BOATHOUSE
CLOCKWISE FROM
TOP RIGHT Training in the Dynamic Propulsion Tank; View from the second floor Ann Lacy
Event Centre; Imposing design of the boat stor- age access; Spacious boat storage
He was a visionary, and saw not only rowing but a chance to bring together the two halves of Oklahoma City, split by the Oklahoma River. Now in 2014, the Boathouse District links both halves. Coincidently, two interstate highways – 35 and 40 – cross hairs directly on the Boathouse District, as if emphasising this location as a new international rowing centre, 1500 miles from the East and West Coasts, the traditional breeding ground of America’s Olympic rowers. Knopp needed to translate his vision into
boathouses. He needed an inspirational architect, and chose Rand Elliott of Elliot Associate Architects in Oklahoma City to create a master plan for the site, which took him six months and was completed in the late ‘90s. Now known as the Boathouse District, Rand created some inspiring designs and Knopp had something to show prospective financial backers. His thoughts were that there was only one chance to pitch for this place if it was going to be turned into a world-class rowing centre. Two local energy companies saw the potential to invest. Chesapeake Energy financed the Chesapeake Boathouse, which was the first to be built, and Devon Energy financed the Devon Boathouse. Rand Elliott’s plan incorporated a third boathouse, the CHK/Central Boathouse, to be completed in 2015, and the Finish Line Tower, which was completed a couple of years ago.
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Each boathouse makes its own architectural
statement in design and reflects the occupying rowing club’s colours. The result of the plan was to create a campus effect, embracing different areas of interest for the adults and children of Oklahoma City, and a design to provide an inspirational experience for future rowing champions. The Chesapeake Boathouse is home to the Oklahoma City Rowing Club as well as fifty corporate rowing teams, a very strong youth programme, and an events and training centre, all aimed at involving the local community. River Sport Adventures in the Boathouse District
provides activities for adventurous members of the family. Attractions include zip wire and rope lines, all designed to encourage visitors to overcome personal issues through physical challenges on the SandRidge Sky Trail, the tallest adventure course in the world. Try the 80-foot rumble drop freefall, the Sky Slide, the Kayak, or hop in a dragon boat and rope course, again aimed at involving the community and to try to establish the Boathouse District as a destination for family days out. The Chesapeake Finish Line Tower is the newest
iconic structure along the Oklahoma River. It includes a Boathouse District Welcome Centre, Finish Line jury and timing seats, the commentary and media positions, as well as race control, and the top level is a viewing gallery and observation
ROW360 // Issue 001
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