Tulsa Air and Space Museum

PROJECT PURPOSE

A top tourist destination in the region, Tulsa Air & Space Museum (TASM) has a unique mission of honoring Oklahoma?s historical role in aviation and space exploration while inspiring tomorrow?s aerospace workforce through hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics) experiences for all populations. This project is a dramatic expansion of TASM, adding 58,000 square feet of building space plus a 140,000 square foot apron. In Phase 1, there is an urgent need to build a new concrete airplane apron due to recent usage restrictions by Tulsa International Airport (TIA). This new apron will be used regularly for visiting aircraft such as the B-29 SuperFortress and other vintage planes. These planes bring historic and inspiring experiences, along with sustaining revenue for TASM of up to $50,000 in admissions in 1 weekend visit. Until recently, TASM has been using a nearby apron that is now needed by TIA. Phase 2 includes construction of a large hangar to accommodate several aircraft indoors; expand current exhibits, and host events such as robotics competitions and STEAM events. The flight simulator would be expanded to triple its size and field trip capacity could increase from 100 students/day to 300 students/day.

EVIDENCE

TASM is located on Tulsa International Airport (TIA) property and has used an existing airport apron for many years to showcase visiting airplanes. These planes can bring $50,000 in revenue in a weekend visit. TIA is experiencing growth and needs this apron for take-off and landing. To continue this program of visiting planes for TASM visitors and continue the source of revenue, TASM now needs their own apron. In addition Phase 2 of this project will help TASM reach and serve up to 3x the number of students and guests, offering the Tulsa community aerospace history and opportunities.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

COVID-19 has adversely affected a broad section of Tulsa?s population and has been particularly damaging to those communities already experiencing health and economic disparities. TASM supports Qualified and Non Qualified Census Tracts. In addition, the majority of schools that visit are Title 1 schools serving low-income students. Too often a school or church trip to TASM may be the only opportunity these children have to learn about aerospace history and imagine the future for themselves. For too many of these students, access to all TASM has to offer is a challenge, reinforcing the need to expand TASM so that more children can visit each day. This project with the building and program expansions, will be able to serve up to 3x the number of students daily. This will encourage a larger number of schools to participate in events and competitions at TASM.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

TASM collects relevant demographic information on each guest. The future performance measurement process would remain basically the same as today. TASM anticipates the outcomes will grow as TASM becomes a significant tourist or event destination. TASM hosts 60,000 individuals each year, with an additional 35,000 visitors from schools or other groups. Hundreds of children also attend summer camps, participating in STEAM events. Fifteen percent of visitors are from Tulsa and surrounding communities; 57% are from Oklahoma but outside Tulsa County; and 28% are from outside Oklahoma.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

One-time project will not need continued funding