River Parks Foundation

PROJECT PURPOSE

River Parks annually offers a variety public events, activities and entertainment which contribute greatly to the quality of life in Tulsa. Quality of life is a critical feature in attracting tourism and convention business, in encouraging new businesses to locate in Tulsa and existing businesses to expand, and in drawing people of all ages to move to or remain in Tulsa. As one of Tulsa?s premier outdoor recreation areas, River Parks hosts events such as Cinco de Mayo, the Color Run, Folds of Honor FreedomFest, Basecamp, and Tulsa?s Great Raft Race. These events are produced entirely by our staff, in coordination with private community sponsors or other agencies. River Parks receives no financial support from the City or County to staff or produce these events and relies on revenue generated from them to fund the necessary staffing to host, produce and facilitate all events held annually in River Parks. In 2020, nearly all of the public events normally held in River Parks were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, causing a deficit in staff funding.

EVIDENCE

The largest public event produced annually by River Parks is the 4th of July celebration "Folds of Honor FreedomFest.? More than 50,000 people attend and enjoy this patriotic festival, which features family-friendly entertainment and activities at no cost to those attending and culminates with a spectacular fireworks show. A variety of smaller events and activities take place throughout the year, with cumulative attendance showing thousands visit River Parks to participate in, observe and enjoy these outdoor activities, all of which contribute to Tulsa?s quality of life.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted all segments of society, but with notable negative impacts for those demographics which were already experiencing health and economic disparities. River Parks includes more than 26 miles of recreational trails and associated facilities along the Arkansas River, serving all residents of the metropolitan area. Multiple federally-designated Qualified Census Tracts (QTC's) overlay well over half of the River Parks park system, which is accessible without cost on foot, by bicycle, by vehicles and by public transportation. Restoration of lost revenues due to the pandemic helps to assure that River Parks has the financial resources to retain the necessary staff to program and facilitate community events and activities held in the park. Residents from the QTC?s are among those who may enjoy attending and/or participating in events and activities held in River Parks. Certain entertainment and sports competition activities require a participation fee.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Event performance can be measured by both attendance and revenue. One of the attachments to this proposal shows the loss of revenue due to events that were canceled in 2020. To provide more descriptive information about these events, attached is supporting documentation for several events held in 2019 which had to be canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

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