Oklahoma City will soon be receiving a new historic tribute along with parkland revitalization. Yesterday, the City Council voted unanimously to allocate $4.75 million for improvements to Wiley Post Park, located between South Walker Avenue and South Robinson Avenue along the Oklahoma River. This funding will go toward a monument for the USS Oklahoma City submarine, a project that has been in planning for some time. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2025 and be completed the following year, according to a report from the City of Oklahoma City's official website.
What improvements are planned for the park? The project includes scenic overlooks for river views, playgrounds for children, and an amphitheater for local performances or Shakespeare plays. A central feature will be the USS Oklahoma City memorial plaza, featuring the submarine's sail and two dive planes, along with a flag plaza and interpretive walls that highlight the stories of those who served on board. The USS Oklahoma City Park Association is looking for additional memorabilia, such as a propeller or ship's bell, to enhance the exhibit, according to Parks Director Melinda McMillan-Miller. The city's trail system will also be incorporated into the park, providing pathways for recreational use.
The funding for the project comes from a combination of federal, local, and private sources. This includes $3.65 million from federal pandemic relief funds, with the City Council contributing an additional $4.75 million through TIF funding. Private donations are also being used, particularly for the submarine and naval memorabilia. This collaborative funding approach brings together various financial contributions.
For a brief history, the USS Oklahoma City was a Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine that joined the fleet in 1988, with a crew of 129 and the motto "The Sooner, The Better." Before its decommissioning in 2022, it participated in anti-submarine warfare and surface ship operations, and it was the first submarine to use digital charts. Following civic actions recorded yesterday, it is set to receive a new waterfront concrete-and-steel tribute, according to the city's announcement.
Finally, individuals such as Greg Slavonic, retired Rear Admiral and former Under Secretary of the Navy, have been advocating for this project since 2017. Debi Martin, chief of staff for the Oklahoma City Council, thanked the Council and acknowledged the submariners and their families, emphasizing their stories in connection with the planned USS Oklahoma City Memorial Park.
