Oklahoma City residents got a first look Wednesday at the work reshaping the Oklahoma River shoreline, as Wiley Post Park moved into phase one of a long-planned riverfront revamp. Early previews show river overlooks, a new playground and a memorial plaza built around pieces of the USS Oklahoma City, all bundled into a roughly $5 million package of upgrades. Construction is centered along the park’s north shore between South Walker and South Robinson, where crews have already started staging equipment and materials.
Local station KFOR offered a “sneak peek” in its Around the Block segment, pairing polished renderings with on-site shots of the riverbank. The station also worked in a timely reminder from state wildlife experts that rattlesnakes start emerging from their dens in spring, a seasonal heads-up for anyone planning to wander off the paths this year.
Funding, scope and location
According to the City of Oklahoma City, the City Council previously set aside $4.75 million for the north-shore improvements that make up phase one. City documents outline plans for scenic river overlooks, an amphitheater, playgrounds and the USS Oklahoma City memorial plaza within that first wave of work.
Phase one features and the memorial plaza
The planned centerpiece is a memorial plaza that will showcase the submarine’s sail and dive planes, framed by interpretive walls and a flag plaza. In a statement to the City of Oklahoma City, Parks Director Melinda McMillan-Miller said, “We love Wiley Post Park, and the improvements to come are needed and exciting.”
Contracting and timeline
The city has moved drawings and bid packages for the USS Oklahoma City Memorial Plaza through its procurement process, with MP-0494 Phase IV advertised to contractors earlier this year. Listings on BidNet show pre-bid events and solicitation dates in January and February, pointing to an active construction schedule now in motion.
Safety note for spring parkgoers
Wildlife officials reminded locals that spring is prime time for rattlesnakes to leave their dens to warm up and mate, a point highlighted during the TV preview. KFOR relayed that warning and passed along basic precautions, including sticking to marked trails and keeping pets leashed while wildlife activity is high.
What comes next
City planners say the current upgrades will connect with MAPS 4 river improvements and new trail links meant to boost downtown access to the water, with broader park work slated to continue through 2026. As listed by VisitOKC and city documents, the USS Oklahoma City memorial is one of several riverfront projects expected to make their debut this year.
