Panel OKs reimbursement for whitewater park costs

An advisory board on Thursday recommended the city council reimburse the Oklahoma City Boathouse Foundation for $759,600 in expenses incurred at the MAPS 3 whitewater park.

The proposed transfer from MAPS 3 sales tax proceeds is part of a $2 million package negotiated with the foundation, said Cathy O’Connor, president and chief executive officer of The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City.

The $46 million whitewater park is a city park built with MAPS 3 sales tax funds and opened debtfree two years ago. The Boathouse Foundation has an agreement with the city to manage and operate the park, located on the Oklahoma River near Bricktown.

O’Connortold the MAPS 3 Citizens Advisory Board that the financial package includes changes in the Boathouse Foundation structure “to help bring that organization to the next level of development.”

Proposals for reimbursing the Boathouse Foundation for its expenses are to be considered by the city council on Tuesday, along with an updated management and operations agreement.

After the whitewater park construction bid exceeded estimates, the Boathouse Foundation agreed to absorb capital costs that eventually exceeded $750,000.

David Todd, the MAPS 3 program manager, said this week the reimbursement listincluded equipment the city generally would provide for a MAPS 3 project. Among items on the list are:

• A “point-of-sale” system, which includes cash registers and credit card readers.

• Furniture, lockers, computer servers, and a vacuum for cleaning the pools and channels.

• Restaurant upgrades and electrical contracting services.

The most expensive item on the list is about $310,000 for repair parts for the park’s massive pumps and water filtration system.

The balance of the $2 million reimbursement package would cover operating expenses incurred by the Boathouse Foundation, O’Connor said.

Known as Riversport Rapids, the park offers whitewater-style rafting and kayaking experiences. It is a training center for Olympic athletes in whitewater sports.

Review sought

City Manager Jim Couch asked The Alliance for Economic Development to assess the Boathouse Foundation’s organizational structure during a study over the past several months of prospects for private development on the Oklahoma River, O’Connor said.

Financed in part by the city, the Alliance administers economic incentives including tax-increment financing districts and the city’s strategic investment program, a job-creation tool.

O’Connor said the proposal to amend the Boathouse Foundation’s agreement with the city would:

• Limit the Boathouse Foundation board to 11 directors.

• Add a city councilmember to the board.

• Create an operations committee with up to three members appointed by the city manager.

• Require the foundation to hire a controller and a chief operating officer.

• Require creation of a strategic plan.

O’Connor said the Boathouse Foundation had done a remarkable job of managing the whitewater park “but we think there are certain changes that are needed now.”

The park is an important resource for promoting economic development, she said.

Anecdotes from MAPS 3 advisory committee members and others show the park, in just two years, has developed a worldwide reputation for quality among whitewater enthusiasts.

“Changes in our organizational structure are a natural part of our organizational maturation and will support our fast-growing and complex operation,” said Mike Knopp, the Boathouse Foundation’s executive director.

Augmenting the staff and board with additional resources and expertise “will ensure we can realize the full potential of the Boathouse District as one of Oklahoma City’s key differentiators as an economic driver, and as a game-changer when it comes to creating a healthier outdoor community,” Knopp said.

“It’s helped change the image of our city,” he said.