August 6, 2012

Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett Cornett was a plenary speaker at an international urban parks summit held in New York City July 14-17. Co'sponsored by City Parks Alliance and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, the “Greater & Greener: Re-Imagining Parks for 21stCentury Cities” conference brought together 900 of the world's top thinkers and practitioners in urban park and green space innovation. Cornett spoke during a plenary panel about “Funding the Next American City,” highlighting his visionary infrastructure program known as MAPS 3 (Metropolitan Area Projects). This $777 million investment will dramatically reshape Oklahoma City and enhance the quality of life of its residents. MAPS 3 projects include a 70-acre downtown park, improved sidewalks and hike and bike trails, a modern streetcar system, a new convention center, senior wellness/aquatic centers and other amenities. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg delivered the keynote address. For more information about the conference, see www.urbanparks2012.org