Making history

[Photo by: John Jernigan]

While it’s hard to imagine OKC today without the fantastic amenities that are available in the Boathouse District, the district is actually in its infancy. A seven-mile stretch of the North Canadian River, known today as the Oklahoma River, was part of the original MAPS projects and was completed in 2004, a mere 11 years ago. Prior to MAPS, the area had been a dry riverbed whose water was redirected to avoid flooding downtown Oklahoma City. The river actually got its name after local civic leader Ray Ackerman encouraged city leaders to name the area the Oklahoma River. The progress in the Boathouse District continues even today. If you take a stroll through this area, prepare to see world-class boathouses with stunning architecture from Oklahoma City companies and universities. The addition of RIVERSPORT Rapids and the 70-acre downtown park which will stretch from the heart of downtown OKC to the Oklahoma River will only add to the excitement of this unique area. If you haven’t, pack up the family and make the short trek to explore this growing area. We can promise you will be glad you did.