Lake Thunderbird Educational Foundation

Lake Thunderbird Educational Foundation, founded in 1998, was organized initially by members of the Lake Thunderbird Sailing Club, Norman, Oklahoma. The Sailing Club's interests in teaching sailing classes, boating safety classes, fishing, PWC operations, etc. were expanded under the Lake Thunderbird Educational Foundation a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation in order to raise funds to construct the Lake Thunderbird BoatHouse. The BoatHouse is a facility to house water-related educational programs offered to citizens of central Oklahoma and beyond. The BoatHouse is located at Lake Thunderbird, Lake Thunderbird State Park, Norman, Oklahoma. Needs include funding for general funds, for the new Endowment Fund, centerboard sail boats, outboard motors, and other boating equipment. The initial goal has been realized, to construct a 2,500 foot ADA compliant educational facility on a beautiful location provided through a no-cost initial 10-year contract with the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation. The boating safety, sailing, fishing, recreation, and aquatic education classes are housed at this facility. Partners, in January 2002, include the Heart of Oklahoma Chapter of the Red Cross, Norman Sail and Power Squadron, Oklahoma University Sail Club and Team, Oklahoma University NROTC, Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation, Sea Scout Ship #5790, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Oklahoma City Sail and Power Squadron, Hobie Fleet #63, Norris Marine, and of course the Thunderbird Sailing Club. Major funding has been provided by the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation of Ardmore, Oklahoma, Sarkeys Foundation of Norman, Ok., Bowers Foundation of Oklahoma City, State Farm Insurance Foundation, Thunderbird Sailing Club and its members, the LTEF Board of Directors, and other individuals and corporations. Please join with us in our goal to provide water-related educational programs for children and adults to encourage safer and more-enjoyable use of the beautiful lakes in Oklahoma.