Another thread starts the discussion of having a resort near OKC with ample room and amenities for large meetings. But where do you put it?

I have always thought that the golf course at Twin Hills could be developed into a full resort with the addition of a large resort hotel built where the club house is or at surrounding properties. The current building isn't much but the course is very good layout and the hills are beautiful. It is close to many attractions (Race track, zoo, theaters, science museum, Western Heritage Museum, Firefighters Museum, Softball HoF and fields) and could be used by businesses and families. It is close to all Interstates and easy to get to. There is a private airport near for private planes and small charters. It is in a pretty part of town with hills and trees. There is plenty of developable land in the immediate area. And, I bet the course could be bought at a great price. If I were the members, I would approach Marriott or Hyatt about such a proposal.

Little Axe

What is in or near Little Axe? Why would it be a good location? Is it a good location to take advantage of everything happening in OKC? Seems a little remote.

Also consider locating the resort near all the "better" resturants & eating establishments.

I am sorry but my idea is HATED on here!and that would be a casino district on The Oklahoma River and have riverboat casinos!just an idea!

Somewhere on the Eastside of Oklahoma County. This area is in dire need to an economic infusion that could ultimately transform this rural area.

What is in or near Little Axe? Why would it be a good location? Is it a good location to take advantage of everything happening in OKC? Seems a little remote.

Sorry...I didn't realize I was posting on the board where no one has a sense of humor... :doh:

Lake Thunderbird in Norman. If someone was to invest in cleaning it up and developing it (and even expanding it), it could be a great attraction.

I am sorry but my idea is HATED on here!and that would be a casino district on The Oklahoma River and have riverboat casinos!just an idea!

I don't think it is hated but it isn't that easy to do. Except for the Rasinos thought were ok'd in the state wide vote, casinos can only be built on Indian land and that isn't that simple either (they can't just own it, it has to be put into federal trust and can take 10 years or more to happen). In addition, the tribe has to have some historical claim to the land in question. Currently there is a tribe that wanted to build a casino in Bricktown (Mayor Cornett was against it). They backed off that idea and bought land up near Frontier City for a casino resort. It was opposed by the City and our Congressional delegation and the horse racing industry (perceived as a threat to Remington Park). One of the reasons given against putting in Federal trust is the tribes headquarters is in the NE part of the state and they don't have a historical claim. Looking at the old Indian Territory maps, don't think any current tribe would qualify based on that anywhere in the OKC city limits.

Twin Hills would be a lot closer already to being a full resort if it weren't for Mayor Mick opposing an Indian casino that otherwise would have happened if they could get the land, which they probably would have if they Mayor hadn't opposed.

There will never be anything close to a resort in OKC as long as we keep opposing new casinos in the interest of protecting Remington Park.

The only casino that you could really call a resort in Oklahoma is the Hard Rock by Tulsa, and even then it's a casino first and foremost with a hotel, a few restaurants and bars, a music venue (soon), and a golf course. The casinos, IMO, could really be true resorts if they were built on one of the area lakes with a beach, pools, marina, boat rentals, etc. I don't know of a single casino/hotel in Oklahoma that is like that. Something on Texoma or Eufaula would be fairly close to OKC. I'm really surprised Grand doesn't have something like that, most of it is within the wealthy Cherokee Nation (owners of the Hard Rock).

Map showing Tribal Lands in Oklahoma
http://thomaslegioncherokee.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/oklahoma_territory.jpg

Reno and Scott st. in Del City. The old Logan point apartments have already been purchased by a tribe. It's not in Okc, and it's close to Bricktown and the other new indian facility on the south side of the river. Something to think about.......

The downtown riverfront would get my vote. A nice high rise hotel,4 star restaurant,spa and a 1st class casino.

That would attract more tourists to the downtown area and create millions in added tax revenue on a yearly basis. Of course the street car would need to have a stop there.

OKC needs to think forward and ease up on the small town mentality that some still try to promote.

Quapaw Casino is a real resort ...

I agree with OKCRT. As long as it doesn't become Las Vegas I'm cool with it. One maybe two at most along the river. But, the Indian Land issue would create a problem.

A solution would be to approve a waiver for a firm amount of land along the river. No more than the set amount, enough land for 1 or 2 casino/resort hotels. Once that land is filled, no more can be added. But just waive the land for use, don't go and find bids, it wouldn't be more than 4 months before a casino bought the land and dirt would be turned over and a hotel coming out of the ground.

Quapaw Casino is about a four hour drive from Oklahoma City. Winstar is becoming somewhat of a resort and is closer than Quapaw. I think it is interesting the Gaylord's have nice resorts in Colorado Springs, Nashville, Orlando, and Grapevine, Texas but none here in Oklahoma. I used to like Fountainhead at Lake Eufala when I was younger. I thought a tribe was going to build a new casino and resort there.

I personally do not want Oklahoma to have too many casinos. The Indian casino industry has been kink of sneaky and sleazy, yet cunning in the way they were able take gambling in Oklahoma from charitable bingo to pull tabs, bingo machines (Really slots to the player), slot machines, black jack and yes, a little bird tells me electronic craps and roulette in some places. When the racino vote took place a few years ago, the adverisers pushing for slots at Remmington Park did not put much emphasis on the fact the vote was really about legalizing black jack in Indian casinos as much as it was about allowing Remmington to have slots. I wish people in Oklahoma would get real about casino gambling and allow non-indian entities to compete with the current Indian monoploy.

Bigray in Ok

The city is missing the boat. Many people drive to Norman or Shawnee to spend their money. Why doesn't OKC want then to spend that money here?

Do they think that a 1st class casino resort will ruin the cities image or something? LOL

If you ask me,the city leaders have dropped the ball on this issue.

I think a resort/casino/hotel should be built by the river near the stockyards district away from bricktown. I think it would help develope the stockyards area into a real draw, which would also help the resort/casino/hotel attract people.

Maybe a sam's town type of casino...needs to have a theme to be a big draw

How can you build an Indian casino when the riverfront is not Indian land? Only maybe the far eastern sections of OKC are on Indian land (Shawnee or Kickapoo Nation). That is a significant deterrent to OKC having tribal casinos/hotels.

Resorts are built all over which are not casinos. Why is everyone assuming there has to be a casino? Golf, tennis, convention areas, swimming, close to attractions, good restauants. Casinos are not required or even a good idea if you are trying to attract business meetings, family reunions, vacationers, etc.

People on here complain about not having things to do in OKC. What can we do to attract people here, what can we do, blah blah blah? Not everyone's idea of fun is viewing art galleries, touring museums, etc. I think a waiver to the law to allow 1 or 2 casinos to be built on the river is acceptable. It will give more people a reason to stay downtown: gamble one day, see a thunder game the next day, visit bricktown the next, etc.

Although I have no desire to ever visit one, give my money to one, or otherwise; nor do I really favor gambling. I think it wouldn't hurt the cities image to allow 1 or 2 at most to develop on the river. It would probably help spur development along the river, truth be known. People from all over the state and country like to visit casinos, why not let them toss their money away inside OKC? Why should Norman get the benefit?

You would have to change State Law and not the easiest thing to do to get the "waiver" as I mentioned it is pretty much a moot point given the Federal and State regulations. Not impossible to change but not easy either.

I see. I am just tossing the idea around. I think it is a lame law though. Despite my general disapproval for gambling.

I understand and while I dont think it is a horrible idea (why let the money escape as others have mentioned). The Mayor is pretty much dead set against it and he is in for another 4 years. Maybe an image thing for him but I never did understand how they reconcile "family friendly" with all of the bars and clubs in Bricktown anyway. Don't see much difference.

So, this thread is now "How can we get a casino in Bricktown"?

This state is obsessed with casinos like no other. This is the problem. Instead of a developer building a world class resort with resort features, it seems everone would rather have a cheap faux Vegas casino. What everyone here fails to understand is that if you want a gambling vacation, you can just go to Vegas and haver FULL gambling and much more entertainment. OKC cannot compete with that. Putting a limited Indian casino at a resort will bring people from the immediate area who want to spend $75 a night to sleep and go back to playing poker or slots. They will not bring their families or business meetings. They will not stay for a week. They can't get on to the better golf clubs in the city. They will eat cheap food at the casino. Etc., etc. etc. This is a metal building type mentality, not a Devon tower, reach for the stars mentality.

Resorts are built all over which are not casinos. Why is everyone assuming there has to be a casino? Golf, tennis, convention areas, swimming, close to attractions, good restauants. Casinos are not required or even a good idea if you are trying to attract business meetings, family reunions, vacationers, etc.

Great point!

However, we are still left with "where" to place such a facility. Placing it "in" any of the existing districts within the city also limits size and options. There are many parcels of empty land, but most are scattered throughout the city.

Real "resorts" require ample land if they include amenities such as a golf course, pools, etc.

Hmm. Maybe the old Downtown Airpark? Ferris wheel? Family-friendly amenities? Just throwing out an idea here.

What about Carlton Landing, Grant Humphrey's proposed resort community on Lake Eufaula? Eufaula is Oklahoma's biggest lake (bigger than Texoma) and while not its clearest it does have miles of sandy beaches and forested hills along the southern and eastern sections. Carlton Landing is mostly a residential community but could include a resort with beach, pools, marina, etc. It is about 2 hours from OKC and an hour and a half from Tulsa so it would draw from both cities.

Carlton Landing: A New Home Community Near Tulsa and Oklahoma City, OK (http://www.carltonlanding.com/)

The Humphreys Company (http://www.humphreysco.com/#/projects/carlton-landing/)

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4182/is_20090508/ai_n31667865/

The only casino that you could really call a resort in Oklahoma is the Hard Rock by Tulsa, and even then it's a casino first and foremost with a hotel, a few restaurants and bars, a music venue (soon), and a golf course. The casinos, IMO, could really be true resorts if they were built on one of the area lakes with a beach, pools, marina, boat rentals, etc. I don't know of a single casino/hotel in Oklahoma that is like that. Something on Texoma or Eufaula would be fairly close to OKC. I'm really surprised Grand doesn't have something like that, most of it is within the wealthy Cherokee Nation (owners of the Hard Rock).

Map showing Tribal Lands in Oklahoma
http://thomaslegioncherokee.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/oklahoma_territory.jpg

This is incorrect. Downstream Casino, which is at the absolute Northeastern tip of Oklahoma, is a very nice resort, with a quality prime steakhouse, pool with bar and cabanas, 18-hole golf course, and very, very nice hotel rooms. Not to mention a great casino with multiple bars and restaurants. It's very nice. I've stayed there and would definitely go back. It had a real resort experience, more so than the Hard Rock IMO.

NE 63rd due north of Remington. There's a pretty wooded hillside begging for it.

Yes the area by Remmington Park is beautiful. That is why I thought the Twin Hills golf club would be a good site. Course is already in and established with a very good golfing reputation. There is developable land around it.

Oklahoma should follow the lead of our neighbors to the north and allow a limited number of non Indian casinos (class 3 gaming). A couple of large casinos in the Remington Park area or on the river east of the American Indian Center could make Oklahoma a gambling destination point.

There are a couple of ways to address this and various ideas. So get ready for a long post.

Idea 1 - Adventure District
Freshen up the area around Remington/Zoo/Omniplex (i know i know)/etc. Expand/relocate Frontier City and White Water Bay closer to the other attractions. Renovate the old airport over there to be a new Air & Space museum for Oklahoma. Also look at increasing the number of small lakes in the area for more cottage type living for people that want a house on the water. Obviously other things need to be added to support a destination zone like this, but I'm trying to keep it brief.

Idea 2 - Canadian Lake
This would involve the area south of Norman. Dam up the Canadian River right around Noble. Depending on the land and through serious of dams and such create a new large large that would stretch from Noble up to the south sides of Norman. Granted the amount of water flowing through it isn't all that high, but overtime this could be a great resource of water recreation, entertainment development (Riverwind Casino would be very close), and it would also provide another significant south of water for the region.

Idea 3 - Inter-lake Canal System
Probably the most complex of my ideas...well Idea 2 does get up there...would be the establishment of a canal system connecting many of the areas lakes. This would allow boaters to travel between lakes, small cruises to take place, enhance the water system in the area, and also create areas of cottages people can setup as weekend homes to get away (even when it isn't a far drive). Thunderbird/Draper and Hefner/Overholser would be the first pairs. Connecting the two systems, via the North Canadian River might be the most complicated part.

Of course out of all of these ideas...land rights will probably be a major issues. Also most of the lakes provide drinking water and have restrictions on what can go in them. However, it would definitely go a long way greening the area up and helping to secure water sources going forward.

The only casino that you could really call a resort in Oklahoma is the Hard Rock by Tulsa, and even then it's a casino first and foremost with a hotel, a few restaurants and bars, a music venue (soon), and a golf course. The casinos, IMO, could really be true resorts if they were built on one of the area lakes with a beach, pools, marina, boat rentals, etc. I don't know of a single casino/hotel in Oklahoma that is like that. Something on Texoma or Eufaula would be fairly close to OKC. I'm really surprised Grand doesn't have something like that, most of it is within the wealthy Cherokee Nation (owners of the Hard Rock).



For the record, here's a shot of the newly-opened swimming pool at the Hard Rock "resort" (which was breathlessly reported by the Tulsa Whirled today)

http://www.tulsaworld.com/articleimages/2010/20100601_D3Pool0601a.jpg

This thread has nothing to do with Tulsa. Why keep trying to make every discussion about Tulsa? What is it with Tulsans?

BTW, the Hard Rock is not considered a resort anyway. It is a hotel and casino. There are resorts around Branson. Was one at Grand Lake. Are none in the Tulsa area.

I think some of you are confused about what a resort is.

Marietta Hotels - Hilton Atlanta Hotel and Conference Center, GA - Georgia (http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/ATLMAHF-Hilton-Atlanta-Marietta-Hotel-Conference-Center-Georgia/index.do)

http://grouphousingadmin.com/hotelimages/Hilton%20Conference%20Center%20pic%202.jpg

http://www.cityclubmarietta.com/images/OverviewShots/Overview3.jpg

https://www.regonline.com/custImages/274026/ATLMAHF_Hilton_Atlanta_Marietta_Hotel_and_Conferen ce_Center_gallery_accom_fulllobby_large.jpg

http://static.booking.com/images/hotel/org/134/1348739.jpg

I think the area just East of downtown would make a great location. The area is bounded by I-235/Reno/NE4th/Eastern. There are some train tracks that run in the middle but that could be delt with. Enough room for a large conference center, hotel, and golf course.

For the record, here's a shot of the newly-opened swimming pool at the Hard Rock "resort" (which was breathlessly reported by the Tulsa Whirled today)

http://www.tulsaworld.com/articleimages/2010/20100601_D3Pool0601a.jpg

Wow, the Tulsa Hard Rock pool is very underwhelming, looks like a pool you'd see at a Motel 6 or something, definitely not the traditional "resort" or Hard Rock type pool.

Here's some pics of a real resort I stayed at in Scottsdale last year, The Phoenician. I believe they had 9 or 13 pools just in the main area, not to mention other areas of the resort.

http://thelobby.com/Blog%20%234--Phoenician.jpg

http://www.wildnatureimages.com/images%203/080411-074..jpg

http://www.wildnatureimages.com/images%203/080407-138..jpg

http://vacationwithpari.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/az_phoenician.jpg

http://www.thephoenician.com/recreation/cactus-garden.jpg

http://www.thephoenician.com/recreation/pools/pools#private_cabanas

nice pics but where are the people? (going back to the discussion in the Photo Meet up thread.

looks like there might be some in a few of the lounge chairs but dont see anyone in the grassy areas or even in the abundant pools.

haha, those are just pics I got off websites, as you know they normally take pics without people around for stuff like this. I'll try to get some of my own pics of the resort at home and post them when time allows.

Something like that with a golf course would be amazing. I am surpised there aren't more places like that at Lake Texoma half way between OKC and Dallas.

nice pics but where are the people? (going back to the discussion in the Photo Meet up thread.

looks like there might be some in a few of the lounge chairs but dont see anyone in the grassy areas or even in the abundant pools.

No peeps = no model releases necessary. Rather common, and marketers want someone envisioning sitting in those empty chairs rather than pondering is the place normally crowded.

No peeps = no model releases necessary. Rather common, and marketers want someone envisioning sitting in those empty chairs rather than pondering is the place normally crowded.

You only need a release if the face is clearly identifiable. Not disagreeing with you, I think it is a marketing thing, "Oh, honey let's go there, that would be great, nice and quiet, all alone...."

Some people like crowds, that's why there's Disney World.

Maybe someone else can chime in to clarify. One of the problems with most Oklahoma lakes (Grand River excluded) is the US Army Corp of Engineers. They claim right to control the shorlines of most Oklahoma Lakes which prevents any large scale shoreline development. I agree, a nice resort like shown in some of the pics above would be ideal for Lake Texoma but I bet rules, regs and red tape from the Corp makes it very difficult.

Maybe someone else can chime in to clarify. One of the problems with most Oklahoma lakes (Grand River excluded) is the US Army Corp of Engineers. They claim right to control the shorlines of most Oklahoma Lakes which prevents any large scale shoreline development. I agree, a nice resort like shown in some of the pics above would be ideal for Lake Texoma but I bet rules, regs and red tape from the Corp makes it very difficult.

Very true, the Corps heavily restricts development on its lakes. That is why you see so much development on Grand Lake (and to a lesser extent Hudson) because they are controlled by the GRDA and not the Corps. The same can be said for the Colorado River lakes in central Texas which are controlled by the LCRA, an entity like GRDA that is much more accepting of lakefront development and not just flood control. I think Texoma could be a huge destination if it wasn't controlled by the Corps. I mean it's a huge lake with miles of beaches and islands about an hour drive from one of the largest metros in the country (DFW) and just under 2 hours from OKC.

Very true, the Corps heavily restricts development on its lakes. That is why you see so much development on Grand Lake (and to a lesser extent Hudson) because they are controlled by the GRDA and not the Corps. The same can be said for the Colorado River lakes in central Texas which are controlled by the LCRA, an entity like GRDA that is much more accepting of lakefront development and not just flood control. I think Texoma could be a huge destination if it wasn't controlled by the Corps. I mean it's a huge lake with miles of beaches and islands about an hour drive from one of the largest metros in the country (DFW) and just under 2 hours from OKC.

I wonder how the states could petition to have rules for Texoma relaxed? The amount of missed development and tax revenue would have to be huge.

Something like that with a golf course would be amazing. I am surpised there aren't more places like that at Lake Texoma half way between OKC and Dallas.

They have a golf course, I believe they had 36 holes. That was one of the nicest resorts I've stayed at. The pics I posted above were just a fraction of the actual size of the resort.

I remember hearing something about the Muskogee Creek indians taking over fountainhead lodge on Eufaula and turning it into a resort with casino, golf course, etc. They bought the lodge in 2006.

I think OKC needs to do with the Oklahoma River what Austin did with the Colorado River creating Lake Austin. Either the East or West sides of the river would be perfect places to damn up and create a lake where people can wakeboard and jetski... also building lake houses and hotel resorts would be ideal in that area. just my opinion

haha, those are just pics I got off websites, as you know they normally take pics without people around for stuff like this. I'll try to get some of my own pics of the resort at home and post them when time allows.

BTW, it wasn't a slam at all and agree with the reasons given by other posters too. Even normal folks have a tendency when taking pics to try to get the perfect shot and for some reason we think strangers just muck things up.

Maybe someone else can chime in to clarify. One of the problems with most Oklahoma lakes (Grand River excluded) is the US Army Corp of Engineers. They claim right to control the shorlines of most Oklahoma Lakes which prevents any large scale shoreline development. I agree, a nice resort like shown in some of the pics above would be ideal for Lake Texoma but I bet rules, regs and red tape from the Corp makes it very difficult.

Seem to recall that they have/are relaxing the rules around Texoma...think it was one of the conditions the state made when they sold it or something...anyone has more info please post.

There is one that I know of at Texoma, Tanglewood Resort (http://www.tanglewoodresort.com/) it is near Pottsboro, Texas. I went there for a golf tournament many, many years ago.

I think OKC needs to do with the Oklahoma River what Austin did with the Colorado River creating Lake Austin. Either the East or West sides of the river would be perfect places to damn up and create a lake where people can wakeboard and jetski... also building lake houses and hotel resorts would be ideal in that area. just my opinion

If you're talking about a location within the urban area of OKC I can't think of anywhere that the topography would allow for that. It's not a bad idea but I don't think it's realistic.

I think OKC needs to do with the Oklahoma River what Austin did with the Colorado River creating Lake Austin. Either the East or West sides of the river would be perfect places to damn up and create a lake where people can wakeboard and jetski... also building lake houses and hotel resorts would be ideal in that area. just my opinion

They have already dammed up the river and created several lakes behind the dams. Unlike in Austin the Oklahoma River flows through industrial wasteland. The Colorado is also much cleaner, though they have bacteria problems at times as well.

They have already dammed up the river and created several lakes behind the dams. Unlike in Austin the Oklahoma River flows through industrial wasteland. The Colorado is also much cleaner, though they have bacteria problems at times as well.

Yes I know this.... Didn't know we were talking so literally. I was simply stating what I would LOVE to see here