MAPS 3 goals well within sight
MAPS 3 is entering its homestretch with the momentum and money to finish the job. Oklahoma City’s unique formula for success is the collaboration of city government, the business community, worldclass consultants and contractors, and a cadre of local volunteers. It is a testament to public teamwork. As a result, the goals established almost a decade ago are now well within our sights.
On Dec. 31, collections ended on the MAPS 3 1-cent sales tax initiative. While the final collection amount for the $777 million program will be determined soon, city officials project we will exceed that amount by approximately $28.5 million. The mayor and city council will ultimately decide how the excess collections will be spent, and in the meantime, work is either ongoing or complete on all eight projects.
Construction on the upper Scissortail Park is well underway. We broke ground in June and announced the park’s name after an engaging public vote. The 70-acre park will extend from the core of downtown to the shore of the Oklahoma River. Nearby, the downtown convention center construction will begin soon as bids open this spring. Omni will build a contiguous headquarters hotel.
Rail construction for the Oklahoma City Streetcar is about 55 percent complete with a start date in late 2018. We look forward to seeing the first redbudcolored streetcar arrive this month.
The first senior health and wellness center is experiencing success with nearly 4,000 members at the one-year mark. The second center is under construction near Capitol Hill High School and will open this spring. Just recently, the city entered into a partnership with Langston University for a third center.
The Riversport Rapids whitewater rafting and kayaking center continues to challenge and excite the community with a myriad of adventure related activities. The whitewater park enjoyed a thrilling and successful opening season.
Over at State Fair Park, the Bennett Event Center opened a year ago and has hosted events with total attendance topping 139,000. The stateof-the-art expo center has provided a much-needed, larger-than-life space for indoor events.
Sidewalk project construction is about 80 percent complete and work continues all around the city. The West River Trail is complete, the Will Rogers Trail will open this spring and Lake Draper Trail is set to begin construction in March.
As we continue to witness MAPS 3’s positive impact all around our city, it’s important to recognize the dedicated members of our MAPS 3 subcommittees who have met with consultants, reviewed plans, asked good questions and made recommendations for these projects every step of the way, meeting on a monthly basis for the past eight years. Special thanks goes to Citizens Advisory Board members: Dee Morales, Susan Hooper, Michael Dover, Kimberly Lowe, Zane Boatright, Michael Adams, Nathaniel Harding, Cecilia Robinson-Woods and Bob Nelon.
Teamwork takes effort and dedication. Seeing firsthand our city’s transformation through MAPS 3 makes the work worthwhile.