OKANA Resort reaches major milestone

The recent topping-out ceremony held with Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby, Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt and several Chickasaw Nation leaders, marks a milestone in the construction of the OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark, affirming its steady progress toward a 2025 grand opening. 

The OKANA Resort, an ambitious project funded by the Chickasaw Nation in collaboration with private and public partners, including MAPS 4 funds, is set to become a game-changer in the world of hospitality and entertainment. This $400 million endeavor is expected to reshape Oklahoma City's landscape and economy. 

Boasting 11 stories and 400 luxurious rooms, the OKANA Resort promises to offer unforgettable experiences to its guests. Its standout feature is a sprawling 100,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor water park, designed for visitors of all ages. In addition to this aquatic paradise, the resort will also house a 33,000-square-foot family entertainment zone and a 36,000-square-foot retail area with nearly a dozen restaurants. The scale and variety of these offerings are set to make OKANA an entertainment and leisure destination in Oklahoma City. 

An additional striking aspect of the OKANA Resort is its contribution to job creation. It is estimated that this facility will generate approximately 800 full-time jobs in the first decade, making it a significant employer in the region. As a result, the resort is not only set to elevate the entertainment scene but also strengthen the local job market. 

The OKANA Resort's location adjacent to the First Americans Museum (FAM) adds to its cultural significance. The FAM is a one-of-a-kind landmark celebrating Native and Indigenous history and culture. OKANA’s proximity to the FAM creates a unique synergy, transforming the area into an international destination for tourists seeking an authentic cultural experience. 

"It's a really important milestone in an effort to create a world-class destination in Oklahoma City,” said Anoatubby. “We believe OKANA will become a destination resort with a significant positive economic and cultural impact in this city and region. This new resort helps showcase our thriving culture." 

United for Oklahoma, an organization monitoring the economic landscape, predicts that the OKANA Resort will have a billion-dollar impact on Oklahoma City within a decade. This suggests that the resort will not only fulfill its promise of delivering world-class entertainment but also serve as a vital economic driver for the city. 

As construction continues, the OKANA Resort, alongside the FAM, creates a one-of-a-kind global attraction. Together, they shine a spotlight on the rich and diverse cultures of Native and Indigenous communities, affording Oklahoma City the opportunity to proudly assert its status as a premier destination for these cultural treasures with great excitement and anticipation. 

This story originally ran on VeloCityOKC.com.