OKLAHOMA CITY – For so many, it was the flooding from Wednesday night’s storms that created a nightmare.
The Boathouse District took a severe beating as storms destroyed several boats and washed away hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of docks.
Mike Knopp, executive director of the Oklahoma City Boathouse, was there when the flood waters reached dangerous levels.
“Raging waters were coming down the Oklahoma River worse than I’ve ever seen in the 12 years we’ve been down here at the river,” Knopp said.
The flood waters got so high, a large boat became stuck on the shore.
The Boathouse District will now have to rent a crane to put it back in the water.
In addition to that expense, boat docks were peeled from the shore and drifted more than three and a half miles away.
“The docks are essential to us performing our programs. We’re assessing the damage [to determine] what is recoverable and what is not,” Knopp said.
The community is stepping up to help clean up the damage.
Fourth graders from Crossings Christian School were supposed to go on a field trip to the Boathouse District on Thursday, but had to cancel after it was damaged.
Instead of using the money for another trip, they donated the field trip money to help with clean-up efforts.
“We just want to be a good example for the younger ones that are here,” said Maddi Gottschalk, a fourth grader at Crossings Christian School.
“A lot of people like to go to the boathouse, so we wanted to help them redo the boathouse and make sure everything is safe, that kids and little kids can go to,” said Ava Richison, another fourth grader.
It will be days before anyone can get on the water, but volunteers and the generosity of these children give the Boathouse District comfort.
“When those things happen, it really puts a smile on your face,” Knopp said. “It really makes things better in those challenging times.”
To donate or volunteer for the Boathouse District’s clean-up efforts, visit the district’s website.
