An ambitious 2020 MAPS 4 referendum could be placed before Oklahoma City voters...
In addition to a new $100 million State Fair Arena and a 10,000-seat starter Soccer Specific American football stadium ($50 million range) capable of MLS specs expansion; these items were...
...Presented to the OKC Riverfront Redevelopment Authority yesterday (5/28):
BackgroundThe mayor and City Council are seeking suggestions for possible MAPS 4 projects. In Spring 2019, the Oklahoma City Riverfront Redevelopment Authority (OCRRA) Development and Water Use Committee (Committee) met repeatedly to discuss Oklahoma River-related projects suitable for MAPS 4. Those meetings produced the following list, which comprises OCRRA's MAPS 4 proposal. Any project may be phased if the total, estimated cost cannot be funded through MAPS 4.
For each item, staff prepared a description and cost estimate, if available. On May 28, 2019, the Committee is scheduled to make a recommendation on this Report. If OCRRA receives this Report, staff will prepare a related letter to the mayor.
OCRRA supports completion of the Oklahoma City Trails System. This item would provide for previously identified, but unfunded, connections from the River Corridor to the Trails System. It could help close the "loops" envisioned in the Trails System and better link the River Corridor to neighborhoods and other destinations.
Estimated Cost: $2,200,000.
Park/Trail Amenities Along the Oklahoma River CorridorOCRRA supports funding new amenities along the Oklahoma River/West River Trails. They could include, but not be limited to, drinking fountains, restrooms, shade structures, etc. Such improvements would further activate the River Trails, facilitate trail use, and encourage residents to pursue healthy lifestyles. These amenities would complement a recent Oklahoma City Community Foundation project to plant 800 trees on the north shore of the Oklahoma River. That project's master plan called for hardscape elements that could be included in this request.
Estimated Cost: $1,200,000.River Park Equestrian DevelopmentRiver Park has the potential to be one of the City’s premier specialty parks, having been
designated an equestrian park in 2016. OCRRA supports full implementation of the
Equestrian Park Master Plan, which envisions a range of equestrian-related amenities for
River Park. They include a working livery stable; a multi-use indoor arena; arena-polo
facilities; a welcome center; and expanded trailer parking. MAPS 4 funding could
continue the development made possible by recent, City-funded infrastructure
improvements to River Park and separate grant funding for an Oklahoma River Cruises
landing. The amenities specified in the Equestrian Park Master Plan could make River
Park a regional destination for horse enthusiasts and tourists seeking to experience
“authentic” western culture in an urban environment.
Estimated Cost: $26,000,000.Equestrian Trails Along the Oklahoma RiverOCRRA supports this companion item to the River Park equestrian development. It
would provide equestrian connectivity between River Park, Stockyards City, and the
American Indian Cultural Center and Museum (AICCM). By employing multiple
equestrian-use bridges along the trail route, the equestrian trails would offer a separate,
self-contained transportation route for horse riders without impeding the established
bike/pedestrian network. The equestrian trails would be a vital element for increasing
tourism along the River Corridor. Estimated Cost:
$8,500,000.Prairie Park ImprovementsOCRRA supports development of this 409-acre site, which would become one of the
City’s newest and largest regional parks. It would serve as a premier destination in Ward
7 and “bookend” the eastern River Corridor. MAPS 4 funding would allow for
implementation of the Prairie Park Master Plan. It includes a large swimming beach
(complete with beach-grade sand) that can accommodate 3,000 bathers, a bathhouse and
concession building, life guard stations, a boat rental area, beach volleyball courts, sports
fields, walking paths, ADA accessible nature trails, a playground, restrooms, parking, and
other infrastructure. The proposed regional park would also be suitable to host a variety
of special events.
Estimated Cost: $69,000,000.Crystal Lake Park ImprovementsOCRRA supports improvements allowing Crystal Lake Park to realize its full potential as
the western “bookend” of the River Corridor. The approximately 100-acre park features
rustic surroundings and a large lake encircled by part of the West River Trail. MAPS 4
funds could provide upgraded fishing access, improved parking and roadways, additional
recreation amenities, ADA enhancements, and other landscape/hardscape elements.
Estimated cost: Unknown.Aquarium (if Located on, or Adjacent to, OCRRA Property)OCRRA supports inclusion of a world-class aquarium, if it were located on, or adjacent
to, OCRRA property (e.g., south of Bass Pro, etc.). The facility could serve as a major
educational exhibit and tourist destination. The aquarium could offer unique experiences
and become an iconic attraction, linking to the Boathouse District, the AICCM,
Bricktown, and other prime destinations in central Oklahoma City.
Estimated Cost: Unknown.Infrastructure for Future Development Opportunities at Western AvenueOCRRA supports infrastructure improvements to prepare for development of OCRRA
property north of the Oklahoma River and west of Western Avenue. It is located near a
picturesque wetland area across from the Wheeler District. The property offers high
visibility and quick access from Interstate 40. It also abuts the Oklahoma City
Community Foundation River Trail, which recently underwent an extensive
beautification project. Development of this site could offer residents and visitors new
dining or retail options and contribute to the City’s tax base. MAPS 4 improvements
would provide zoning updates, water and sewer infrastructure, a floodplain study, and
other incidental services and basic appurtenances needed to produce a developable
property.
Estimated Cost: $1,100,000.\Improvements Adjacent to the American Indian Cultural Center and MuseumOCRRA supports funding improvements to facilitate development of City property
adjacent the AICCM, which will showcase the history and culture of Oklahoma’s Native
American tribes. The AICCM is scheduled to open in Spring 2021. It sits at a highly
visible location along the Oklahoma River and is expected to be an international tourist
destination. The Chickasaw Nation owns about 120 acres adjacent to the AICCM that
will likely include mixed-use development. MAPS 4 funding could offer recreational
amenities, trail expansions/connectivity, an additional Oklahoma River Cruises landing,
etc., to spur further private investment near the complex.
Estimated Cost: Unknown.Additional Oklahoma River DamOCRRA supports expanding the Oklahoma River east of Interstate 35. Construction of a
fourth Oklahoma River dam would add navigable waterway in the heart of Ward 7 and
could spur millions of dollars of additional private development along the River Corridor.
The project would expand the transformative power of the Oklahoma River and provide
additional recreational and programming opportunities.
Estimated Cost: $22,500,000.Disc Golf Course Near Lake OverholserOCRRA supports construction of an additional, 18-hole disc golf course on OCRRA
property south of Lake Overholser. It would add a venue for this popular sport, in west
Oklahoma City, and enhance OCRRA’s inventory of active-recreation facilities. It would
also activate an undeveloped area of the River Corridor.
Estimated Cost: $120,000. Source: OKCTalk.com: https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=45112&p=1077074#post1077074
