Summary of MAPS Projects

The Park

Cost: $130 million

Description: This project is a downtown park that is approximately 70 acres. It will begin as a two-block-wide park at the future boulevard (the current Interstate 40 alignment), proceed south to the future Interstate 40 alignment, and continue from there as a one-block-wide park to the Oklahoma River. The upper park will be fully programmed, including a cafe, lake, and other amenities.

Background:

• The concept of a large, central park is the result of an inclusive community planning process known as “Core to Shore” that was convened to consider what should be done with the land south of the soon-to-be-relocated Interstate 40.
• Some land acquisition for the park was funded by the 2007 bond issue.
• The “SkyDance Bridge,” which is already funded, links the upper and lower parks.
• A large central park will provide an amenity that most world class cities enjoy.

Transit

Cost: $130 million

Description: The transit package includes approximately five to six miles of downtown streetcar. The streetcar will be on rails in City streets and link major employers, businesses, attractions and residential communities in the downtown area. The transit package can also include funding for other commuter rail transit lines that may become feasible in the near term, along with an intermodal transit hub in downtown.

Background:

• Streetcar, commuter rail and a hub are all called for in the Fixed Guideway Study, which provides a blueprint for transit needs in central Oklahoma over the coming decades.
• Streetcar is a critical first step towards a better transit system.
• A better transit system will lead to a healthier, more sustainable community.

Convention Center

Cost: $280 million

Description: This project is a new convention center to replace the Cox Business Services Convention Center. The new convention center will include exhibit halls, meeting rooms, ballrooms, mixed uses, and parking.

Background:

• The Cox Business Services Convention Center is already inadequate in terms of size and amenities, and will be nearly half-a-century old by the time a new convention center could open.
• A study commissioned by the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce showed that superior convention center facilities in neighboring cities and states are beginning to erode the $2.1 billion that enters the Oklahoma City community each year from visitors, and that soon, the Cox Center will be unable to compete.
• The tourism industry is responsible for thousands of jobs in Oklahoma City.
• Visitors also help to improve the quality of life for residents by creating a better market to attract direct flights and unique retail.

Sidewalks

Cost: $10 million

Description: This project will strategically construct sidewalks in different areas of the city on major streets and near facilities used by the public (such as schools and libraries).

Background:

• The 2007 bond issue included $68 million for sidewalks next to all resurfacing projects, but this sidewalks project is focused on strategic placement of sidewalks in areas of potentially high foot traffic.
• The sidewalks will be placed all over Oklahoma City.
• Sidewalks help to build a healthier community.

Trails

Cost: $40 million

Description: This project will construct 57 new miles of bicycling and walking trails, all but completing Oklahoma City’s trails master plan.

Background:

• The City has a trails master plan that will not be complete for decades, unless this initiative passes.
• The trails will be placed all over Oklahoma City.
• Trails help to build a healthier community.

The Oklahoma River

Cost: $60 million

Description: This project will provide improvements to the Oklahoma River, including a public whitewater kayaking facility, and upgrades intended to achieve the finest rowing racecourse in the world. The whitewater facility is estimated to cost $25 million with the remaining $35 million to fund River improvements. Those improvements include grandstands, parking, Lincoln Bridge enhancements, a floating stage, river beautification, lighting and other improvements to the course itself.

Background:

• The United States Olympic Committee recently named the Oklahoma River an official Olympic Training Site.
• The whitewater kayaking facility is an amenity that will be open to the public.
• Activities on the Oklahoma River have become a major attraction for Oklahoma City, and present an opportunity to achieve world class status in paddle sports.
• Rowing and kayaking promote a healthier community.

Health and Wellness Aquatic Centers for Senior Citizens

Cost: $50 million

Description: This project will construct multiple state-of-the-art health and wellness aquatic centers for senior citizens at locations around the city.

Background:

• Seniors are an ever-growing demographic in America, and Oklahoma City is no exception.
• Many American cities are establishing world-class aquatic senior centers.
• These centers will promote a healthier community.

Oklahoma State Fairgrounds

Cost: $60 million

Description: This project will upgrade publicly-used facilities at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, especially those used by the public during the annual State Fair of Oklahoma. It will consolidate various structures that are in excess of 50 years old.

Background:

• Through horse shows, the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds are an economic driver for tourism.
• Through regional events like Affair of the Heart and the annual State Fair, the Fairgrounds are a major local amenity.
• The State Fairgrounds are perhaps the most widely-used public facility in Oklahoma City.

Please note: MAPS also includes $17 million in contingency funds.

Please note: MAPS will be subject to Section 38-488 of the Oklahoma City Municipal Code (revised by the Council on September 15, 2009) requiring that one percent of the budgeted construction cost of new City building and parks be set aside for public art.

A note regarding cost estimates: Cost estimates for each project are approximate. It is expected that some projects may cost more than estimated, and some may cost less. Just as in the original MAPS, the cost estimates for individual projects are not included in the legal documents, they are merely guides the Mayor and Council use to calculate the necessary length of the tax collection.

A note regarding the revenue estimate: The estimate that a one-cent sales tax for seven years, nine months will raise $777 million is merely that, an estimate. However, in 2001, City staff came within $2 million of correctly estimating the ultimate sales tax revenues of the seven-year MAPS for Kids sales tax.