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Ted Wright -- last update 7/21/2003 (OKaquarium1.html)
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2003 -- Collinsville, Oklahoma
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Oklahoma
Aquarium
July 18, 2003 -- Jenks, OK
Oklahoma's Newest Tourist Attraction
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Emily
Wright, of Collinsville (above), has been a frequent visitor to the new Oklahoma
Aquarium this summer. She has been an occasional volunteer there also, as she
is trying to learn some of the behind the scenes information. Emily will be
studying marine biology this fall at the University of Miami in Coral Gables,
Florida.
Mike
Tinker, now Collinsville City Manager, was the Mayor of Jenks in the mid 1990s
when an opportunity was recognized. Tulsa officials had just decided against
creating a "Tulsa Aquarium" at 71st and Riverside.The local aquarium
concept had been around since the 1980s. When Mayor Tinker heard that Tulsa
was stalled on the project again, he gathered a core group of Jenks officials
and showed up to pitch the project for Jenks. Mike said that for several years
after that, he would give his aquarium "dog and pony show" to any
official or organization that would listen. He even traveled as far as Washington,
D.C., pitching the project.
Tinker
admitted there were some tough days along the way to getting the aquarium started,
but now that it is a reality, those are all but forgotton. He now enjoys seeing
the Oklahoma Aquarium in operation with crowds of all ages enjoying the aquatic
displays.
When
asked if there were lessons he could apply in Collinsville from his early aquarium
experiences, Mike replied that the aquarium in Jenks was a unique situation.
He did say that patience and persistence are necessary for any economic development
endeavor. He said he is always looking for opportunities for Collinsville, and
he was exploring a few at present. -- Ted Wright 7/21/2003
Mike
Tinker (Collinsville City Manager)
Paddle
Fish