I Just returned to VA from OKC over the LD weekend. I can say unequivocially and without prejudice that OKC really is pretty quiet/boring. First, coming improvements in the DT area are evident, but what I am talking about is vibrancy. OKC is not a vibrant "alive" city. I found almost nothing interesting to do outside of college football. One can only do Bricktown so often, then what? Another note is that OKC "people" are country, I mean really country. It is evident as well that few from other parts of the country have infiltrated the area because most are fat, drive really beat up cars and generally leave much to be desired in regards to appearance. I wanted to find something to get exicted about, but the truth is I found nothing to cause me to want to return anytime soon. I hope OKC can support the NBA long term because many African American players will find living and working in OKC even for six months too painful. I really am a native Oklahoman, but, I have to call it like I see it.

You just don't know where to go/what to do. Bricktown is too touristy/full of crappy clubs full of Jersey Shore wanna bes for my tastes. Hit up Western Ave. or the Paseo next time you're in town. Bricktown folks appear 'country' because they are. That district lures folks in from all over the state. If you're from some small town in Oklahoma, that's where you go.

You just don't know where to go/what to do. Bricktown is too touristy/full of crappy clubs full of Jersey Shore wanna bes for my tastes. Hit up Western Ave. or the Paseo next time you're in town. Bricktown folks appear 'country' because they are. That district lures folks in from all over the state. If you're from some small town in Oklahoma, that's where you go.

Reminds me of a conversation I had a few years back on a hot summer night at an open-air coffee house in Greenwich Village in NYC with a gal from Chicago...interesting...

You picked the wrong weekend dcsooner. Labor Day ... or any bank holiday... is dead in OKC. Everyone here leaves and goes somewhere else for a last summer who-ra (lol can't figure out how to spell that!) Downtown hotels were at VERY low occupancies... I'm talking less than 20%... Monday less than 10%.... and most of them were were people just stopping through.

I was at the lake.

Just goes to show how little people that live IN OKC know about their own town. There are so many things to do here, but you can't just walk down your neighborhood street and see them. We're a commuter city...so you have to drive to them. As for being "country"...I'm not sure where you looked, but it's been months since I've seen anyone in boots and a cowboy hat. And that person was in their truck hauling horses to the fairgrounds for a show. And the comment about the NBA players...wow. That's just all I can say, how small minded and bigotous.

I Just returned to VA from OKC over the LD weekend. I can say unequivocially and without prejudice that OKC really is pretty quiet/boring. ... but, I have to call it like I see it.

I think the problem is you have been living in D.C. too long. You have lost your ability to differentiate between 'living' and 'constant on-demand entertainment'. BTW - our NBA players seem to like the place.

I Just returned to VA from OKC over the LD weekend. I can say unequivocially and without prejudice that OKC really is pretty quiet/boring. First, coming improvements in the DT area are evident, but what I am talking about is vibrancy. OKC is not a vibrant "alive" city. I found almost nothing interesting to do outside of college football. One can only do Bricktown so often, then what? Another note is that OKC "people" are country, I mean really country. It is evident as well that few from other parts of the country have infiltrated the area because most are fat, drive really beat up cars and generally leave much to be desired in regards to appearance. I wanted to find something to get exicted about, but the truth is I found nothing to cause me to want to return anytime soon. I hope OKC can support the NBA long term because many African American players will find living and working in OKC even for six months too painful. I really am a native Oklahoman, but, I have to call it like I see it.

dcsooner, OKC is still a work in progress. The biggest problem I have with people who say there is nothing to do is that they don't specify what it is they want to do. What do you want to do for fun? I mean, heck, while in OKC, if I get bored with Bricktown, I hit up Western. If I get bored with Western, I hit up Lake Hefner. I enjoy our Zoo. Sometimes I go to the casino with my sibs. I enjoy Hefner for rollerblading, walking or running (not to many of your 'country folk' around there). I enjoy the festivals there. deadCenter, Oktoberfest, Festival of the Arts. I take my kids to the zoo, which is really an awesome zoo, so what exactly is lacking for you? Give an itemized list.

But the last remark about African American players? Does that entail people who are not African American or just people in general? My friends and family are all OKC residents. They are not fat, not boring, are educated and very intellectual. They are not African American, but they are still fun people to be around. So let's not generalize, please.

DCsooner, I think your comments are more of a reflection of your obvious need to 'be entertained' as opposed to finding entertaining things to do. This isn't Disney Land and while we have Bricktown for the totally inept of originality I have lived here 40-years and I still find new things to do all the time.

Everyone here leaves and goes somewhere else for a last summer who-ra (lol can't figure out how to spell that!)

You spelled it phonetically, so I'll take that.

Also, let's not feed the trolls.

I Just returned to VA from OKC over the LD weekend. I can say unequivocially and without prejudice that OKC really is pretty quiet/boring. First, coming improvements in the DT area are evident, but what I am talking about is vibrancy. OKC is not a vibrant "alive" city. I found almost nothing interesting to do outside of college football. One can only do Bricktown so often, then what? Another note is that OKC "people" are country, I mean really country. It is evident as well that few from other parts of the country have infiltrated the area because most are fat, drive really beat up cars and generally leave much to be desired in regards to appearance. I wanted to find something to get exicted about, but the truth is I found nothing to cause me to want to return anytime soon. I hope OKC can support the NBA long term because many African American players will find living and working in OKC even for six months too painful. I really am a native Oklahoman, but, I have to call it like I see it.

Sounds like you made the right move when you left.

I Just returned to VA from OKC over the LD weekend. I can say unequivocially and without prejudice that OKC really is pretty quiet/boring. First, coming improvements in the DT area are evident, but what I am talking about is vibrancy. OKC is not a vibrant "alive" city. I found almost nothing interesting to do outside of college football. One can only do Bricktown so often, then what? Another note is that OKC "people" are country, I mean really country. It is evident as well that few from other parts of the country have infiltrated the area because most are fat, drive really beat up cars and generally leave much to be desired in regards to appearance. I wanted to find something to get exicted about, but the truth is I found nothing to cause me to want to return anytime soon. I hope OKC can support the NBA long term because many African American players will find living and working in OKC even for six months too painful. I really am a native Oklahoman, but, I have to call it like I see it.

You just sound really rude to me. These sweeping generalizations that most here are "fat, drives beat up cars, and generally leave much to be desired in regards to appearance." Excuse me, but I live in this city, and I know how much bull your spewing. I see every day an eclectic variety of beautiful Oklahoman Asians, Blacks, Hispanics, Whites, and everything in between. Yes, a frightening amount of our people are overweight, but it's less than "most", by a big shot. I don't know what you were seeing, it must have been just terrible because I clearly don't know the OKC you saw.

I drank with the Red Stripe Ambassador at speakeasy on Friday night. talk about vibrant

Dcsooner, I would recommend finding a few new friends.

I agree, I live in Norman, but work in OKC and OKC needs more major attractions besides Bricktown. Oklahoma City does not have a major aquarium or dinosaur museum. You only can go to Bricktown so many times, until you are burned out on it, and the parking down there is bad...

I agree, I live in Norman, but work in OKC and OKC needs more major attractions besides Bricktown. Oklahoma City does not have a major aquarium or dinosaur museum. You only can go to Bricktown so many times, until you are burned out on it, and the parking down there is bad...

I thought OKC was boring when I lived in Norman, but I have been in midtown for 2 months and it is an unbelievably fun area. There is stuff to do every night.

The guy complaining probably is the real problem, not OKC. I had a ton of fun going out in OKC this weekend. I never go out in Bricktown. That's for tourists and 21 year olds...

I agree, I live in Norman, but work in OKC and OKC needs more major attractions besides Bricktown. Oklahoma City does not have a major aquarium or dinosaur museum. You only can go to Bricktown so many times, until you are burned out on it, and the parking down there is bad...

Im not going to claim OKC has all the entertainment you will ever need, but this statement is off base. First, how many times would you go to an aquarium or dino museum in one year? Maybe once? Wow, that provides so much entertainment.
Secondly, I cant take your comments seriously if you are looking at Bricktown as your only entertainment provider.

I am positive dcsooner was just dreaming. I don't think he was actually here. The descriptions he gave does not appear to be anything like OKC. If it is not a dream, then it is probably just a random boring person from VA decided to bash OKC for self amusement.

Btw, I spent my "Labor Day" weekend at the FOTAS/OKAA events (fish shows, special speakers, etc). Spent $200 on Sunday's 7 hours auction. Been a busy, hectic weekend for me.

Man, this is actually pretty offensive to me. First off, my cohort and I are just as urban looking and acting as any other group of 20 somethings in any city. I drive a rather nice sports car, am not morbidly obese, am well dressed, and am well educated. But most of all, I live in an inner city that is vibrant, eclectic and full of great things to do at nearly any time of day. I spent my labor day weekend on a bicycle, a hand made vintage Italian bike, so no jalopies in that category either. I rode to paseo gallery walk (after a fine dinner), saw great art, sipped champagne. I then went bicycle bar hopping for the remainder of the evening. Spent saturday riding to the Red Cup, and then to various boutiques. Sunday started with brunch complete with bawdy theater performance, then back yard garden lounging and drinks with close friends. If there is a lack of things to do, you just must not have tried. The CBD is just pretty dead on a holiday weekend, but the rest of the city had LOTS going on. I mean, I've been able to have a fun time in some pretty dull places. So I'm sure in the inverse, it is more than possible to have a very dull time in some pretty fun places.

oh, and to comment on other posts......1.) totally true, virtually no one who lives in inner city okc goes to Bricktown for nearly ANYTHING. 2.) no aquarium, no NHMuseum, so I guess we'll just have to settle with a good art museum with touring exhibits and it's own art house theater, a large live performance theater (admittedly, closed for remodeling), a very good science museum, a world class botanical gardens (admittedly, closed for remodeling), a very nice zoo, a full scale arts district, the Oklahoma History museum, Oklahoma Heritage museum, yadda yadda yadda.....

Oklahoma City doesn't have a dinosaur museum!

lol

Anyway, it's no surprise that Oklahoma City leaves many things to be desired culturally, but in relation to many of its peer cities, it's not as bad as many perceive. I tend to think much of the effusive geographical self-abasement displayed by the threadstarter (and if you've spent enough time here, you'll recognize this to be all too familiar) is an expression of shame at these perceptions, coupled with a desire to separate their individual conception of identity from their home. It's a timeless provincial attitude, and it is not a mindset that makes for a healthy citizenry.

While we understand that Oklahoma City is not a perfect place, as citizens we should be motivated to participate in its improvement. Blithely criticizing the city's inability to fulfill your every whim, from aesthetics to entertainment while curiously questioning its ability to provide an adequate lifestyle for African-American basketball players (but not white basketball players, Swiss basketball players, Serbian basketball players or German basketball players, who are presumably in less need of distraction?), seems rather pointless. It's Oklahoma City. It's no revelation that this isn't the most cosmopolitan of environments. So, considering that you're not telling anyone anything they didn't already know (apart from the fact that black people won't be comfortable living in a metro with 250,000 other black people in it) what's the point of your comment if not to highlight your own worldliness?

As an aside, hopefully someone with the appropriate university contacts can inform anthropologists that this city has not yet been "infiltrated" by people from "other parts of the country".

OKC can't be compared to DC; not only is the capital of the United States but also one of the largest metros in the country and a global city on par with New York, London, Tokyo, etc. And actually up until about 20 years ago it was pretty rundown in many parts, including areas within a few blocks of the Capitol. DC has seen a major urban transformation, IMO the most dramatic of any large U.S. city. OKC is seeing a similar transformation but on a smaller scale. To compare to a Virginia city look at Richmond which is very similar in many ways to OKC.

Maybe the OP is a boring individual and expects entertainment on demand.

So is there something wrong with being country?

Are you saying some hip urban person has more value than someone from the country?

Because thats what it sounds like.

Sounds like you want diversity.... as long as it doesn't involve country in that diversity.

I always find it funny that some people want diversity and acceptance of all cultures except ones they find undesirable.

So is there something wrong with being country?

Are you saying some hip urban person has more value than someone from the country?

Because thats what it sounds like.

Sounds like you want diversity.... as long as it doesn't involve country in that diversity.

I always find it funny that some people want diversity and acceptance of all cultures except ones they find undesirable.

Obviously the more "country" part of our population is part of who we are. We should embrace it. I think a lot of other responders are quick to point that not everyone in Oklahoma is country. Diversity is a good thing.

They haven't replied once since their original post. I just think they're a troll, as mentioned above and that they're trying to stir our pots.

I agree that this past weekend wasn't the best to make assumptions of OKC. Two of my friends (siblings) had a mutual birthday celebration at Dan O'Briens on Memorial Road this past weekend. That place is packed every weekend. But this last weekend, no band, no customers. When we walked in, there were maybe 20 people in the establishment.

So, yeah, hold your reservations OP. Could he possibly be related to KD's brother?

I wanted to find something to get exicted about, but the truth is I found nothing to cause me to want to return anytime soon.
good, stay there, we probably won't miss you much..

I hope OKC can support the NBA long term because many African American players will find living and working in OKC even for six months too painful. I really am a native Oklahoman, but, I have to call it like I see it.
so, OKC is ok for non-African American but the others are too cool to like it here...why is it that it is mostly people that don't live here don't like it much?

Im not going to claim OKC has all the entertainment you will ever need, but this statement is off base. First, how many times would you go to an aquarium or dino museum in one year? Maybe once? Wow, that provides so much entertainment.
Secondly, I cant take your comments seriously if you are looking at Bricktown as your only entertainment provider.

Yes, I live in Norman, but I have been working in Oklahoma City for 5 years now. I have been to all "attractions" that OKC has to offer. Every major city has your typical zoo, art museum, history museum, science museum, river walk..etc... nothing special. I am not saying OKC is bad, I am saying it needs more UNIQUE attractions to separate itself for other cities, to compete. OKC needs to move forward on the proposed convention center, to bring more events and attractions to this area, that is what is going to boost OKC's economy, not museums, restaurants, and bars...

Yes, I live in Norman, but I have been working in Oklahoma City for 5 years now. I have been to all "attractions" that OKC has to offer. Every major city has your typical zoo, art museum, history museum, science museum, river walk..etc... nothing special. I am not saying OKC is bad, I am saying it needs more UNIQUE attractions to separate itself for other cities, to compete. OKC needs to move forward on the proposed convention center, to bring more events and attractions to this area, that is what is going to boost OKC's economy, not museums, restaurants, and bars...

What else is there? We don't have that many interesting geographic features like other cities that may be located in the mountains or by the ocean. We have to build everything including our lakes. LOL

Obvious troll is obvious...


you people will get your panties into a twist over the dumbest things...

Yes, I live in Norman, but I have been working in Oklahoma City for 5 years now. I have been to all "attractions" that OKC has to offer. Every major city has your typical zoo, art museum, history museum, science museum, river walk..etc... nothing special. I am not saying OKC is bad, I am saying it needs more UNIQUE attractions to separate itself for other cities, to compete. OKC needs to move forward on the proposed convention center, to bring more events and attractions to this area, that is what is going to boost OKC's economy, not museums, restaurants, and bars...

The State Fair may well satiate your need for loud noises, bright lights and lots of 'shiny things' and crowds of meandering people...and remember--there is always I-35 and I-40 to take you to all the places you dream of...fill 'er up and hit the road! Your life is up to you.

I predict another thread just like this one will be started within one year. The same response will follow. And in the meantime there will be dozens and dozens of events, venues and gatherings the thread creator will have missed in the interim. And then a year later, the same thread will start again, to the same end. To each their own.

I drank with the Red Stripe Ambassador at speakeasy on Friday night. talk about vibrant

^^^Ahhhhh! Love that beer!With a passion!

I Just returned to VA from OKC over the LD weekend. I can say unequivocially and without prejudice that OKC really is pretty quiet/boring. First, coming improvements in the DT area are evident, but what I am talking about is vibrancy. OKC is not a vibrant "alive" city. I found almost nothing interesting to do outside of college football. One can only do Bricktown so often, then what? Another note is that OKC "people" are country, I mean really country. It is evident as well that few from other parts of the country have infiltrated the area because most are fat, drive really beat up cars and generally leave much to be desired in regards to appearance. I wanted to find something to get exicted about, but the truth is I found nothing to cause me to want to return anytime soon. I hope OKC can support the NBA long term because many African American players will find living and working in OKC even for six months too painful. I really am a native Oklahoman, but, I have to call it like I see it.

I love OKC and it's getting better for the Young crowd but I kinda have to agree with you!My entire family is from Metro Boston and They all say about The same thing!but you also have to compare Apples with Apples and not Apples-Oranges!OKC cant rival Boston or San Francisco of course!but you have to campare it with similiar sized cities!OKC is getting better at attracting ALL demographics!

Do you all realize the moron does not plan to return? He was just trolling and you all fell for it...hook, line, sinker.

Yes, I live in Norman, but I have been working in Oklahoma City for 5 years now. I have been to all "attractions" that OKC has to offer. Every major city has your typical zoo, art museum, history museum, science museum, river walk..etc... nothing special. I am not saying OKC is bad, I am saying it needs more UNIQUE attractions to separate itself for other cities, to compete. OKC needs to move forward on the proposed convention center, to bring more events and attractions to this area, that is what is going to boost OKC's economy, not museums, restaurants, and bars...

What does this do for you, though?? You and original poster complain that there's nothing to do in OKC. This only brings in people from across the country to showcase their trades. Are all these conventions going to sell you on the 'vibrancy' of OKC? I'm not going to get into it like I did with that one loser that said OKC sucks a long time ago cause it'd be another waste of energy. Like Steve says above, there's gonna be another poster in less than a year that will comment one way or another about how crappy OKC is so I'm gonna save it...

Do you all realize the moron does not plan to return? He was just trolling and you all fell for it...hook, line, sinker.

You worry about the Devon Tower rusting like your mother's toolbox. 'Nuff Said.

Do you all realize the moron does not plan to return? He was just trolling and you all fell for it...hook, line, sinker.

agreed. (puts head in hand....)

First thing I thought.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/areyounotentertainedokc.jpg

I am positive dcsooner was just dreaming. I don't think he was actually here. The descriptions he gave does not appear to be anything like OKC. If it is not a dream, then it is probably just a random boring person from VA decided to bash OKC for self amusement.

Btw, I spent my "Labor Day" weekend at the FOTAS/OKAA events (fish shows, special speakers, etc). Spent $200 on Sunday's 7 hours auction. Been a busy, hectic weekend for me.

Thunder, congrats on the Blue Ribbon. Do you have a picture of your Striped Raphael Catfish? Never seen one.

Boring huh? Here's what my wife and I did this weekend. Friday evening we went and did the Paseo Arts Walk. Visited all the galleries and talked to artists, got up close and personal with some outstanding works of art by OKC artists, listened to some music here and there, and enjoyed the evening air. Afterwards we went to Stella's and had a great, leisurely dinner and quiet conversation with two neat, little-'ol ladies who come there all the time. Saturday we went to the Western Heritage Center to see the Prix de West show before it closed. If you've never been or haven't been in a while, it is one of the greatest treasures of American Western art and heritage on the planet. Sunday recovered from the OU game and caught up on DVRs and Netflix. Monday we went on one of the many year-round volksmarches in OKC. Volksmarching is non-competitive sport walking, great fun and a great way to see the country (www.ava.org if you're interested). We did the Capitol Walk which goes up to and around the Capitol building and down Lincoln through downtown. We thought about going to the OCCC Arts Fest but we were worn out from our "boring" Labor Day weekend in OKC.

I agree, I live in Norman, but work in OKC and OKC needs more major attractions besides Bricktown. Oklahoma City does not have a major aquarium or dinosaur museum. You only can go to Bricktown so many times, until you are burned out on it, and the parking down there is bad...You don't always need to go to OKC. Just east of Norman there are tours of the Bavinger House for $10. If you don't know what that is, it might be fun to check out.

You don't always need to go to OKC. Just east of Norman there are tours of the Bavinger House for $10. If you don't know what that is, it might be fun to check out.
I had an older brother, 15 years older, take me on the tour of the Bavinger House back in the 60's when I was a youngster. It was probably very new then. I was extremely impressed,as impressed as one can be at about 12 years old with a unique house. I need to go see it again and see how it has withstood the years. Thanks for reminding me of the Bavinger House.

You worry about the Devon Tower rusting like your mother's toolbox. 'Nuff Said.

We all know you are a liar. I never said my mother's toolbox on her truck was rusting.


Thunder, congrats on the Blue Ribbon. Do you have a picture of your Striped Raphael Catfish? Never seen one.

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc92/thunderokc/FOTAS2010/352184574981_0_0.jpg

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc92/thunderokc/FOTAS2010/352116871173_0_0.jpg

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc92/thunderokc/FOTAS2010/352116957317_0_0.jpg

I took the Titanic out of the tank and attempted to free him out inside a bag, but no luck after an hour. So I decided to bring the whole Titanic, stick'em in the show tank, and he came out 3 hours later.

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc92/thunderokc/FOTAS2010/352116922373_0_0.jpg

I got him when he was about an inch 4 months ago. He has grown a lot and will get up to 6-9" full grown size.

Boring huh? Here's what my wife and I did this weekend. Friday evening we went and did the Paseo Arts Walk. Visited all the galleries and talked to artists, got up close and personal with some outstanding works of art by OKC artists, listened to some music here and there, and enjoyed the evening air. Afterwards we went to Stella's and had a great, leisurely dinner and quiet conversation with two neat, little-'ol ladies who come there all the time. Saturday we went to the Western Heritage Center to see the Prix de West show before it closed. If you've never been or haven't been in a while, it is one of the greatest treasures of American Western art and heritage on the planet. Sunday recovered from the OU game and caught up on DVRs and Netflix. Monday we went on one of the many year-round volksmarches in OKC. Volksmarching is non-competitive sport walking, great fun and a great way to see the country (www.ava.org if you're interested). We did the Capitol Walk which goes up to and around the Capitol building and down Lincoln through downtown. We thought about going to the OCCC Arts Fest but we were worn out from our "boring" Labor Day weekend in OKC.


Sounds like fun. We played with the grandbabies, just as we've been doing since early May. It was our final weekend to do so before sending them and their parents off to daddy's new duty station in WY. House is quiet, too quiet actually, after four months, but oh, WHAT A SUMMER Nana and Poppa enjoyed!

I had an older brother, 15 years older, take me on the tour of the Bavinger House back in the 60's when I was a youngster. It was probably very new then. I was extremely impressed,as impressed as one can be at about 12 years old with a unique house. I need to go see it again and see how it has withstood the years. Thanks for reminding me of the Bavinger House.

Still an incredibly fastinating place, although a little rough around the edges. I believe his son (Bavinger's) has taken over the place and was going to try and set up a foundation for restoration/care. Hope they are successful. . . that is a treasure!!

They haven't replied once since their original post. I just think they're a troll, as mentioned above and that they're trying to stir our pots.

So, yeah, hold your reservations OP. Could he possibly be related to KD's brother?

DCSooner has been an active participant at OKCThunderfans.com for over four years. He's who he says he is, and everything I've ever read of his has OKC's best interests at heart. I suspect that post came from an attitude of disappointment. He isn't here often, and is hoping OKC makes a leap from backwater to up-and-coming city. I suspect that, in his estimation, it hasn't happened yet, and that's probably a disappointment to him. I don't want to speak for him, but know he's no troll. I suspect he'd like to see more entertainment options for educated, younger people, African-American or otherwise.

It's true that we don't have any really great clubs. And, at this time of year it's too hot to enjoy the out of doors. We don't have any downtown retail, nor do we have any great open air shopping centers.

I was in Jacksonville this weekend, a city I've always considered to be similar to OKC. I call it "OKC with a beach". But, they have an open air shopping center that is full of stores that we don't have, including Louis Vuitton. They have a great little area called "Five Points" that has both retail and restaurants. They've actually created an open air market under their elevated highway, they have a monorail (although it has problems that a streetcar won't), have beautiful covered bus stops and have trolleys that seem to run all the time. We've got a ways to go even to catch up to them, I think. So, I think DCSooner's tone may have been offputting for some, but some of his points are valid.

I don't think DCSooner is a troll either.
I've got to wonder if there is something a bit more subtle involved with these sorts of discussions. Now, I'm not saying the content of the following link applies here, but it does give me pause...
http://www.dustbury.com/archives/11091

Betts,
You captured the essence of my comments perfectly. Thank you for seeing the real meaning behind those comments. My perceived negativity is really as you stated a response resulting from my desire to see my home state and it's largest city prosper. It is probably as was suggested by another poster unfair to compare Oklahoma City with Washington DC metro area. OKC is making progress no doubt and I will continue to support my Sooners and Thunder all things Oklahoma.

DC, I think what would help is to provide a perspective from where you are are at - provide ideas that could translate well here in OKC. Let's also remember, however, that DC isn't exactly heaven on earth either....

While DC sooner's style may be a little blunt, I have to admit that he has a point. This weekend was probably not a great weekend to gauge activity. Everyone I knew was either out of town or they were tailgaiting in Norman or Stillwater. Also, I've never seen beat up cars in Bricktown. I've seen plenty of posers in lifted F250's and tricked out Mustangs or (insert favorite imported compact). Thats one of many reason's I've stopped hanging out in Bricktown, but hey, if that's your thing....

With that being said, I just got back from Memphis for a family reunion. I snuck away to their downtown and I was blown away. Crowds and people walking everywhere, fantastic restaraunts, music lounges, pubs, shopping, and most importantly, several options for housing. Memphis has more of an identy than OKC with their music, BBQ, and Delta culture. The city as a whole is dysfunctional though, and right outside the dowtown area is probably some of the most violent neighborhoods in the southeast. But the Memphis MSA is roughly the same size as OKC. Yet when it comes to vibrancy its not even close.

I probably have a different perspective on things since I'm young and single (and African-American, too, but that's really insignificant in how I form my opinions) For me MAPS did a great job of improving the quality of life and attitude of the city, but maybe not so much in generating amenties or seat-of-your-pants excitement. That's something that will just have to change with time and a better economy. Besides Memphis, I could name many cities about OKC's size that have amenties that are often dissmissed as unsustainable or unneeded here for whatever reason. How many times have I heard, "We can't do blah, blah, blah, this is OKLAHOMA!" Its that attitude more than anything else that may hold OKC back in the future and I would hope starts changing.

It is evident as well that few from other parts of the country have infiltrated the area because most are fat, drive really beat up cars and generally leave much to be desired in regards to appearance.

This is spot on:

http://www.hubariatrics.com/files/ObesityinDCFactSheet.pdf


The Obesity Epidemic in Washington, D.C.

Overweight and obesity have reached epidemic proportions in the U.S. – 66% of Americans are
overweight or obese, there are now more obese than overweight individuals, and one in five
children and adolescents are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight.
• D.C. has the largest prevalence of overweight children in U.S. – 23%
• D.C. has the highest rate of racial disparities in the nation with regards to obesity: 8% of white
D.C. residents are obese, while 31% of African-Americans are obese; Ward 8 has an obesity
rate of 36% while Ward 3's rate is 12.4%; obesity rates are also very high in Wards 4, 5, 6 and 7.
• Women in D.C are tied with four other states – Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas –
for the highest obesity rates (37%) in the nation.

High Risk Populations
African Americans are disproportionately impacted with regards to obesity. Obesity is also
significantly higher in Latino communities as compared to white populations. Obesity tends to
be more prevalent in populations of lower socioeconomic status. Women of child-bearing age
are at high risk due to weight retention following pregnancy. These are all populations with
substantial representation in D.C:
• Approximately 60% of D.C. residents are Black and 10% are Hispanic
• 41% of residents are considered to be “low-income”
• More than 25% of residents are women of child-bearing age and teen pregnancy rates in D.C.
are significantly higher (63 per 1000) than the U.S. average (41 per 1000 births)
Health, Economic, and Psychosocial Implications
Excess weight is associated with a host of chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes,
asthma/other respiratory ailments, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers. Due to these
associations, overweight and obesity are related to significant increases in health care costs.
Obesity is also associated with lower perception of cognitive ability, poor school performance,
higher unemployment rates, social isolation, depression and increased teasing.
• In D.C., 5 of the top 10 causes of death are directly related to diet, physical activity and weight
status – hearth disease, cancer, hypertension, diabetes and stroke.

Causes of Obesity

Scientists suggest that our obesity epidemic results from an environment that promotes overeating
(i.e., large portions of high energy-dense food, consumption of food-away-from-home,
lack of access to healthy foods, marketing junk food to children) while discouraging physical
activity (increased use of cars, lack of access to safe recreation sites, excess screen-time). Stress
is considered by many health experts to be the third-leg of the obesity triangle.
• Compared to NW, areas of NE, SE and SW have severely limited access to preventive medical
care, healthy foods and safe recreational facilities.
This fact sheet was provided by the DC Department of Health


(emphasis added).

DC, I think what would help is to provide a perspective from where you are are at - provide ideas that could translate well here in OKC. Let's also remember, however, that DC isn't exactly heaven on earth either....

Steve,
First, these are really positive developments:
- project 18o-This is one of the best short term initiatives
- Remake of the Crystal Bridge Area- another great s/t initiative
- All of the MAPS 3 initiatives- a years to fruition
- Sidewalks Yes! Bike Racks Yes! need along river
- Complete all the planned trails throughout the city


A poster later in this thread mentioned:
- Downtown NEEDS major retail to draw persons outside of eating and drinking
- Reduce the downtown housing price point to improve sales which will improve density and foot traffic
-Zone more park space and the parks need to be upgraded-ball fields, soccer fields. Central Park being addressed in MAPS 3 Great Move!
- The River area needs to be developed into an area that can be seen as hip with unique retail shops, small local bookstores, antique shops, local coffee shops, soccer fields (like DC's haynes Point)-Chesepeake is trying to create such an area in NW OKC with Classen Corner (I liked that area by the way)

Continue to pursue high salaried knowledge based jobs (like the recently annouced Boeing move) this will help to retain our talent and hopefully draw other talent which improves diversity of people, ideas etc.

Begin an agressive program to build from the inner core out to the suburbs to begin to create density. The simple sprawl of the city leave hugh gaps which take away from the city "feel". Council needs to offer incentives for businesses to build closer in before builiding far out. New Orleans and Memphis are the same size, but feel like major cities because of density.

Improve the visual impact to visitors-
-great move to remove alot of billlboards.
-fine persons who abandon cars on the side of the road for more than 24 hours
- I noticed significantly less trash on the highways/streets

Just some passing thoughts

Duplicate Post

Careful there DC - that sort of post is going to ruin the tag of you being a troll.

Whats wrong with being country???? If was not for country folk you yuppy city folk would starve to death...........................

I was in Jacksonville this weekend, a city I've always considered to be similar to OKC. I call it "OKC with a beach". But, they have an open air shopping center that is full of stores that we don't have, including Louis Vuitton. They have a great little area called "Five Points" that has both retail and restaurants. They've actually created an open air market under their elevated highway, they have a monorail (although it has problems that a streetcar won't), have beautiful covered bus stops and have trolleys that seem to run all the time. We've got a ways to go even to catch up to them, I think. So, I think DCSooner's tone may have been offputting for some, but some of his points are valid.

Betts, I don't mean to pick nits but, in a relatively year round warm weather area such as Jacksonville. open air shopping areas will naturally do better. I'm not saying they won't work here as well, just that it's easier there.

OKC is awesome!

I grew up in San Diego and I love that city, but OKC is really something
special. We have a vibrant city that supports the Arts, there is always
something to do and the people are friendly.

I have moved quite a but over the last 20 years and seen a lot of zoo's.
The OKC is great and beats the zoos in our area of the Country. I happen
to be at the zoo one day when there was some big zoo related conference.
I overheard 2 people from the St. Louis zoo saying "OKC has this too?".

I could go "on and on" but the first thing that comes to mind is if you don't
OKC, move on.

I have lived in some crappy cities. OKC is not one of them.


Chris
www.radiookc.com

I moved from OKC to Denver around 9 months ago. I love OKC. I love being from OKC...but given the choice I don't think I'll ever move back. It's a nice city, with lots of great people, but it just isn't a 'big' city. Every night of the week here there's something to do, and not just when one of the pro teams is playing...there's just a buzz on the street with people walking up and down the streets etc. You just don't see that in OKC. There are spots like Western Ave that have fun stuff to do in OKC and I do miss some of those places, but it doesn't compare to larger cities.

All that said, OKC is a great place, and the improvements made over the last decade and a half are a step in the right direction. I love coming back to visit my family and hitting some of the spots we used to go to.

I moved from OKC to Denver around 9 months ago. I love OKC. I love being from OKC...but given the choice I don't think I'll ever move back. It's a nice city, with lots of great people, but it just isn't a 'big' city. Every night of the week here there's something to do, and not just when one of the pro teams is playing...there's just a buzz on the street with people walking up and down the streets etc. You just don't see that in OKC. There are spots like Western Ave that have fun stuff to do in OKC and I do miss some of those places, but it doesn't compare to larger cities.

All that said, OKC is a great place, and the improvements made over the last decade and a half are a step in the right direction. I love coming back to visit my family and hitting some of the spots we used to go to.

Good point. A city the size of OKC is a great asset for many, and for others they desire a bigger city. I lived in Denver too, and I knew several people there that wanted to leave and move to a 'big' city, in their case Los Angeles, Chicago, DC, New York, etc. There are parts of OKC just as vibrant as parts of Denver, just smaller and not as many due to Denver having over 2 million more people in their metro and a better climate (outside of the blizzards in winter/spring).

You really can't compare OKC to places like DC or Denver though. They are much larger and a lot different. Other regional cities with comparable or slightly larger populations are better, cities like Nashville, Austin, Indianapolis, Columbus, Salt Lake City, Sacramento, Louisville, Memphis, New Orleans, Birmingham, Jacksonville, Richmond, Pittsburgh, Raleigh, etc.