MAPS marks 25 years
Steve Lackmeyer takes a look at how OKC hit a home run with MAPS 25 years ago.
When the Oklahoma City Streetcars started service on Dec. 14, it was a fitting way to also note the 25th anniversary of the passage of the first MAPS initiative in 1993. The crowds that have filled the streetcars since are yet another reminder of the dream of a vibrant city, one where the ultimate goal is building up our community, giving us places that are both beloved and a source of civic pride. The first MAPS did just that by bringing life back to our urban core. It was more than just a ballpark, or a recreational canal, or a revived river, a new library, ballpark and arena, a rebuilt performing arts hall, or much needed improvements at State Fair Park. The opening of the ballpark in 1998 drew thousands for a sold-out first game. The opening of the Bricktown Canal drew tens of thousands of people a year later. MAPS for Kids rebuilt all of our public schools, an essential first step at a time when buildings were falling apart and kids
were learning with leaky roofs and no air conditioning. An interim Big League City sales tax built a practice arena and made upgrades at the Chesapeake Energy Arena that made possible the arrival of the NBA Thunder.
MAPS 3 has created popular senior wellness centers, more additions at State Fair Park and greatly expanded our trails and sidewalks. The downtown skyline, already dramatically expanded thanks to the private investment spurred by MAPS, is changing again with steel going up for the new convention center while work continues across the street at the future Scissortail Park.
The idea of history repeating is often one cited as a cautionary tale. But it can also serve as inspiration for continuing to move forward, to take risks and not become complacent. And so we get to mark another anniversary, the opening of the ballpark in 1998, that was the first MAPS project to bring out the crowds and spark a communitywide realization we can change our future, we can be great.
That was the first part of a two-year turning point for Oklahoma City, one capped off with even bigger crowds for the opening of the Bricktown Canal. I think we are seeing a similar moment with the successful launch of the streetcars, one we may see
doubled with the opening of Scissortail Park in 2019.
That success inspired leaders to go after bigger goals and challenges — revitalization of the historic but blighted Skirvin hotel, rebuilding of our schools and the pursuit of an NBA team.
Look back, celebrate and look ahead.
The conversation has started for MAPS 4. In the months ahead, don’t be surprised if the dream continues to evolve in a way that ensure our city’s least vulnerable are not left out of our transformation.
Innovative ideas are being fine-tuned behind the scenes to address our homeless community, those with mental health and addiction issues, and perhaps even some proposals to improve our justice system.
Other proposals will be aimed at improving the odds of success for innercity school kids, expanding public transit and even some more quality of life attractions along the river and elsewhere.
Happy MAPS 25th anniversary Oklahoma City. It’s the best Christmas gift collectively ever given to our city’s future generations.