Lake Hefner Area

[SoonerBent]

There is a plan update currently going up the ladder in OKC government for the Lake Hefner area. The plan seems to be taking a turn for commercial development around the lake. This is contrary to the wishes of both the recreational users of the lake and local residents as expressed in a series of public meetings held last fall. What do you think? Make Lake Hefner a restaurant and shopping area or leave and improve it as a recreational/natural area?

SB

[keving]

Are you referring to the portion of Lake Hefner Reservation located north of Edgewater-Lakepointe neighborhood and south of Lake Hefner Road?

[SoonerBent]

Are you referring to the portion of Lake Hefner Reservation located north of Edgewater-Lakepointe neighborhood and south of Lake Hefner Road?

The plan doesn't specify any area. Just future use in general. But, north from those neighborhoods all the way to the water is the area developers have been most interested in. The area just north of the fish hatchery/water treatment plant also has some interest.

SB

[Patrick]

I think what you have to realize here is that the lake belongs to everyone in the city, not just the neighborhoods surrounding the lake.

Personally, I think we should expand development on the lake. I don't see any reason why commercial development and recreational uses can't co-exist.

Lake Hefner would be a much greater asset to Oklahoma City if its uses were expanded.

I think high rise hotels, more restaurants, etc. would be nice along the lake. And for the recreational users, how about a few bike shops.

It isn't like the east shore of the lake is natural. It's a pile of rocks, created by the city and state after the highway was built. Let's turn Lake Hefner into something nice, instead of the flat wasteland it has been in the past.

[Patrick]

I'd limit development to the east shore. I personally think the south side of the lake needs to keep its natural setting, with the golf course and all.

I do think land along NW Expressway could be put to better uses though. The city could benefit from selling land off west of Red Lobster.

[metro]

I helped spearhead the research on this. SoonerBent is right. It is just a proposition about what residents want for future use in general: industrial, commericial, recreational, residential, etc. Nothing is set in stone just a mere study and report for possible future use.

On a similar note, does anyone know how the city-wide trail system is coming along? I've noticed the construction crews are at it again along Council again in the wooded area between Wilshire and NW 39th. I know this is in the area that was proposed for the trails that would connect Lake Hefner with Lake Overholser. I'll have to do my homework again unless someone already knows what's going on.

[keving]

Well, they have forever been trying to use the land I am referring to. There is a some history to that area.

Oklahoma City condemned that land for use of the Lake Hefner Reservation. They paid citizens money for this land and told them it would only be used for Lake Hefner Reservation.

In the 60's they wanted to sell this land for development. A lawsuit was brought up by the citizens and it eventually went to the US Supreme Court. Oklahoma city was able to retain the rights to the condemned property only if the use of the property continued to be for the reason the land was originally condemned, to be part of the Lake Hefner Reservation.

[Patrick]

Are you referring to land south of the lake?

[Patrick]

I can understand residents of the Edgewater area being upset about development south of the lake. I don't think that portion of the lake should be developed, especially when we have the entire east side of the lake, with perfect land to develop. I'd expand East Wharf.

[keving]

Yes, the land south of S Lake Hefner Dr and Portland.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=e...07909,0.021629

[Jack]

We need nodes of interest on the lake. I agree, land south of Lake Hefner Dr. should remain reservation. As Patrick said, develop the east side of the lake, but do it carefully, keeping in mind the present trail system.

[SoonerBent]

My interest is in the safety and usefullness of trails and lake for recreational uses. While I agree that some development such as East Wharf can be done without much negative impact it wasn't. The present design of the intersection of trail and driveway was done to be as cheap as possible. Not as safe as possible. Assuming that this would be the future course of action any further expansion there or development on the south side of the lake could pretty much ruin the tral system. Also, Lake Hefner is known nation wide as a great sailing lake. The lake hosts, on average, one regional regatta per year and one national regatta every four to five years (such as the J-22 Nationals last summer). Building too near the lake will kill this as the whole reason the wind is so good is the lack of interference by structures.

SB

[Jack]

My interest is in the safety and usefullness of trails and lake for recreational uses. While I agree that some development such as East Wharf can be done without much negative impact it wasn't. The present design of the intersection of trail and driveway was done to be as cheap as possible. Not as safe as possible. Assuming that this would be the future course of action any further expansion there or development on the south side of the lake could pretty much ruin the tral system. Also, Lake Hefner is known nation wide as a great sailing lake. The lake hosts, on average, one regional regatta per year and one national regatta every four to five years (such as the J-22 Nationals last summer). Building too near the lake will kill this as the whole reason the wind is so good is the lack of interference by structures.

SB

If future development is built east of the trail system, similar to Louis, I don't see what difference it makes. Such commercial development WILL NOT impact the current trail system.

The wind comes out of the west, so buildings on the east side of the lake wouldn't affect that.

[SoonerBent]

If future development is built east of the trail system, similar to Louis, I don't see what difference it makes. Such commercial development WILL NOT impact the current trail system.

The wind comes out of the west, so buildings on the east side of the lake wouldn't affect that.

But the current configuration does impact the trail system. And any future shops/restaurants would want to be lakeside, just like the existing ones, with the exception of Louie's. Therefor, the trails would have to be to the east of the development and would have to be crossed to get to the development. This could still be done by putting the driveways partly underground and raising the trails above them. But the city isn't likely to spend the money to do this. In regard to the wind. The wind is usually from the south to southwest. Buildings on the east side don't pose a problem 99% of the time. But building condos or a Mariott destination resort on the shouth shore would put a serious dent in the sailing properties of the lake.

SB

[Jack]

But the current configuration does impact the trail system. And any future shops/restaurants would want to be lakeside, just like the existing ones, with the exception of Louie's. Therefor, the trails would have to be to the east of the development and would have to be crossed to get to the development. This could still be done by putting the driveways partly underground and raising the trails above them. But the city isn't likely to spend the money to do this.

So, just require all businesses to be streetside, and trails to be lakeside. We simply need some ordinances for developing land on the lake. That's all. It can work. Louie's is proof it can work.

In regard to the wind. The wind is usually from the south to southwest. Buildings on the east side don't pose a problem 99% of the time. But building condos or a Mariott destination resort on the shouth shore would put a serious dent in the sailing properties of the lake. SB

Again, restrict development to the east side of the lake around the East Wharf Development.

[keving]

I believe that any commercial development around the lake should be kept to a minimum. Any development would inhibit the city’s ability to protect its watershed from pollutants that could contaminate the water supply.

Also, the city and others have done a great job enhancing Lake Hefner with the improvement to the trail system, which are being used more than expected. We need to carefully guage the type of development that goes on around the lake so it doesn't detract from its current recreational use.

If any development should be done, it should complement the existing usage of the lake. Such as putting in a kayak/canoe rentals.

Don't get me wrong... I'm all for development but I don't believe it should be done in a recreational area such as Lake Hefner.

[Jack]

I believe that any commercial development around the lake should be kept to a minimum. Any development would inhibit the city’s ability to protect its watershed from pollutants that could contaminate the water supply.

That makes absolutely no sense. The buildings that are part of east wharf only help to beautify the area. They in no way pollute the water.

Also, the city and others have done a great job enhancing Lake Hefner with the improvement to the trail system, which are being used more than expected. We need to carefully guage the type of development that goes on around the lake so it doesn't detract from its current recreational use.

Further commercial development in the form of hotels, restuarants, etc. wouldn't take away from the trails, if it was designed right. The trails should be built closest to the water, with the commercial buildings closest to the street. Louis was developed well.

The two can co-exist.

If any development should be done, it should complement the existing usage of the lake. Such as putting in a kayak/canoe rentals.

And nice hotels, so tourists that will use the lake will have a place to stay.

Don't get me wrong... I'm all for development but I don't believe it should be done in a recreational area such as Lake Hefner.

So create recreational commercial development. Bike shops, trendy restaurants and food stands for recreational users to eat at, hotels for visitors to stay, etc.

We need more casual restaurants that the recreational users can stop at.

[keving]

That makes absolutely no sense. The buildings that are part of east wharf only help to beautify the area. They in no way pollute the water.

Actually, it does make sense if you think about the implications of additional development. The buildings may not pollute the water, but an increase in people and traffic sure will.

Further commercial development in the form of hotels, restuarants, etc. wouldn't take away from the trails, if it was designed right. The trails should be built closest to the water, with the commercial buildings closest to the street.

Oh, so if we follow that thinking, then it's okay to develop parts of Forest Park (St. Louis) or Central Park (NYC).

Louis was developed well.

I do not know to what you are referring.

[Jack]

Actually, it does make sense if you think about the implications of additional development. The buildings may not pollute the water, but an increase in people and traffic sure will.

Parks department seems to be doing a good job keeping trash picked up. Non issue as far as I'm concerned. The restaurants wouldn't be on the water but would be on the land.

Oh, so if we follow that thinking, then it's okay to develop parts of Forest Park (St. Louis) or Central Park (NYC).

Central Park is in the middle of an entire city of development. Difference is, NYC has a place for recreation and a place for commercial development. So we follow suit. Have commercial development on the east side of the lake, and recreatino everywhere else. Shoot, is developing 3 or 4 miles of the east side of the lake really going to take away from recreational users that much? They'd be left with over 20 miles of undeveloped shoreline.

I do not know to what you are referring.

Louie's Restaurant. Trails are located on the waterside of the restaurant. Traffic is a non-issue.

[keving]

SoonerBent: Thanks for mentioning the sailing. It totally slipped my mind and I was there watching some of the J/22 races last year.

Also, I should disclose that I am a resident of Edgewater-Lakepointe. However, I would still feel the same about this issue if I didn't live in the neighborhood next to the lake or if it were a different lake.

[Patrick]

I agree with everyone here. I think we do need more development on the lake. BUT, we need to be careful with what we allow to be developed there. For example, I don't think a huge multi-screen movie theater and a Wal-Mart would fit in there. But, I do agree that more venues for the recreational users would be nice. It would be nice to have some short order restauraunts that the recreational users can eat at. Now, you'd have to go home, change, and then return to eat. I also agree that bike shops, sail shops, kite shops, etc. would be nice. And as mentioned, a few high rise hotels might be nice. But we need to keep the right balance of commercial and recreational use.

Remember, the lake belongs to more than just recreational users.

Also, I don't see how the intersection leading into East Wharf could've been developed any differently. Maybe a bridge going over the trails would've been a better option.

[Patrick]

By the way, we were promised a boardwalk along the shore. I'm still waiting for it.

[Jack]

Sorry guys. Looks like more commercial development is already taking place.

[Patrick]

Sorry guys. Looks like more commercial development is already taking place.

Jack, this is absolutely hilarious, but scarey all at the same time.

[Pete]

Commercial development on the east side of the lake makes perfect sense, especially since there is so little residential and a big freeway running right by anyway.

I think a little commercial devleopment on the south side would be okay too, as long as more recreation was also added.

There are some really nice spots on the south side of the lake that could be developed into water-side restaurants and the like.


I lived right by Lake Hefner for almost 30 years and they only thing that was there was the golf course and Stars & Stripes Park -- and even that didn't happen until the early 70's.

Just like the river, OKC should be looking for ways to take better advantage for the benefit of all.