USS
Oklahoma City Navy Memorial Park
Sector
Cultural, Municipal
Location
Oklahoma City, OK
Year Completed
In Progress
Through collaboration with the Oklahoma City Council, the Riverfront Redevelopment Authority, and the USS Oklahoma City Park Association, the project stands as a testament to community partnership and shared commitment to honoring service and history.
The USS Oklahoma City Navy Memorial Park is a landmark civic project designed to honor the rich naval heritage of Oklahoma City and commemorate the service and sacrifices of the crews who served aboard the ships bearing the City’s name. Situated along the scenic north shore of the Oklahoma River within Wiley Post Park, this thoughtfully designed space will become a place of reflection, education, and community gathering.
At its heart, the Memorial will feature the iconic sail and dive planes from the decommissioned USS Oklahoma City (SSN-723), complemented by interpretive walls, a flag plaza, and spaces for artifacts from both the submarine and its historic cruiser predecessor. The Park’s layout, conceived by Beck Design, integrates seamlessly with the surrounding riverfront trail system, offering a dynamic blend of solemn remembrance and engaging public space.
City leaders and veterans alike have praised the project for its cultural significance and community value.
“It’s a great honor to provide the home for the USS Oklahoma City Memorial in Wiley Post Park. The new display will add to the attractions along the river and will continue to showcase Oklahoma’s important military history to future generations.”
- Oklahoma City Parks Director Melinda McMillan-Miller
“Oklahoma City is privileged to honor and recognize all who served on the USS Oklahoma City submarine. 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.”
- Oklahoma City Council Chief of Staff Debi Martin
Beck Design’s architectural vision for the Memorial blends historical reverence with contemporary public space design. The Memorial’s prominent features, from the submarine sail that evokes the power and precision of naval engineering, to the narrative panels that tell the stories of the sailors, are intended to educate and inspire visitors of all ages.
More than a static monument, this park will serve as a vibrant civic asset where families, veterans, students, and visitors can reflect on the enduring legacy of Oklahoma City’s naval contributions.
