the actual shore.