Anticipation Builds for OKANA Resort and Waterpark on the Oklahoma River
If you have driven I-40 near downtown Oklahoma City recently, you are likely watching with anticipation as construction continues on OKANA, a large-scale resort and indoor waterpark located on the banks of the Oklahoma River. Positioned next to the First Americans Museum, the $40 million development promises to be a unique addition to the Oklahoma City metro area.
A Celebration of Culture and Design
The name “OKANA” derives from two Chickasaw words: oká (water) and inkaná (friend). These words reflect the resort’s deep connection to the Chickasaw Nation.
First American art and cultural elements are incorporated throughout the property, with the resort’s four signature colors elegantly showcased in the suites, event spaces and guest areas, creating a vibrant yet sophisticated atmosphere.
“I don’t think there are too many resorts that bring in the history and culture behind the region like we do here at OKANA,” said Brian Szydloski, waterpark general manager. “That is our whole goal here, to create unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experiences.”
Large, picturesque windows throughout the resort offer scenic views of the property, Oklahoma River and downtown skyline.
“We’re really capitalizing on modern and upscale here at OKANA,” Szydloski shared. “We’ve got such a wide array of attractions and amenities that really set us apart.”
Within the four-acre complex, resort guests can enjoy spacious suites, a luxurious spa, multiple pools and waterslides, an arcade, as well as several restaurants and retail spaces. Many of the amenities will be accessible to the public, with day passes available for the waterpark based on capacity.
“We haven’t hidden the amenities within the resort because we want locals to come,” explained Szydloski. “Sometimes it’s intimating when you drive up to a resort… but here you can just park and walk right up and shop, eat at our restaurants and enjoy the spa.”
Slated to open in the spring of 2025, OKANA is already accepting bookings for dates beginning in April and continuing into 2026.
The Waterparks: Indoor and Outdoor Fun
OKANA will feature two waterparks: an indoor, year-round waterpark and an outdoor seasonal waterpark.
The indoor, temperature-controlled, multi-level water park’s 100,000 square-feet houses 15 water slides including Oklahoma’s first water coaster, body slides, tube slides, as well as a large interactive spray and play structure.
“We’ve got a mix of rides from mild thrill level to high thrill level,” Szydloski said. “The coaster will send you downhill and with water propulsion uphill too. Usually on a water slide gravity just takes you down, but this water coaster will take you down, up and all sorts of angles.”
Additional features include a wave pool, lazy river, surf simulator, adults-only warming pool, lily pad crossing, basketball pool and three dining outlets.
Outside, a dreamy beach lagoon awaits. Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, a pristine sandy beach greets visitors as they prepare to enjoy a variety of attractions and areas of relaxation.
The main lagoon pool, the fourth largest pool in the country, will hold nearly 1.3 million gallons of filtered water and is surrounded on one side by real imported sand creating inviting beach-front property for the lagoon and several shops and restaurants, including the spa. An adults-only pool with a swim-up bar overlooks the lagoon and is flanked by a tanning pool.
Thrill seekers can keep busy with two plunge pool body slides, two over-the-water ziplines, an inflatable on-the-water obstacle course and an elevated jumping platform.
“The waterparks’ hours will fluctuate between 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. or 9 p.m., depending on the season,” Szydloski said.
Guests can also rent cabanas in both waterparks for added comfort.
The Resort
The resort offers 404 suites for guests staying overnight with either a river or lagoon view. Some suites include private patios or balconies, and family suites can accommodate up to eight guests.
Room pricing will vary depending on the season and admission to the waterparks is included with a resort stay.
Centered within the resort, several spacious event spaces, including two large ballrooms, four breakout rooms and two boardrooms, can accommodate groups of varying sizes. Each are equipped with the latest audio-visual technology, Szydloski said.
Event space packages can include access to the waterparks. Other outdoor areas are also available to rent for events.
Entertainment Options Abound
Beyond the waterparks, OKANA also houses a family entertainment center and several food options and a retail space.
The resort’s 13 dining options will serve a little bit of everything from craft drinks, ice cream and shaved ice to smoky BBQ, pizza, burgers, chicken, Asian American inspired fare and more.
A family friendly game hall, OKANARAMA!, will have augmented reality and virtual reality games, laser tag, an escape room and mirror maze, plus classic arcade favorites including games to win fun prizes.
Many of the amenities will use a wristband pay system for added convenience.
OKANA also plans to collaborate with local attractions, such as the neighboring First Americans Museum, where visitors can explore galleries, exhibits, a café serving Indigenous-inspired cuisine and more.
“We like to think of OKANA as a cruise ship on land,” Szydloski shared. “We hope to build local partnerships and offer guests added excursions off property so they can easily enjoy what Oklahoma City has to offer.”
Future plans also include hosting concerts, festivals, poolside movie nights and more. Two outdoor amphitheaters, one facing the Oklahoma River and another facing the OKANA lagoon, will have open-air stages and seating for up to 2,500 guests.
OKANA is hiring
OKANA is poised to contribute significantly to the local economy by creating hundreds of direct and indirect jobs.
In preparation for a spring opening, the resort is hosting three in-person job fairs in December at the First Americans Museum, 659 American Indian Blvd, in hopes of filling more than 400 positions, including lifeguards, food and beverage managers, chefs, spa therapists and more. Registration is encouraged.
Job Fair Dates:
Tuesday, December 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, December 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wednesday, December 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To learn more about the job opportunities available or to register, visit okanaresort.com. – BSM
