RIVERSPORT Foundation

PROJECT PURPOSE

RIVERSPORT has transformed the way the world sees Oklahoma - and the way we see ourselves. RIVERSPORT?s unique vision for the once blighted downtown river brought together public and private development to create the $150M+ Boathouse District, propelling Oklahoma onto the international stage for Olympic and adventure sports, giving underserved youth opportunities never before imagined, and becoming a catalyst for economic development and community resiliency. We?ve only begun to tap the potential. RIVERSPORT is poised to activate its full potential and position Oklahoma as an international destination for Olympic sports and the nation?s premier outdoor recreation and lifestyle sports community through ARPA capital funding for six transformational projects: Olympic Training Site Enhancements, Lifestyle and Sustainability Upgrades, Seasonality Mitigation Projects, Lake Hefner Boathouse & Marina Development, the Oklahoma Trailhead Project and Thrive Outside youth programming. Together we can leverage the dollars already invested as we build a stronger, more resilient community and ensure Oklahoma?s future as an international Olympic sport competition destination.

EVIDENCE

The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) designed RIVERSPORT as an official USOPC Training Site, positioning RIVERSPORT for top national and International events and programming that will put the State of Oklahoman the spotlight. The Outdoor Foundation designated RIVERSPORT as one of four national recipients of the Outdoor Industry's first Thrive Outside initiative, putting the focus on developing outdoor culture in Oklahoma, validating RIVERSPORT's innovative outreach and development efforts surrounding getting children and families outdoors. RIVERSPORT also commissioned an independent economic impact study from HVS, validating RIVERSPORT's capital project and program focus as described in this project funding proposal.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Fewer than 18% of Americans recreate outside once per week; less than 50% report getting outside even once per year. Black and Hispanic Americans participate in outdoor activities at a 24% and 35% deficit respectively when compared to the population. The pandemic only worsened the situation. RIVERSPORT has long been committed to minimizing this deficit by providing better and easier access to outdoor recreation for more families. During the pandemic, families struggled with job loss, homeschooling and fear of exposure to Covid. RIVERSPORT responded by offering free day camps which included outdoor activities (safer) and socially-distanced study sessions with wifi access. RIVERSPORT is also addressing lifestyle issues that contribute to Oklahoma?s poor health grades across all demographics by offering non-traditional water sports and outdoor recreation to Oklahoma youth. Children connected to nature have higher satisfaction with life and improved health and academic outcomes.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

RIVERSPORT measures project performance using key metrics including state and city economic impact; financial performance; audience engagement (growth in memberships, day passes, lessons, camp attendance, event attendance, etc.); hours of nonprofit programming delivered and number of lives touched; and growth in the number of and size of national and international Olympic rowing and paddle sport events hosted in the Boathouse District. Most metrics will be analyzed using internally collected data. RIVERSPORT will also work with the State Department of Commerce and the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitor?s Bureau to measure economic impact.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma