OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark

[Laramie]

Chickasaw Tribe is a reputable well-established entity in hospitality.

The street infrastructure (bridges and roads) will pave the success of the area.

If the city builds a potential $150 million Zoo Aquarium and $42 million MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium on or near this 100 acre track, this will add to the $125 million FAM museum and $400 Million OKANA Resort & Indoor Water Park under construction. The completion of the FAM museum was a good investment--supported with up to $102.2 million in TIF funds for OKANA.

A potential $725 million in new development in this area, not to mention what other private investment attractions could be lured to this area.

[ourulz2000]

Wish they could grab the land to the east, turn it into an awesome golf course and have this resort styled like a JW Marriot San Antonio. https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotel...-spa/overview/

[progressiveboy]

I could see this becoming a rival for GW Lodge in the DFW area. The Chickasaws do quality, excellent developments!

[Plutonic Panda]

This is meant to be a family resort.

Oklahoma? Family friendly crap? Shocker

[G.Walker]

I could see this becoming a rival for GW Lodge in the DFW area. The Chickasaws do quality, excellent developments!

I agree, GWL's are like McDonalds, they are all across the country and they are all the same. OKANA is something new, different, won't be another place like it. This will be a big draw. The key is spending advertising dollars to the correct market. I wouldn't be surprised if they had OKANA brochures at Winstar and other Chickasaw establishments.

Will be interesting to see if they spend more dollars to advertise in the Dallas metroplex.

[aDark]

Oklahoma? Family friendly crap? Shocker

You are so negative, so often.

[jn1780]

Oklahoma? Family friendly crap? Shocker

What's the problem with that when we don't have anything like it? Would you have a problem with Universal Studios coming to town? Not that they ever would.

[Plutonic Panda]

What's the problem with that when we don't have anything like it? Would you have a problem with Universal Studios coming to town? Not that they ever would.

I get it. I’m just poking fun at everything in OKC needing to be family friendly lol

[CCOKC]

Wish they could grab the land to the east, turn it into an awesome golf course and have this resort styled like a JW Marriot San Antonio. https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotel...-spa/overview/

Granted I am not a golfer, but there are so many golf courses close to this location. According to Google Maps, Trosper is a 6 minute drive and Lincoln is a 9 minute drive plus James E Stewart and Twin Hills are also close. Do we need another golf course so close or would a package that includes golfing at one of those courses suffice? This is an honest question, I truly don't know the answer.

[BoulderSooner]

Granted I am not a golfer, but there are so many golf courses close to this location. According to Google Maps, Trosper is a 6 minute drive and Lincoln is a 9 minute drive plus James E Stewart and Twin Hills are also close. Do we need another golf course so close or would a package that includes golfing at one of those courses suffice? This is an honest question, I truly don't know the answer.

while good muni golf courses (and twin which is fully private )a great resort course would be something different ..

[Urbanite]

I agree, GWL's are like McDonalds, they are all across the country and they are all the same. OKANA is something new, different, won't be another place like it. This will be a big draw. The key is spending advertising dollars to the correct market. I wouldn't be surprised if they had OKANA brochures at Winstar and other Chickasaw establishments.

Will be interesting to see if they spend more dollars to advertise in the Dallas metroplex.

Not sure about nothing like it in the area and advertising in Dallas, they have their own "Okana" style resort going up on Lake Ray Hubbard that, if it stays true to the design spec's, is pretty awesome looking.

https://sapphirebaytexas.com/property/marina/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UoP98xSry0

[jn1780]

I think Okana's main objective is to attract people who don't want travel down to Texas. No casino at Okana, but they may attract some Texas vacationers to go a little bit further north to stay at Okana while stopping at one of the Casinos along the way or free shuttle service to Remington park?

[Pete]

This whole complex is built around the museum and Native American culture which will provide a unique draw rather than just a water park.

[Jake]

This whole complex is built around the museum and Native American culture which will provide a unique draw rather than just a water park.

Exactly. Native American culture is perhaps the only unique thing about Oklahoma and that's the main selling point here. That's what makes it interesting and unlike anything in the area.


Edit: And it's a great example that the state as a whole should be leaning into these cultures and embracing them and bringing them to the forefront. It's distinctive and cool and unlike anything else.

[chssooner]

Exactly. Native American culture is perhaps the only unique thing about Oklahoma and that's the main selling point here. That's what makes it interesting and unlike anything in the area.

Then that is one more unique thing than Texas trying to be LA Cowboys there.

But I love that this integrates Indigineous Peoples cultures so smoothly. And it will only help the museum, as well!

[dankrutka]

Exactly. Native American culture is perhaps the only unique thing about Oklahoma and that's the main selling point here. That's what makes it interesting and unlike anything in the area.


Edit: And it's a great example that the state as a whole should be leaning into these cultures and embracing them and bringing them to the forefront. It's distinctive and cool and unlike anything else.

This happens not just by leaning into Indigenous cultures for tourism (FAM is really an incredible museum that they program with so many local events!), but by fully supporting the sovereignty of Indigenous nations in the state. Unfortunately, the current administration has done just about everything they can to alienate the 39 nations.

[Jake]

This happens not just by leaning into Indigenous cultures for tourism, but by fully supporting the sovereignty of Indigenous nations in the state. Unfortunately, the current administration has done just about everything they can to alienate the 39 nations.

100% agree.

[G.Walker]

OKANA will pull a lot of people from Kansas, since the closest GWL is in Kansas City. We will get west Arkansas, west Texas, and some north Texas.

Don't forget OKANA will have a conference center, so booking events will also be a good program. Having a conference center and hotel onsite now you can attract corporate retreats, church camps, sports teams here for tournaments, etc.

[PaddyShack]

I think Okana's main objective is to attract people who don't want travel down to Texas. No casino at Okana, but they may attract some Texas vacationers to go a little bit further north to stay at Okana while stopping at one of the Casinos along the way or free shuttle service to Remington park?

I feel that Remington Park is in dire need of some TLC. The casino feels dingy and cramped compared to others around the state. Also, the last time we were there it just lacked any level of class. I think Newcastle is more enjoyable in their multitude of building additions. I think if they gave the Winstar treatment to Remington it would be worth showcasing, but the current state is pretty lacking in my opinion.

[jn1780]

I feel that Remington Park is in dire need of some TLC. The casino feels dingy and cramped compared to others around the state. Also, the last time we were there it just lacked any level of class. I think Newcastle is more enjoyable in their multitude of building additions. I think if they gave the Winstar treatment to Remington it would be worth showcasing, but the current state is pretty lacking in my opinion.

There's a ridiculous amount of wasted space at Remington Park but maybe they're limited on what they can legally do.

[Pete]

There's a ridiculous amount of wasted space at Remington Park but maybe they're limited on what they can legally do.

Yes, they have the absolute maximum number of machines the law allows.

[CatholicSooner]

I get it. I’m just poking fun at everything in OKC needing to be family friendly lol

oh the humanity of a civilization providing activities to advance and better civilization

[GaryOKC6]

I agree, GWL's are like McDonalds, they are all across the country and they are all the same. OKANA is something new, different, won't be another place like it. This will be a big draw. The key is spending advertising dollars to the correct market. I wouldn't be surprised if they had OKANA brochures at Winstar and other Chickasaw establishments.

Will be interesting to see if they spend more dollars to advertise in the Dallas metroplex.

Okana will be a big part of visitokc.com they promote nationally.

[GaryOKC6]

OKANA will pull a lot of people from Kansas, since the closest GWL is in Kansas City. We will get west Arkansas, west Texas, and some north Texas.

Don't forget OKANA will have a conference center, so booking events will also be a good program. Having a conference center and hotel onsite now you can attract corporate retreats, church camps, sports teams here for tournaments, etc.

Great point. Combined with FAM it becomes a super attraction. They are now talking about phase 2 additions.

[GaryOKC6]

This happens not just by leaning into Indigenous cultures for tourism (FAM is really an incredible museum that they program with so many local events!), but by fully supporting the sovereignty of Indigenous nations in the state. Unfortunately, the current administration has done just about everything they can to alienate the 39 nations.

Most are not aware that FAM is affiliated with the Smithsonian. It celebrates tribes across the US. Just so happens Oklahoma has the most.