Oklahoma City Council Adopts MAPS 4 Parks Master Plan

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City Council has approved a master plan for the MAPS 4 Neighborhood and Community Parks project, which includes $70.3 million to improve 105 neighborhood and community parks across the city.

The City partnered with Kimley-Horn, an engineering and landscape architecture firm, to evaluate and prioritize opportunities for each park based on current conditions, accessibility, community input, and potential expansion needs.

Proposed improvements include:

  • 56 new or upgraded playgrounds
  • 66 new or upgraded multi-use courts
  • 14 splash pad improvements
  • 67 new or upgraded park signs
  • 43 new or improved shelters and pavilions
  • 183 solar lights

“The MAPS 4 parks project is the largest in terms of scope and budget and aims to elevate our parks system as a whole,” MAPS Program Manager David Todd said. “After a thorough analysis of more than 100 municipal parks, MAPS 4 will breathe new life into our city’s neighborhoods with critical park upgrades for residents to enjoy.”

Woodson
Woodson Park Athletic Complex showing baseball and soccer fields. (provided by the City of Oklahoma City)

In addition to the neighborhood and community park improvements, MAPS 4 includes $22.27 million for specific projects:

  • Four new parks ($2.5 million each)
  • Community gardens ($556,748)
  • Outdoor basketball and pickleball courts ($556,748)
  • Renovations at Booker T. Washington Park ($5.57 million)
  • Improvements at Minnis Lakeview Park ($556,748)
  • Enhancements at Lake Stanley Draper ($2.78 million)
  • Upgrades at Northeast Park ($2.22 million)

Key recommendations for specific parks

  • Woodson Park: Basketball courts
  • Earlywine Park: Pickleball courts
  • Booker T. Washington Park: Plaza, courts, shade structures, large playground, legacy memorial, splash pad, and more
  • Minnis Lakeview Park: Pavilions, splash pad, new playground, and more
  • Northeast Park: Inclusive playground, amphitheater and stage, basketball courts, picnic areas, and more
  • Lake Stanley Draper: Large group pavilion with stage area, fire pit seating, playground improvements, and more

“Neighborhood and community parks are critical to the health and well-being of our city,” OKC Parks Director Melinda McMillan-Miller said. “Investing in and revitalizing these parks into more vibrant spaces will encourage residents of all ages to get outside, connect with nature, and build stronger relationships with their neighbors.”

The first phase of design is set to begin early this year, with construction expected to start in late 2025.


Author Profile

Founder, publisher, and editor of Oklahoma City Free Press. Brett continues to contribute reports and photography to this site as he runs the business.