Norman Forward shows roughly $11 million available; board reviews 11 candidate park projects

Jason, a park staff member, told the Board the Norman Forward program has a revised budget of about $176 million and projected spending near $171 million, leaving a projected ending fund balance of roughly $22.7 million and an estimated $11 million in potential surplus toward the close of the program.

"Originally we thought we'd bring in about $150 million," Jason said, noting revised revenue and timing of project completions had increased the ending balance. He described the $11 million figure as a conservative estimate and said the city expects to present a prioritized list for public input and for a possible Norm Forward II ballot measure.

Why it matters: the surplus money would be available near the end of the Norman Forward program and could fund visible, popular projects that officials say might help attract voter support for a follow-up measure. Staff emphasized blending high-profile projects with a diverse mix to appeal to wider constituencies.

Staff presented 11 candidate projects for consideration, including a proposed $3 million purchase of state-leased land adjacent to Sutton Wilderness to secure permanent public ownership, an estimated $2.5 million land acquisition for adult softball and football fields, a proposed $2.5 million indoor adult wellness multipurpose gym with a walking track, replacement of aging playgrounds (est. $0.75–1.0M), and construction of a Miracle Field (accessible athletic surface) in a similar cost range. Also listed were Griffin Park restroom and playground improvements (roughly $1.25M combined), Andrews Park stormwater/pond and restroom work (estimated $2.75–3M), trail upgrades at Ruby Grant tied to cross-country hosting standards (approx. $2–2.25M), a new feature at Westwood Aquatics (about $1.5M), and a park-wide signage and wayfinding package (systemwide estimate included in staff materials).

On Sutton Wilderness, staff said an existing long-term lease held by the state (about 54 years remaining at a nominal fee) prevents building restrooms under current terms, and that purchase would allow the city to place deed or zoning protections and remove lease constraints.

Board members asked practical questions about where money would come from, timing, site constraints and the tradeoffs between buying versus continuing to lease land. Commissioners urged staff to pursue a mix of "snappy" high-visibility projects and those that broaden voter appeal; staff said additional public meetings and a multi-year capital list would be prepared before any final recommendations to council.

Next steps: staff said they will seek further public input, coordinate with finance on conservative projections, and likely present a proposed five-year project list aligned with the program’s remaining years for City Council review and potential inclusion on a future ballot.