Oklahoma River

The Oklahoma River is a seven-mile stretch of the North Canadian River. It is located between Eastern Avenue and Meridian Avenue on the south side of downtown Oklahoma City. In the early days of Oklahoma City, the city’s first zoo was along the river, but it moved after several floods. Eventually the river was straightened and widened. It dried up and became something of an eye sore that had to be mowed occasionally. In 1993 with the passage of MAPS, the city set aside sales tax money for improvements to the river. Work began on the river in 1999 and it was completed in 2004 at a total cost of $53.5 million. Today the river is home to university and Olympic rowing facilities, and a rivers ports complex featuring rapids, zipline, kayaking, and other activities.