Chesapeake boathouse is a recreational facility located on the banks of the Oklahoma River in Oklahoma City. Opened in 2006, it features state-of-the-art rowing equipment, a fitness center, and meeting rooms. The boathouse is also home to the Oklahoma City University rowing team and several local rowing clubs.
The idea for the Chesapeake boathouse began in the late 1990s when the Oklahoma River was in dire need of revitalization. In 1999, city officials established the Oklahoma River Authority to oversee the redevelopment of the river. The Authority secured funding from several sources, including a $60 million bond issue, and began work on a plan to create a world-class rowing and sports venue.
The Chesapeake boathouse was one of the first facilities built as part of the redevelopment. It was designed by Rand Elliott Architects and constructed by Smith & Pickel Construction. The boathouse was funded in part by a $500,000 donation from Chesapeake Energy, one of Oklahoma City's largest employers.
The Chesapeake boathouse has several state-of-the-art facilities that cater to both rowers and non-rowers alike. The boathouse has two levels, with the top level dedicated to rowing. It features a large open area where rowers store their boats and equipment, as well as locker rooms and a training room. The training room is equipped with several rowing machines, weights, and other fitness equipment.
The bottom level of the boathouse houses a fitness center that is open to the public. The fitness center includes treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bikes, and weight training equipment. It also has a large multipurpose room that can be used for yoga, dance, or other fitness classes.
In addition to its fitness facilities, the Chesapeake boathouse is home to several meeting rooms that can be rented for events. These rooms are equipped with audiovisual equipment and can accommodate groups of various sizes.
The Chesapeake boathouse is home to several rowing programs, including the Oklahoma City University rowing team and several local rowing clubs. The Oklahoma City University rowing team is a competitive team that competes in races throughout the year. The team has won several national championships and has produced several Olympians.
In addition to the competitive rowing team, the Chesapeake boathouse also offers several programs for recreational rowers. The boathouse has a learn-to-row program that teaches beginners the basics of rowing. The program is open to anyone over the age of 13.
The boathouse also offers a recreational rowing program for experienced rowers. Participants in this program can rent boats and equipment and row on the Oklahoma River under the supervision of a coach.
The Chesapeake boathouse has had a significant impact on the Oklahoma City community. It has helped to revitalize the Oklahoma River, which was once polluted and underutilized. The river is now a popular destination for rowing, kayaking, and other water sports.
The boathouse has also provided a home for several local rowing clubs, allowing them to grow and thrive. The Oklahoma City University rowing team has become one of the top programs in the country, attracting talented student-athletes from around the world.
The Chesapeake boathouse has also been a catalyst for economic development in the area. It has attracted visitors from around the country and has helped to create jobs in the tourism and hospitality industries.
The Chesapeake boathouse is a world-class facility that has had a significant impact on the Oklahoma City community. It has helped to revitalize the Oklahoma River, provided a home for several local rowing clubs, and created jobs in the tourism and hospitality industries. The boathouse is a testament to the power of public-private partnerships and the importance of investing in recreational facilities that benefit the entire community.
