MAPS 4 projects move forward with park improvements, new animal welfare center

Several MAPS 4 projects are reaching new milestones across Oklahoma City, including the near completion of a new animal welfare center and the approval of plans for more than $5 million in improvements to a northeast Oklahoma City park. 

The latest MAPS 4 monthly update highlights progress on projects aimed at expanding recreational opportunities, improving public facilities and strengthening community services throughout the city. 

New animal welfare center nears completion 

Construction is nearly complete on the 70,000-square-foot Louisa McCune Animal Welfare Center, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for Nov. 17 at 2 p.m. 

The facility is named in honor of the late Louisa McCune, a longtime animal advocate who helped secure MAPS 4 funding for the project through her work as executive director of the Kirkpatrick Foundation. 

The new center is part of the city's efforts to improve animal welfare services and create a safer, more welcoming environment for residents and pets. 

Booker T. Washington Park improvements approved 

Oklahoma City Council recently approved final plans for $5.1 million in improvements to Booker T. Washington Park at NE 4th Street and N High Avenue. 

The project will bring four basketball courts, two tennis courts, three pickleball courts, a futsal court, playground, splash pad, shade structures, seating areas and a hammock and reading nook to the park. 

“Booker T. Washington Park is an important community anchor and gathering space in northeast OKC, and we’re bringing improvements that will enhance the park for people of all ages to enjoy,” said MAPS Program Manager David Todd. 

Construction is expected to begin in December. 

The project is part of the first phase of MAPS 4 neighborhood and community park improvements. The program includes $70.3 million to improve parks across Oklahoma City, with $650,000 of the Booker T. Washington Park budget coming from the city's 2017 general obligation bond. 

Conceptual renderings of Booker T. Washington Park's new playground

Additional MAPS 4 projects advance 

Progress continues on several other MAPS 4 initiatives, including projects focused on public safety, transportation and community development. 

Construction is underway on the new Palomar Family Justice Center, which will expand services available to survivors of domestic violence. Work is also progressing on the Civil Rights Center and Mental Health Crisis Center. 

Transportation improvements remain underway, with construction continuing on the first two phases of sidewalk improvements and bus stop upgrades. Design work is also underway for the city's bus rapid transit system. 

Meanwhile, the MAPS 4 Diversion Hub, Innovation Hall and the first phase of bike lane improvements are among the projects already completed. 

MAPS 4 is a debt-free public improvement program funded by a temporary one-cent sales tax, projected to generate $1.07 billion over eight years. The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber supported the initiative, which is funding improvements across Oklahoma City. 

Residents can follow project progress and upcoming milestones through the city's MAPS 4 website.