Cross Timbers' marina at Skiatook Lake nearly done

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer. It's also the start of something new at Skiatook Lake. Cross Timbers Resort has been years in the making. <br/><br/>Now as News on 6 business reporter

Tuesday, May 10th 2005, 9:52 am

By: News On 6

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer. It's also the start of something new at Skiatook Lake. Cross Timbers Resort has been years in the making.

Now as News on 6 business reporter Steve Berg shows us, the marina is nearly done and developers are feeling buoyant.

Ron Howell says the reaction to the new Cross Timbers marina has been tremendous. â€œPeople come out, they're in a good mood, they're excited to be on the water, it's a romantic place, they're wanting to get away from their problems or their situations."

Even before the paint is dry on the marina's office, 65 percent of the boat slips are already spoken for. There's nothing watered-down about this marina. The builder, McAlester-based Atlantic Meeco, has a national reputation. "And they make docks all over the world, they make all the docks for Trump, Donald Trump and his casinos and all."

There are touches that you feel as much as you see, like Brazilian hardwood on the ramp. And an aggregate stone for the walkways, that are practically indestructible, but create an even surface that's easy on bare feet. Howell says the galvanized steel they use is 30-percent thicker than many docks. And the dock-floats are encased in plastic to prevent crumbling, which would not only pollute the water, but is what causes docks to tilt and lean. "This way, with this system, these docks will feel this way 10, 15, 20 years because the flotation can't escape."

Howell says first-time visitors are amazed to find these kinds of hills and views so close to Tulsa. On this particular 50-foot bluff will be the first phase of cottages set to open next year. "I think people will be amazed to find they can put their boat here and have their lifestyle here and easily work and live in Tulsa and enjoy this lake."

The lake has been a best-kept secret for years, but with its clean water and close location, Howell thinks Skiatook just took off.