OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark

[G.Walker]

This project is moving so quickly, looks like they are starting on the parking garage.

[gaeddert2]

OKANA Contruction Update Video
https://youtu.be/-3-IZAPZhvE

[Pete]

^

Amazing as usual!!

I took these the next day (12/30):

[Laramie]

Impressive pics, Thanks for sharing, Pete.

[progressiveboy]

What would really be impressive, if a world class aquarium like Atlanta, would build next to this tourist destination and become a "reality"!

[Bellaboo]

What would really be impressive, if a world class aquarium like Atlanta, would build next to this tourist destination and become a "reality"!

That's in phase 2, but not sure if as good as Atlanta, but seems like it was quite a bit larger than the one at Jenks.

[SEMIweather]

I wonder if there's any chance of the planned aquarium for this location getting scaled up, given that the soccer stadium is no longer going here.

[Bellaboo]

Any idea when the pedestrian bridge will start construction ? I thought they would be all over it by now.

[HFAA Alum]

Any idea when the pedestrian bridge will start construction ? I thought they would be all over it by now.

I think they're more worried about finishing up on the hotel and water resort, then the pedestrian bridge can get done like in the final three to six months of construction. It's probably that low on the priority list since there's no special design made for it other than being a common beam bridge.

[chssooner]

I think they're more worried about finishing up on the hotel and water resort, then the pedestrian bridge can get done like in the final three to six months of construction. It's probably that low on the priority list since there's no special design made for it other than being a common beam bridge.

Isn't the pedestrian bridge a city thing?

[Oski]

That's in phase 2, but not sure if as good as Atlanta, but seems like it was quite a bit larger than the one at Jenks.

If it's designed with future expansion in mind, I think we can get there.

[jn1780]

I think they're more worried about finishing up on the hotel and water resort, then the pedestrian bridge can get done like in the final three to six months of construction. It's probably that low on the priority list since there's no special design made for it other than being a common beam bridge.

That's a city project which has resulted in the river being drained. A new boat landing is also suppose to start up here soon. The work was supposed to be completed by March. That doesn't seem likely at this point.

[Pete]

[okcrun]

That's a city project which has resulted in the river being drained. A new boat landing is also suppose to start up here soon. The work was supposed to be completed by March. That doesn't seem likely at this point.

Strange they would drain the river and not immediately start

[onthestrip]

Most of the focus has been on the indoor water park but I think the huge lagoon could be the star of the show.

[soonerguru]

Strange they would drain the river and not immediately start

The city does stuff like this often.

[warreng88]

I just want to weigh in on how beneficial it is to be on this website when it comes to knowledge about development.

I have two coworkers who are young analysts in banking. I overheard them talking about how cool it will be when the new casino opens on the river. I asked them what they were talking about and they talked about this development ("the one across the river from the greyhound station"). I told them it wasn't going to be a casino and they argued why would the chickasaws build a resort with no casino. I explained it wasn't tribal land, city owned, blah, blah blah and they still don't believe me.

I can't be the only one here that get asked about development from friends and family members because they have proven to have the knowledge given to us from this website.

In short, thanks Pete for all that you do in keeping us updated.

[jn1780]

I just want to weigh in on how beneficial it is to be on this website when it comes to knowledge about development.

I have two coworkers who are young analysts in banking. I overheard them talking about how cool it will be when the new casino opens on the river. I asked them what they were talking about and they talked about this development ("the one across the river from the greyhound station"). I told them it wasn't going to be a casino and they argued why would the chickasaws build a resort with no casino. I explained it wasn't tribal land, city owned, blah, blah blah and they still don't believe me.

I can't be the only one here that get asked about development from friends and family members because they have proven to have the knowledge given to us from this website.

In short, thanks Pete for all that you do in keeping us updated.

They probably don't know a quarter of the things the Chickasaw Nation does in the state. But, I don't blame them. Even on this site, there are people who were/are in disbelief that they are building a resort with no casino.

[Rover]

Strange they would drain the river and not immediately start

So, I wonder about all the factors and contractors involved which affect timing and logistics. Maybe someone who actually has insight into this project can give us facts before all the standard city bashing begins.

[mugofbeer]

Strange they would drain the river and not immediately start

To let the soil dry out sufficiently for heavy machinery and trucks? I would think that would take a while in the winter.

[jn1780]

To let the soil dry out sufficiently for heavy machinery and trucks? I would think that would take a while in the winter.

It doesn't seem like its going to dry out anytime soon if that's the case.

[Bellaboo]

Usually a road big enough to drill and pour piers on is built about halfway out into the river. Then after that part is done they go to the other side.
They are doing that now on the people bridge in Tulsa.

[Canoe]

To let the soil dry out sufficiently for heavy machinery and trucks? I would think that would take a while in the winter.

The North Canadian River soil is pretty hard to dewater. I am sure there is a good reason, but it isnt dewatering.

[Urbanized]

^^^^^^^^
Responding to the questions upthread about pedestrian bridge timing and why there isn’t a contractor on-site building it yet: this is a MAPS 4 project and not a standard Public Works item. As such, there are more hoops to jump through, including additional reviews and approvals to ensure transparency. The bids for this go out next week.

[OkieBerto]

They are out moving, mud, dirt on the river bed just east of South Walker right now.