City of Muskogee

PROJECT PURPOSE

Hatbox Sports Complex is a multi-sport complex that houses youth sports programs. The City of Muskogee is requesting funding to improve the facility. Improvements to the Sports Complex that are needed include a new restroom building at the baseball complex, renovation of the south concession, and concrete walkways throughout the complex. These improvements are critical to the continued success of the existing sports programs and facilities. Local youth sports programs are an important aspect of Quality of Life and supported by the hundreds of families who participate in sports programs at Love-Hatbox each year. The economic impact of sports events and weekend tournaments positively impacts the entire community through hotel stays, restaurants, and additional spending by visitors during these events. Regarding revenue: the proposed improvements will allow for more opportunity to host out of town and out of state teams for tournaments, which generate operating revenue to sustain the fields as well as generating sales and lodging taxes from out of state visitors.

EVIDENCE

None

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Population Description: Muskogee is the county seat and the largest city in Muskogee County with 36,878 residents (2020Census). It is a regional hub city with residents from six surrounding counties traveling to Muskogee daily for employment, services, and entertainment. The improvements requested in our water treatment plant project are essential as it is the only source of water for 55,000 residents in seven rural water districts, four towns, including the historic black community of Taft, and two state prisons, in addition to the City of Muskogee. Vulnerable populations include 17.1% of residents over age 65 and 24.4% of residents under age 18.Further, 21.1% are in poverty including29.4% of children under 18. Muskogee County has a high percentage of minority residents with 59.9% of its residents White; 10.9% Black; 19.7% American Indian;8.8% two or more races; and 6.6% Hispanic. Minority populations in general have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic due to decreased access to health services. The opportunity to assess and improve this raw water line will better serve current residents who are now adversely affected by our inability to address these issues due to financial limitations. Moreover, the remediation of identified problems will further promote economic development and provide stability to our community.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Performance will be measured by the completion of the construction project.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

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