Editor’s Note: This originally ran on VeloCityOKC.com.
Downtown Oklahoma City is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Bricktown Canal this week. The Bricktown Canal anniversary celebration will be the first of many Independence-themed events during the week. Fireworks at the Flagpole, an event hosted by the Bricktown Association and the Oklahoma Opry featuring live music from multiple artists, will follow on July 3, and an OKC Baseball Club game against the Las Vegas Aviators will end in a firework finale on July 4.
The construction of the Bricktown Canal is one of the initial MAPS projects that led Oklahoma City’s transition to the dynamic city it is today, with many attractions, events and landmarks covering the area. With community members willing to invest, the city has achieved a significant increase in development.
Even today, the Bricktown Canal continues to impact the downtown Oklahoma City area, generating over $629 million, supporting 5,331 jobs and contributing to an additional 2,347 jobs, according to the Bricktown Association and the City of Oklahoma City’s economic impact study.
After 25 years of operation, the canal continues to be a fundamental anchor for Oklahoma City, with much growth and development surrounding the landmark. Within the next 10 years, Oklahoma City expects multiple new projects influenced by the presence of the Bricktown Canal, such as The Truck Yard, The Oklahoma Opry, a multipurpose stadium and The Boardwalk at Bricktown.
The Bricktown Canal’s most popular feature is the Bricktown Water Taxi. Bricktown’s water taxis have been operating the 40-minute, historical-themed ride since its opening in 1999. Along the water taxi’s route, participants not only learn about the origins of the canal and the history of Oklahoma City, but the ride also features recent artwork, such as the Centennial Mural and ArtAfloatOKC.
The surrounding aspects of the canal are maintained through many downtown partnerships, including Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department, Bricktown Association, the downtown Business Improvement District and more.
The Bricktown Canal is a vital aspect of the Downtown Oklahoma City experience. Twenty-five years later, the structure’s importance and contributions to Oklahoma City has not changed, ensuring it is a part of the city worth celebrating.
