Chesapeake Boathouse

The Chesapeake Boathouse is a chief recreational destination in Oklahoma City.
The Chesapeake Boathouse, an Oklahoma Centennial Project, is one of the chief recreational destinations in Oklahoma City, a result of the recent attention given to, and investment made in, the area of Oklahoma River south of Bricktown. Its unbelievable architecture, courtesy Rand Elliott, instantly draws attention while the innumerable recreational features offered by the Chesapeake Boathouse won’t disappoint its members. The events held here and the recreational activities offered have already drawn attention from all parts of the United States.

Funded by Oklahoma City-based Chesapeake Energy, the Boathouse is a major landmark and the first building to be constructed on the banks of the recently developed Oklahoma River that flows through downtown Oklahoma City. It isn’t merely a structure, but an art form that transcends geometric definitions. The design is basically that of a rowing shell. The brilliance of the concept, however, can be appreciated much better at night. The Chesapeake Boathouse features translucent polycarbonate walls that make up the rowing shell, and these combined with sixteen columns of light give the impression of a sailboat with oars floating on the river.

This $3.5 million dollar design and construction is a marvel not only on the outside. Inside, the Chesapeake Boathouse contains a deck, lobby, and event room that can be used for meetings and reception, boat bays that can accommodate up to 124 rowing shells, another event room that features a massive 62-foot window that offers a great view of the boat bays, a fitness room comprehensively equipped with a variety of equipment, and – the most spectacular - a 24-foot glass wall that offers unrivaled views of the deck, the Oklahoma river and the reflecting pool.

Tours of the boathouse are offered for visitors from the city and outside. Visitors from outside Oklahoma City can count on shuttle services from the OKC hotels to take them to the Chesapeake Boathouse.
Hotels Oklahoma City
Hotels Oklahoma City – Bricktown Hotel and Convention Center puts you in the heart of one of Oklahoma City's historic settings

By Shane Wauhob
Published: 6/24/2009
 
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