Oklahoma City's 1990s Makeover: From Tumbleweeds to Top Tier Thanks to MAPS!
Remember the 1990s? The era of dial-up internet, slap bracelets, and...well, Oklahoma City wasn't exactly a bustling metropolis. But then came MAPS, the Metropolitan Area Projects Plan, a stroke of genius (or maybe caffeine-fueled brilliance) that transformed OKC from a sleepy town to a place with some real pizzazz.
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| What Were Two Of The Buildings Built From The Maps Projects In Oklahoma City In The 1990s |
MAPS: The Sales Tax That Didn't Suck (Actually, It Kind of Did, But In a Good Way)
Yep, you heard that right. Oklahoma City voters said "yes" to a temporary sales tax increase to fund a bunch of cool projects. Think of it as an investment in the city's future, with the upside of not having your grandkids saddled with debt to pay for a fancy new arena.
So, what kind of cool projects did MAPS bring to the table? Buckle up, because we're about to delve into two of the most iconic buildings that went from blueprint to brick and mortar thanks to this visionary plan.
Bricktown's Beloved: The Bricktown Ballpark (Now Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark)
Imagine a time before the roar of the crowd echoed through the heart of Oklahoma City. MAPS swooped in and said, "Hold my beer" (or, more likely, sweet tea) and built the Bricktown Ballpark. This minor league gem became a magnet for baseball fans and anyone who enjoyed a hot dog and a good game under the Oklahoma sky.
QuickTip: Stop to think as you go.
Sure, some folks might argue that baseball bats aren't exactly highbrow culture, but hey, a night out at the ballpark is a summertime tradition, and Bricktown Ballpark brought that tradition to OKC in a big way.
Cultured Class with a Splash of Class: The Myriad Convention Center
If baseball wasn't your thing, no worries, MAPS had you covered. The Myriad Convention Center emerged from the dust (or should we say, the drawing board) as a place for conferences, conventions, and events that would make even the most discerning monocle-wearer raise an eyebrow in approval.
This wasn't just your average convention center folks. The Myriad boasted (and still boasts) a beautiful Crystal Bridge, a water feature that puts on a light show that would make Las Vegas jealous.
Tip: Bookmark this post to revisit later.
These are just two of the many amazing projects that MAPS brought to life. Oklahoma City went from a city on the mend to a place with a vibrant downtown, cultural attractions, and a whole lot more.
So, how did MAPS fare in the long run? Let's just say Oklahoma City is no longer the laughingstock of the Southwest. It's a thriving metropolis, and MAPS deserves a big ol' high five for that!
MAPS: Frequently Asked Questions (Because We Know You're Curious)
How to find out more about MAPS projects?
Tip: Look for examples to make points easier to grasp.
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The good folks at Oklahoma City have a treasure trove of information on their website:
How to relive the glory days of the Bricktown Ballpark?
The Bricktown Ballpark is still going strong (now known as Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark). Grab some tickets and see a game!
QuickTip: Skim fast, then return for detail.
How to impress your friends with your MAPS knowledge?
Drop some casual trivia about the Myriad Convention Center's architectural marvels. Monocle not required.
How to convince your friends that Oklahoma City is awesome?
Just tell them about the MAPS projects and how they transformed the city. They might be surprised!
How to channel your inner Oklahoma City booster?
Spread the word about this amazing city and the visionary MAPS program!
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