OKC'S CANAL ZONE After 20 years, change remains constant along Bricktown CanalBy Steve Lackmeyer, Business writer
When the canal first opened, it held the promise of restaurants to come, but the old brick warehouses were still in various stages of renovation and nothing but dirt surrounded the canal where Lower Bricktown is today.
Visitors on this 20th anniversary can choose among more than a dozen restaurants; a handful of nightclubs, including a dueling piano bar; a bowling alley; laser tag; two entertainment centers; a miniature golf course; a 16-screen movie theater; and gift and retail stores
OKC'S CANAL ZONE http://digital.newsok.com/Olive/ODN/Oklahoman/default.aspxAn estimated 7.5 million people visit Oklahoma City throughout the year, according to Lindsay Vidrine, vice president of destination marketing for Visit OKC. Many of those visitors make a stop or several on the canal.
The Brickopolis miniature golf course is a popular attraction along the Bricktown Canal on a summer evening. [DOUG HOKE/THE OKLAHOMAN]Canal continues to draw crowds:By Kaelan Deese, Staff writer
The Bricktown Canal is celebrating 20 years in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City this year, where it continues to entertain crowds of all ages.
Built in 1999, OKC’s canal flows between a sprawling strip of diverse restaurants, entertainment and family-fun venues for locals and visitors alike, with walkways and water taxis available for transport along the waterway. “When we got to our hotel, I was surprised by how modern everything looked around the area. I’m excited to learn more about Oklahoma’s history on the taxi tour,” said Stephanie Boyd, who traveled from Louisiana to bring her kids to the National Beta Club Junior Convention held this year in downtown Oklahoma City.
“I didn’t know what to expect coming to Oklahoma, but it honestly feels like New York,” said Brendan DeGal, a student attending Beta’s robotics competition.
An estimated 7.5 million people visit Oklahoma City throughout the year, according to Lindsay Vidrine, vice president of destination marketing for Visit OKC. Many of those visitors make a stop or several on the canal.
“Summers are by far our busiest time in the city,” Vidrine said.
One recent visitor was surprised by the hospitality that she experienced during her trip.
“Being from Louisiana, I am used to strangers being polite and kind but so far I have experienced nothing but greatness from the people of Oklahoma,” Synthia Jesse said.
In addition to a water taxi ride, families often enjoy activities like playing mini golf, visiting an indoor arcade, bowling or watching a movie.
With restaurants including longtime tenants Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse and Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill, there’s no shortage of places to visit and things to do.
There are also landmarks and points of interest that are highlighted by the taxi guides along the canal.
The Centennial Land Run Monument is a spot to see some of the many bronze statues located alongside the waterway.
The monument showcases 38 sculptures of cowboys, horses and wagons in commemoration of the opening of the Unassigned Land in Oklahoma Territory with the Land Run of 1889.
Authorized by city council on July 31, 2001, more additions to the monument are planned until 2020.
A “party like it’s 1999” event is planned for Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. as part of the canal’s 20th anniversary celebrations, hosted by Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership.
Numerous businesses around the waterway will be celebrating with special deals and activities for all ages.
Oklahoman: Sunday, June 23, 2019
