MAPS 3 park could be first for Oklahoma City

Yes, it would have a playground, walking trails and athletic fields.

But the concept of a "highly programmed” urban park is a new one for Oklahoma City, and the best way to understand it is to look at similar parks in other cities, Mayor Mick Cornett said.

The Oklahoman recently visited Discovery Green Park in Houston. The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber planned the trip, but The Oklahoman paid its own way. The planned MAPS 3 park would be bigger than the 12-acre Houston park, but would have many similar features and was designed by the same company, Hargreaves and Associates.

Houston resident Henry Edgar, who took his beagles, Reagan and Gen. George S. Patton, to the Discovery Green Park on Nov. 7 said Oklahoma City residents will have to change the way they think of a park.

"You have to start thinking in terms if Disney World,” Edgar said. "There are so many things to do here. You almost have to plan your visit.”