Memorial Day Boaters Check Out New Multi-Million Dollar Keystone Marina

Tens of thousands of people are out on area lakes this Memorial Day. It's the first big weekend for the new Harbor at Crosstimbers, a multi-million dollar marina project on Keystone Lake.

It's expected to have a huge economic impact on the area.

Even with the strong wind blowing, there are plenty of people out enjoying Keystone Lake on this Memorial Day, and many say they're blown away by a new marina project under development. It's is a holiday many folks have been looking forward to, a chance to enjoy the warm weather out on the water.

"I've really looked forward to this weekend," said Ron Howell, Harbor at Crosstimbers Marina.

Ron Howell is excited about the first big weekend for the new Harbor at Crosstimbers marina development on Keystone Lake. Construction started in the early part of the year, and already there are 130 boat slips at the Marina.

"I'd say we're about two-thirds full this early in the season," he said.

There are plans to add more each year, ultimately getting to more than 500 within a few years.

"This lake is very under equipped in terms of number of slips," Howell said. "The demand is huge, much bigger play lake than Skiatook where we have 500 slips."

Two and a half million dollars has been invested in the Harbor at Crosstimbers already. Future plans also include a ships store and floating cottages.

"Keystone has been needing something like this for a long time," said Danny Martin of Sand Springs.

Danny Martin is considering keeping his boat here. He's impressed with the development.

"It's going to be a very nice convenience where people can come out and really enjoy themselves," Martin said.

Not just convenient, but it's also good for Mannfords' economy.

"It also starts to develop the private land around, so that starts to drive the tax base and supports the schools, so that tide lifts all boats," said Ron Howell, Harbor at Crosstimbers Marina.

Both Howell and Martin think the new marina will draw people to Lake Keystone, even from other states, giving them the opportunity to better enjoy the lake.

"Keystone was the big unknown for us. We had heard what a big play lake it is, we've been amazed at how many people have come out here and supported this new venture for us," Howell said.

Ultimately, the Crosstimbers Marina development project on Keystone Lake will be a $6 to $8 million investment in the community.

The project will also have floating cottages for rent, this time next year.