Crews Find Unusual Items in Bricktown Canal Cleanup

Cleaning of Oklahoma City's iconic waterway uncovers surprises after 6-year delay.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 8:23pm

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After a 6-year delay due to snowy conditions, Oklahoma City crews have resumed the cleanup of the Bricktown Canal. During the process, they have discovered a number of unusual items submerged in the waterway, raising questions about what else may be lurking beneath the surface.

Why it matters

The Bricktown Canal is a popular tourist attraction in Oklahoma City, so keeping it clean and well-maintained is important for the city's image and appeal. The discovery of unexpected items could indicate potential safety or environmental issues that need to be addressed.

The details

Oklahoma City crews have been tasked with cleaning the Bricktown Canal, which had not been done in 6 years due to delays caused by snowy weather conditions. During the current cleanup efforts, workers have found a variety of unusual items submerged in the waterway, including shopping carts, traffic cones, and even a bicycle.

  • The Bricktown Canal was last cleaned 6 years ago.
  • The current cleanup effort began in early 2026 after delays due to snowy weather.

The players

Oklahoma City

The city government responsible for maintaining the Bricktown Canal.

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What’s next

City officials plan to thoroughly inspect the canal to ensure no other hazardous or unusual items are present, and to develop a more regular maintenance schedule to prevent future buildup.

The takeaway

The discovery of unexpected items in the Bricktown Canal highlights the importance of regular upkeep and maintenance of public infrastructure, especially in high-traffic tourist areas, to ensure safety and preserve the city's image.