The river that OKC built

What would you do if you had a dry riverbed that needed to be mowed periodically? If your answer is not “transform it into a world-class venue for rowing, canoeing and kayaking,” then you aren’t thinking like the leaders of Oklahoma River’s recent renaissance.

The 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. Thanks to residents’ approval of a one-cent sales tax in 1993 and again in 2009, the Oklahoma River is now a premiere center for riversports that attracts visitors from around the world.  

If you take a stroll through this area, prepare to see world-class boathouses with stunning architecture from Oklahoma City companies and universities. The recent addition of RIVERSPORT Rapids and the developing 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.