City says Whitewater Center renovations funded by MAPS 3 and bond will focus on long‑term venue needs, not Olympic‑only fixes

City officials told the Oklahoma City Riverfront Redevelopment Authority on July 29 that preparations to host Olympic whitewater events are underway but that most city work will focus on long‑term venue sustainability rather than temporary Olympic‑only installations. Sue Hollenbeck, executive manager and special projects manager in the city manager’s office, said the city is coordinating Public Works, MAPS and Riversport to update and renovate parts of the MAPS 3 Whitewater Center.
Hollenbeck said remaining MAPS 3 funds and bond financing will cover some work and that Riversport has identified an additional funding source for broader Riversport needs. “There is nothing that we're doing that is very specifically for the Olympics itself,” Hollenbeck said, adding that temporary grandstands, bleachers, tents and fencing for the Games would be provided by Team OKC and not the city.
City staff said work includes pumps and channel repairs intended to benefit the venue beyond any single event. Hollenbeck noted construction and bidding timelines can slow progress but said planning has been underway for at least 18 months. Trustees received the update as informational and did not alter the work plan during the meeting.
Discussion: staff emphasized that planned renovations are intended for long‑term venue sustainability; temporary spectator and event infrastructure for an Olympic competition would be delivered by external organizers. Direction: staff will continue coordinating Public Works, Parks and Riversport on scope and funding. Formal action: none — update provided for information only.