Construction continues with exciting updates on OKANA Resort & Waterpark

Construction of the OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark is advancing rapidly toward its anticipated 2025 grand opening. This $400 million project, funded by the Chickasaw Nation in collaboration with public and private partners, is set to enhance Oklahoma City's landscape and economy. With major milestones achieved and exciting features taking shape, here's a detailed look at the latest progress: 

Hotel Progress 

The 11-story hotel, featuring 404 rooms and over 100 suites, has seen significant advancements. The roof is complete, and most of the exterior skin is finished. The first-floor exterior glass system is also nearly complete. The service elevator is operational, with significant progress on both passenger elevators. Second-floor guest rooms are almost complete, with first-floor rooms closely following. The entrance canopy and valet drop-off area are progressing well, with roofing nearing completion. Recently installed signage, visible from I-40, features ten large aluminum letters illuminated by LED lights, highlighting OKANA's connection to Oklahoma’s past and future. 

Family Entertainment Center 

Adjacent to the hotel, the Family Entertainment Center, which will offer interactive arcade games, is progressing well. Its roof is almost complete, and half of the exterior skin is finished. Skylight installation is done, and interior wall framing and drywall in key areas are complete. Tile installation in the restrooms and kitchen is underway. 

Indoor Water Park 

The indoor water park, a key feature of the resort, spans 100,000 square feet over two levels and will include a wave pool, lazy river, and various slides. The roof and exterior skin are nearing completion, and the exterior curtain wall is progressing. The ETFE skylight installation is complete. Concrete has been poured for the wave pool and the kids' pool, with slides installed, and the lazy river is almost complete. Foundations, towers, and slides for the Water Coaster and Ride House are in place, with ongoing work on the pool deck, piping, equipment, and systems. 

Community Impact and Milestones 

In November 2023, a significant milestone was marked by the topping-out ceremony, attended by Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby, Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, and other leaders. This ceremony affirmed the project’s steady progress and highlighted its importance to the community. 

The OKANA Resort, adjacent to the First Americans Museum (FAM), will create a unique destination for tourists. The FAM celebrates Native and Indigenous history and culture, and its proximity to the OKANA Resort enhances the area’s cultural significance. "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,” said Anoatubby at the topping-out ceremony. 

Economic Projections 

United for Oklahoma, an organization monitoring the economic landscape, projects that the OKANA Resort will have a billion-dollar impact on Oklahoma City within a decade. The resort is expected to generate approximately 800 full-time jobs within its first decade, significantly boosting the local job market. 

As construction progresses, the OKANA Resort, in conjunction with the FAM, promises to create a global attraction spotlighting the rich and diverse cultures of Native and Indigenous communities. 

This story originally ran on VeloCityOKC.com.