Oklahoma City MAPS out big plans

Downtown park, $130 million

A 70-acre park, shown above in an artist’s rendering, is planned along downtown’s southern edge, between the Oklahoma River and a planned boulevard which will replace the existing Interstate 40 Crosstown Expressway when it is relocated. The park would include a cafe, a lake and other amenities. City leaders compare the idea to Discovery Park in Houston, Millennium Park in Chicago and Centennial Park in Atlanta.

Convention center, $280 million

A new convention center is planned on the south edge of downtown near the planned downtown park. The new convention center will replace the Cox Convention Center, shown above, which opened in 1971. The new center will include exhibit halls, meeting rooms, ballrooms and parking.

Transit, $130 million

The money would pay for five to six miles of downtown streetcar lines and a downtown transit hub which will link streetcar, commuter rail and bus systems. Some money could also be used for building commuter rail lines, but the city is also seeking federal transportation money for commuter rail.

Oklahoma River, $60 million

About $25 million would go toward a whitewater kayaking venue. The exact location of that venue has not been chosen. The rest of the money would go toward improvements on the east end of the river where the city hosts rowing competitions. Those improvements include grandstands, lighting, parking, a floating stage, river beautification and other work on the rowing course.

State Fair Park, $60 million

The money would be used to upgrade public buildings at State Fair Park. Fair officials are in the midst of a $75 million overhaul of State Fair Park’s horse barns and State Fair Arena. MAPS money would be used for the other buildings at the fairgrounds such as exhibit space and meeting halls used during the fair each year.

Health and wellness aquatic centers for senior citizens, $50 million

An undetermined number of the centers would be built across the city. City officials have not said exactly where the centers will be located.

Trails, $40 million

A master plan calling for additional bicycle and walking trails all across the city has been largely unfunded. This money would pay for 57 miles of new trails, virtually completing the city’s trails plan.

Sidewalks, $10 million

Following up on the 2007 bond issue, which included $68 million for sidewalks, MAPS 3 will include money for sidewalks along major streets and near public buildings such as schools and libraries.

Other, $17 million

Contingency funds.

AT A GLANCE: MAPS LEGACY

Metropolitan Area Projects (MAPS)

Passed: 1993

Tax: A 1-cent sales tax over five years. Voters approved a six-month extension to the tax in 1998 to finish off the projects.

Money raised: $363 million

Projects included: The Ford Center, AT&T Bricktown Ballpark, Bricktown Canal, Oklahoma River improvements, downtown trolleys, renovation of the Cox Convention Center, renovation of the Civic Center Music Hall, Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library, and State Fair Park improvements.

Metropolitan Area Public Schools (MAPS for Kids)

Passed: 2001

Tax: A 1-cent sales tax for seven years and a school bond issue.

Money raised: $714 million

Projects included: Work is ongoing. Every school in the Oklahoma City district will either be rebuilt or renovated when the project is complete. Suburban districts located at least partially within Oklahoma City limits also received money from MAPS for Kids, which went for capital projects.