Meeting Summary
The City Council convened a special meeting to review presentations on several potential MAPS 4 projects. Proposals included a new community healing and restoration center for Palomar, extensive improvements to neighborhood parks and new sports tourism facilities, significant investments in sidewalks, bike lanes, trails, and street lights, and the development of the Clara Luper Civil Rights Center. The discussions highlighted the city's commitment to addressing social needs, enhancing quality of life, and improving infrastructure without raising the sales tax rate.
Upcoming Community Events
Bike Summit
Hosted in Oklahoma City, partnering with ODOT to bring programs for planners and advocates.
OKC Zoo Free Day
Free admission to celebrate the 29th anniversary of the 1/8 cent sales tax for the zoo, encouraging visits to see capital improvements.
Financial Matters
Palomar Facility
Estimated cost for a new community healing and restoration center.
Neighborhood and Community Parks Improvements
Anticipated funding for renovating and replacing playgrounds, picnic shelters, restrooms, and other park amenities across approximately 160 parks.
Parks Operating and Maintenance Investment Fund
Proposed endowment to cover the ongoing operational and maintenance costs of new MAPS 4 park assets.
Sports Tourism Soccer Complex
Estimated cost for creating a dynamic soccer complex with 20+ regulation-size fields to attract regional and national tournaments.
River Enhancements
Estimated cost for minimalist versions of low water dams, additional boat landings, a pedestrian bridge, riverbank improvements, and an equestrian experience.
Other Parks Ideas
Estimated cost for community gardens, new parks, various sports courts (basketball, futsal, pickleball), and wayfinding/signage at Lake Stanley Draper (combined with River Enhancements).
Bicycle Facilities
Average cost per mile for various types of bicycle infrastructure (bike routes, bike lanes, protected lanes).
Trail Amenities
Estimated cost per mile for resurfacing, wayfinding, shade, water fountains, seating, and restrooms on existing trails.
New Trails
Estimated cost per mile for constructing new multi-use trails.
Sidewalks
Estimated cost per linear foot or per mile for constructing new sidewalks, including considerations for retaining walls and right-of-way acquisition.
Street Lights
Estimated cost for installing approximately 500 new streetlights, with an associated annual operating cost.
Freedom Center / Clara Luper Civil Rights Center
Total estimated cost for the restoration of the existing Freedom Center, construction of the Clara Luper Civil Rights Museum, a visitor center, and a multi-purpose education and special events center.
Public Comments
Public comments were overwhelmingly supportive of the proposed MAPS 4 projects, particularly Palomar, parks improvements, and active transportation infrastructure. Many speakers shared personal stories highlighting the critical need for these investments, especially regarding safety, accessibility, and community well-being. There was strong advocacy for protected bike lanes and improved sidewalks, often linked to economic development and social equity. The Freedom Center proposal also garnered passionate support, though one speaker vehemently opposed city ownership and the current board, threatening legal action.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Municipal election today (July 9th, 2019).
- MAPS 4 proposal to voters by Labor Day.
- MAPS 4 election before the end of the year.
- MAPS 4 tax takes effect March 31st (when the streets sales tax elapses).
- House Bill 2453 (related to overtaking bicycles) effective November 1st.
Watch For
- Next MAPS 4 presentation meeting on Thursday.
- MAPS 4 presentation meeting on July 31st.
- MAPS 4 presentation meeting on August 6th.
- Youth Center presentation (Thursday).
- Public transportation presentation (in a couple weeks).
- Homelessness discussion (later with MAPS).
- Animal welfare discussion (MAPS 4).
- Beautification presentation (Thursday).
Announcements
- A municipal election with a franchise election and a charter change is taking place today, and citizens are reminded to vote.
- The Oklahoma City Zoo is offering free admission today (July 9th, 2019) as a thank you to citizens for passing the 1/8 cent sales tax 29 years ago, encouraging visits to see capital improvements like Sanctuary Asia.
Agenda Summary
Palomar
Presentation on the need for a new community healing and restoration center for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and elder abuse, aiming to expand services and partner agencies.
Parks
Presentation on improving neighborhood parks with new playgrounds, restrooms, and amenities, developing sports tourism complexes, enhancing the Oklahoma River, and other park-related initiatives.
Sidewalks, Bike Lanes, Trails, Street Lights
Presentation on the critical need for active transportation infrastructure, including accessible sidewalks, protected bike lanes, connected trails, and improved street lighting, particularly in pedestrian priority areas and the urban core.
Freedom Center
Presentation on restoring the historic Freedom Center and constructing the Clara Luper Civil Rights Museum and a multi-purpose education and special events center to honor civil rights history.