MAPS 3 Proposes Major Upgrades for Oklahoma River

The Oklahoma River is already the focus of national and international attention for rowing. Oklahoma City Leaders said the passage of MAPS 3 would take it to a whole new level.

Wednesday, September 30th 2009, 7:45 pm

By: News 9


By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma River is already the focus of national and international attention for rowing. Oklahoma City Leaders said the passage of MAPS 3 would take it to a whole new level.

Improvements proposed for the river as part of MAPS 3 includes a floating stage, rowing courses, grandstands, special lighting, and over all river beautification. A partially man-made whitewater kayaking venue would also be funded through MAPS 3 money.

In total, $60 million of MAPS 3 money is allocated to the Oklahoma River.

MAPS 3 Oklahoma River Upgrade

Mike Knopp is the executive director of the Oklahoma City Boathouse Foundation and the rowing coach for Oklahoma City University. Knopp said the improvements are a worthy investment despite what may seem like a steep price tag.

"Each time we hold a rowing event, it draws in about $4 million in revenue for the city. That’s just the starting point. These improvements will make us the only rowing site in the world that can provide flat water and white water racing at the same time. That’s valuable. The project will end up paying for itself and beyond to the citizens of Oklahoma City," Knopp said.

Students on OCU's rowing team are eyeing the other benefits of improving the Oklahoma River. Earlier this year, the river was named an official Olympic and Paralympics Training Site. That brought scores of opportunities to rowing hopefuls. For instance, Oklahoma City University rowers will compete with teams from across the nation in this weekend's Boot of the Oklahoma Regatta.

OCU students said more improvements would further secure their dreams of success and opportunities to learn from the best in the rowing and kayaking world.

"Everyone wants to see us have that much more success in the rowing world. The sky is the limit and I'm excited about it," said Briana Hurley, OCU rowing team leader.

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