OKC Council approves $4.75M for USS Oklahoma City memorial, set to open in 2026

Photo courtesy: © OKC.GOV

The Oklahoma City Council has unanimously approved funding for a long-awaited memorial dedicated to the legacy of the USS Oklahoma City (SSN-723) submarine, which is set to open in 2026. The Council voted to allocate $4.75 million for enhancements to Wiley Post Park, the chosen site for this significant tribute to the submarine and its sailors. 

Commissioned in 1988, the USS Oklahoma City (SSN-723) was a Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine that played a crucial role in various military missions, including anti-submarine warfare, intelligence, and reconnaissance. Notably, it was the first submarine to utilize digital charts for navigation systems. After years of dedicated service, the USS Oklahoma City was decommissioned in 2022, leaving behind a rich legacy that this memorial will celebrate. 

“This is such a significant step forward, and we are grateful to the City Council and the Oklahoma City Economic Development Trust for their investment in this project,” Parks Director Melinda McMillan-Miller said. “We love Wiley Post Park, and the improvements to come are needed and exciting. We are so proud to be part of the effort to bring the USS Oklahoma City monument to our residents. We can’t wait for this project to come to life.” 

The park improvements will focus on the north shore of Wiley Post Park, located along the banks of the Oklahoma River between South Walker Avenue and South Robinson Avenue. The revitalization of Wiley Post Park will include an array of enhancements such as scenic river overlooks, modern playgrounds, an amphitheater and other community amenities. 

At the heart of these upgrades will be the USS Oklahoma City memorial plaza. This centerpiece will prominently feature the submarine’s sail and two dive planes, accompanied by a flag plaza and interpretive walls that honor the history and service of the vessel and its crew.  

The USS Oklahoma City Park Association is seeking to include a long gun, propeller screw, anchor and ship’s bell as additional artifacts for the memorial.  

The memorial has been in the works since 2017, when retired Rear Admiral and former Under Secretary of the Navy Greg Slavonic and his committee were in search of a location for the submarine. “In working with City leadership, former Mayor Ron Norick, and River Trust Chair Gary Marrs, we have finally found the perfect location. Once constructed, Oklahoma City residents, visitors and young people will have the opportunity to visit, learn and see a piece of naval history, which proudly carried the name ‘Oklahoma City’ around the world, projecting power and preserving our nation's freedom.” 

The Oklahoma City Council Chief of Staff Debi Martin echoed the sentiments of gratitude toward the contributors to this initiative, including former Mayor Ron Norick, who commissioned the submarine in 1988, and Gary Marrs. 

“Oklahoma City is privileged to honor and recognize all who served on the USS Oklahoma City submarine (SSN 723),” Martin said. “We welcome these submariners, their families, and friends and want to hear the stories and memories as they visit the USS Oklahoma City Memorial Park along the Oklahoma River. For over 34 years, our mayor, council, and residents exhibited great pride in our namesake sub and in welcoming these submariners to Oklahoma City, their second home. We are pleased to honor all who admirably served on the vessel that protected and preserved our freedoms.” 

Funding for the park enhancements will come from a mix of federal, local, and private sources. Approximately $3.65 million is derived from federal pandemic relief funds, while the City Council’s approval of $4.75 million in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) will help complete the project. Private donations will also play a crucial role in funding the submarine memorial and associated naval artifacts. 

Construction in Wiley Post Park is expected to begin in 2025, and construction will conclude in 2026.