RIVERSPORT Foundation

PROJECT PURPOSE

The impact of COVID on RIVERSPORT began in 2020 and continues into 2023 with pandemic-related ? lost pass and membership revenue ? significant challenges in securing contributed support, grants and sponsorships, and ? challenges in finding adequate staffing to allow us to maximize the revenue opportunities that did exist The relief provide by the Payroll Protection Plan ensured RIVERSPORT could retain minimal staffing. But it didn?t address the larger impact. Added to lost income, ongoing maintenance of the Boathouse District facilities and grounds has necessarily been deferred, which means both the issues and the costs compound. Inflation, supply chain issues and the lingering effects of the pandemic all point to 2023 being a year of slow recovery. RIVERSPORT seeks the support of ARPA to recover significant lost revenue during COVID to re-invest in important and timely program, events, initiatives, and deferred maintenance. This funding will provide critical aid as RIVERSPORT works to continue to build momentum both as an adventure destination for Oklahoma tourism and as a catalyst for building Oklahoma's profile on the national and international stage. ? RIVERSPORT is an economic driver. ? RIVERSPORT provides an almost immeasurable lift to our state's image and showcases OKC as an innovative, vibrant city at the forefront of Olympic and adventure sports. ? RIVERSPORT is creating transformational programming for youth with Thrive Outside, the Opportunity Initiative, and Adventure Therapy.

EVIDENCE

Today, Oklahoma City is being invited to play a significant role in the world?s Olympic sports movement because of the initiatives Oklahoma City, the State of Oklahoma, and RIVERSPORT have committed to. In just the past two weeks, the International Canoe Federation approached us about hosting both a Super Cup and a World Cup that could no longer be held in Russia. Red Bull announced they will bring Red Bull Rapids to Oklahoma City ? an enormous event that has been held in nearly a dozen other countries but never in the U.S. And RIVERSPORT has announced the first Swiftwater Rescue Conference and Championship Games for First Responders from across the U.S. RIVERSPORT is also being sought to assist communities across the State to activate water and outdoor recreation initiatives and schools are requesting inclusion in the new diversity and outreach programming initiative and youth league.

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. Thrive Outside Oklahoma will engage children from across the State, with a special emphasis on vulnerable communities. The Opportunity Initiative is designed to provide leadership and character enrichment opportunities associated with rowing and paddlesports while advancing diversity and inclusion initiatives. The Adventure Therapy program will emphasize the mental health benefits of water and outdoor recreation through a targeted program for vulnerable populations.

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