The City of Oklahoma City sends this information as posted below:
Today City Council adopted a master plan for the MAPS 4 Neighborhood and Community Parks project.
MAPS 4 includes $70.3 million to improve 105 neighborhood and community parks across Oklahoma City. The City hired the engineering and landscape architecture firm Kimley-Horn to assess and prioritize current and future opportunities of each park based on existing conditions, accessibility, community input and potential expansion need.
Recommended improvements include as many as:
- 56 new or upgraded playgrounds
- 66 new or upgraded multiuse courts
- 14 splashpad improvements
- 67 new or upgraded park signs
- 43 new or improved shelters/pavilions
- 183 proposed 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.”
In addition to upgrades to each neighborhood and community park, MAPS 4 includes $22.27 million for several specific park improvements 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), improvements to Lake Stanley Draper ($2.78 million) and enhancements at Northeast Park ($2.22 million).
The master plan includes the following project-specific recommendations:
- basketball courts at Woodson Park and pickleball courts at Earlywine Park
- a plaza, courts, shade structures, large playground, legacy memorial, splash pad and more at Booker T. Washington Park
- pavilions, a splash pad, new playground and more at Minnis Lakeview Park
- a new inclusive playground, small amphitheater and stage, basketball courts, new picnic areas and more at Northeast Park
- ·new large group pavilion with stage area, fire pit seating areas, playground improvements and more at Lake Stanley Draper
“Neighborhood and community parks are critical to the health and wellbeing of our city,” Director of OKC Parks 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 will begin early this year with construction scheduled for late 2025.
About MAPS 4
MAPS 4 is a debt-free public improvement program funded by a temporary penny sales tax that will raise a projected $1.07 billion over eight years. Oklahoma City voters approved the sales tax to fund MAPS 4 in a special election on Dec. 10, 2019, moving forward with a unique and ambitious plan to transform our community. The temporary penny sales tax funding MAPS 4 began April 1, 2020, and ends in 2028. More than 70 percent of MAPS 4 funding is dedicated to neighborhood and human needs. The rest is for quality of life and job-creating initiatives. The MAPS 4 Citizens Advisory Board and its six subcommittees will guide MAPS 4 planning and implementation, making recommendations to the City Council. The Council has final authority on MAPS 4. The MAPS Investment and Operating Trust developed a strategic investment plan to support long-term sustainable funding for MAPS 4 projects’ operational expenses and maintenance. Visit okc.gov/maps4 for more.
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