Dream becomes reality

By Steve Lackmeyer

Published: November 1, 2007

The idea of cruises along the Oklahoma River was widely considered a fool's dream a decade ago, but it came one step closer to reality Wednesday as a crane dropped the Devon Discovery into its permanent new home.

The river cruiser, built by Scarano Boats, was transported by truck this past week from Albany, N.Y. Two more boats will be delivered over the next few months, with daily commuter service scheduled to start up by spring.

"At night, the view from the river is spectacular — from Regatta Park you get a great view of Bricktown and the downtown skyline,” said former Mayor Ron Norick, who is chairman of the Oklahoma City Riverfront Redevelopment Authority. "And at night, it's marvelous.”

Mayor Mick Cornett, watching the boat drop into the water from the north shore at Robinson Avenue, reflected on how the Oklahoma River was a long-time embarrassment before it was restored as part of the city's Metropolitan Area Projects.

The construction of three dams, trails and the addition of landscaping and parking areas helped make the boat operation a possibility. But Cornett noted it was Devon Energy's gift of $2 million toward the $3 million purchase price that enabled the city to consider launching a boat operation that could be used for both transit and recreation.

Cornett predicted the boats will add to the city's attractions for tourists.

"It's another reason for people to be proud of this city,” Cornett said.

"Just as Bricktown has matured and people who want to show off this town want to take them to Bricktown, they will now want to take them for a ride on the Oklahoma River,” he said.

The public won't have to wait for that opportunity much longer.

Norick said the riverfront authority will release details within the next week on how the public can arrange a $150 group charter.

The one-hour charters will begin Nov. 29 and will only span the river-lake between Eastern and Western Avenues. Full-length cruises to Meridian Avenue will be introduced in the spring, after dredging of the western river-lakes are completed.

For the next couple of weeks, rides on the Devon Discovery will be limited to operator Hornblower Marine Services, which was hired by the riverfront authority and the Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority.

"For the next seven to 10 days we'll be getting comfortable with the boat,” said Michael Lomax, general manager. "We will be doing recognizance along the river, testing systems on the boat and developing itineraries.”

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