My 2 Cents: 25 Years Of MAPS Program

Hard to believe, but Friday marks 25 years since Oklahoma City set off on a new and visionary path to remake a tired dust downtown into a vibrant hub for entertainment and dining, adventure and family fun. 

25 years ago, metro voters passes the first MAPS plan, most wondering if it would work at all. 

Nobody wonders that anymore.

In fact, one of the most intriguing projects of MAPS 3 will launch Friday on that 25th Anniversary. The railed street cars will start their orbit around the rejuvenated Capitol city. And two days later, Sunday, along one of the most improbable MAPS success stories, boats of all kinds decorated for the holidays will cruise up and down the Oklahoma River. 

On what was jokingly referred to as the only river in America that had to be mowed twice a year, water ski championships and performers will put on a show under a fireworks display that will light up the sky. And apparently it's not to late to enter your decorated boat. 

We take these kinds of events for granted now, but 25 years ago we would have called talk of street cars and boat parades in downtown Oklahoma City, absolutely preposterous! 

Merry Christmas OKC! It's been a great ride.