OKLAHOMA CITY The official Welcome Guide to City CONTENT Welcome to OKC WELCOME TO YOUR CULTURE EDUCATION NEW HOMETOWN No other city in the nation has the momentum Read on for more information about how and direction of , and those who Oklahoma City can truly give you a better live here will agree: There has never been a life – from urban to suburban, minimalist to better time to call Oklahoma City home. From environmentalist, historic to modern. No matter better jobs to a better quality of life, opportunity your style or goals, Oklahoma City’s low cost of abounds in Oklahoma City. Inside this guide you living will give you the freedom to pursue the life will see a small sample of what it is like to be you want. part of this vibrant city – to feel its energy and experience its excitement.

Oklahoma City metro at a glance: 18-24 Average home price of HOUSING 15 29th largest city $123,525 in the nation About Oklahoma City 3 3rd largest city in land area in the nation Average of more than Getting to Oklahoma City 6 248 Oklahoma City Districts 8 days of sunshine a year Average unemployment of Employment 31 130+ miles of federal 4.0 % Ranked as the metro area with the interstate and Health 34 25-30 in the past 12 months shortest commute – residents spend state highways Cimate 38 20.7 minutes commuting on average

Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | 1 ABOUT OKLAHOMA

Even from the beginning, Oklahoma City has been far from CITY ordinary. Born at the sound of a gunshot, we became home to 10,000 homesteaders in the historic Land Run on April 22, 1889. Think that day was full of excitement? It doesn’t even compare to the energy and exuberance of Oklahoma City today.

GET CONNECTED Home to more than 1.3 million people, the Greater urban hustle to suburban living, Oklahoma City not Oklahoma City is constantly improving and are looking for something to do, The Better Life Oklahoma City metro is beloved by its residents only makes it all possible, but it makes it easy. growing. Stay up-to-date on all that is happening Blog gives you a weekly update on Oklahoma and often the envy of other cities across the country in your new hometown by checking out The Better City’s greatest sights, events, attractions, volunteer and around the world. You can see excitement and The first residents of Oklahoma City took fate into Life website and blog, a relocation resource that opportunities and more. progress everywhere – from the urban fabric of our their own hands and created a city from scratch. covers all that is found in this guide and more. growing downtown to the tree-lined streets of our History repeated itself in the 1990s when citizens With information on housing, education and Visit www.abetterlifeokc.com/the-better-life to sign historic neighborhoods and voted for a penny sales tax neighborhoods in Oklahoma City, you will feel like up for weekly email alerts about the latest and districts. to fund investments known an in-the-know local in no time. And when you greatest in Oklahoma City. YOU WILL FIND A TRUE MODERN- locally as MAPS (Metropolitan When you combine our DAY RENAISSANCE TAKING Area Projects). Nine projects momentum with the faces of and $350 million later, PLACE IN OKLAHOMA CITY. our famously-friendly citizens, Oklahoma City was home to Can’t get enough of OKC? the entrepreneurial spirit of a new ballpark and arena, a our leaders and the diverse revitalized performing arts VisitOKC.com OKCChamber.com and strong economy, you will find a true modern-day center, a rejuvenated river and more – all leaving The Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau Learn more about Oklahoma City’s vibrant business renaissance taking place in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City in the midst of a phenomenon that introduces new folks to Oklahoma City on a daily community and the vision that is moving Oklahoma continues today. basis. Visit its website for a sampling of Oklahoma City forward. And the best part? We’ve only just begun. And it is City’s best attractions. time for you to join us. When you call Oklahoma City home, you will On the go experience our past, present and future, and you GreaterOklahomaCity.com Read the digital edition of this guide on your tablet We haven’t lost the spirit that took our city from will discover why our residents just can’t get enough Geared toward business leaders and entrepreneurs, or smart phone and be a click away from Oklahoma a population of zero to 10,000 overnight. In fact, of this thriving, urban metropolis. Oklahoma City GreaterOklahomaCity.com is an important economic City resources. The digital edition is even easier to Oklahoma City thrives on that spirit still today. Our combines its pioneer spirit with its modern energy development resource for businesses looking share with friends, family and colleagues. community has used public improvements and to create a place where you can dream big. It also to grow, expand or locate in our region. The site large-scale projects to propel our renaissance boasts clean air, low crime, easy commutes, new features useful tools including a web-based property and make Oklahoma City a big-league city, not to schools, dynamic arts and a low cost of living. Here, locator and access to the latest market data. mention a great place to live, work and play. This you can make more than a living. You can live a enterprise and energy is evident everywhere. From great life.

2 | Oklahoma City Welcome Guide Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | 3 Airlines Serving OKC: Travel by Air Will Rogers World Airport offers nonstop air service to 22 Moving to OKC Allegiant Southwest American US Airways airports in 19 cities in the , including east Delta United and west coast cities. See the entire flight schedule at Frontier www.flyokc.com.

GETTING TO Non-Stop Destinations Atlanta Los Angeles Baltimore Minneapolis OKLAHOMA CITY Charlotte New York City Chicago Orlando* Dallas Phoenix Oklahoma City’s location, equidistant Denver Salt Lake City from both coasts at the junction Destin/Fort Walton Beach* San Francisco of three of the nation’s major Detroit Seattle arteries, ensures easy travel and Houston St. Louis transportation from Oklahoma City Las Vegas Washington D.C. to anywhere in the United States. *seasonal route Two of the nation’s most important highways – Interstate 40, which runs from Los Angeles to Raleigh, N.C.; and Interstate 35, which runs all the way from Mexico to Canada be exact). But despite its scope, Oklahoma City is – meet in downtown Oklahoma Travel by Train remarkably easy to navigate. A generous network of City. The intersection of these major Amtrak service via Oklahoma’s Heartland Flyer interstates and free-flowing arteries make it easy to highways, along with the nearly runs a 418-mile round trip between Oklahoma City commute from one corner of the metro to another. 13,000 miles of streets in the city, and Fort Worth, Texas, daily. From there, you can And Oklahoma City’s streets are made up of a grid ensures Oklahoma City’s status as easily connect to Dallas, Chicago and San Antonio. system, making navigation a breeze. the crossroads of America. The train arrives and departs in Oklahoma City at the historic Santa Fe Depot, which is in the heart of downtown on the western edge of the Bricktown If public transit is more your style, then you can join Nebraska Chicago Entertainment District. Visit www.heartlandflyer.com approximately 3 million riders who take advantage of to learn more. EMBARK, the Oklahoma City metro transit provider. Illinois From bus, ferry transit, bike share and downtown Kansas parking solutions, EMBARK has a variety of routes Colorado City Kansas MissouriSt Louis Getting Around and services that will keep you moving. View a Wichita One of the many perks of life in Oklahoma City is schedule at www.embarkok.com. that residents don’t spend their free time trapped in Albuquerque Tulsa Arkansas New Mexico « traffic going to and from work. In fact, the average Tulsa, Okla. | 105 miles person spends only 20 minutes commuting one Wichita, Kan. | 162 miles Mississippi way to work, compared to the national average of Dallas, Texas | 205 miles Dallas 25.8 minutes. While a five-minute difference may Kansas City, Mo. | 353 miles Texas not seem like much, in one year’s time you will have Austin, Texas | 390 miles Louisiana saved 50 hours of commute time. San St. Louis, Mo. | 501 miles Antonio Oklahoma City is extraordinary in a number of ways Denver, Colo. | 680 miles – one of those being its size (621 square miles to

4 | Oklahoma City Welcome Guide Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | 5 CLASSEN CURVE

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum NE 63RD ST Community

NE 50TH ST

AVE

CLASSEN BLVD

WESTERN AVE SHARTEL AVE

HUDSON AVE WALKER AVE HARVEY

ADVENTURE OKLAHOMA CITY NE 36TH ST LINCOLN BLVD DISTRICT NE 30TH ST

ASIAN DISTRICT NW 23RD ST

DISTRICTS UPTOWN 23rd DISTRICT KELLEY AVE

PLAZA OKLAHOMA STATE DISTRICT CAPITOL NE 23RD ST NW 16TH There’s no better way to get to ST LEE AVE know your new hometown than by NW 13TH ST DEWEY AVE NE 16TH ST ROBINSON AVE

MARTIN LUTHER KING AVE exploring the unique communities NW 10TH ST that give it a distinctive flair. Read MIDTOWN OK HEALTH CENTER COMPLEX on for more about the districts and NW 9TH ST

NW 8TH ST OKLAHOMA AVE

WESTERN AVE neighborhood that you will soon call VILLA AVE PENN AVE NW 9TH ST FRANCIS BLVD

CLASSEN BLVD home, sweet home. SHARTEL AVE NW 6TH ST METRO TRANSIT NW 4TH ST NW 5TH ST CENTER BROADWAY AVE OKC NATIONAL MEMORIAL N & MUSEUM HARRISON NW 5TH ST

LINCOLN BLVD DOWNTOWN AUTOMOBILE DEAN A. MCGEE ALLEY

ROBERT S. KERR NE 3RD

OKC MUSEUM

OF ART NE 2ND N WALNUT COUCH

CIVIC CENTER W MAIN ST MUSIC HALL COLCORD PARK

NE 1ST SHERIDAN AVE FILM ROW E MAIN ST BROADWAY

E K GAYLORD BLVD

DEVON TOWER AMERICAN CALIFORNIA AVE BANJO MUSEUM BRICKTOWN

COX SHERIDAN AVE CONVENTION CENTER RENO AVE MYRIAD BOTANICAL GARDENS

AVE BRICK-

HUDSON AVE TOWN CHICKASAW WATER BRICKTOWN OKLAHOMA AVE JOE CARTER CALIFORNIA AVE TAXI BALLPARK SW 3RD ST AGNEW MICKEY MANTLE DR

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY ARENA RENO AVE ON RAMP FUTURE SITE OF DOWNTOWN

LEE AVE PARK CENTENNIAL LAND RUN

ON RAMP SKYDANCE BRIDGE MONUMENT

O K LA EXCHANGE AVE H STOCKYARDS CITY O OKLAHOMA M AVE RIVER CRUISES D A LV RI B VE N R CHESAPEAKE L BOATHOUSE O HARVEY C BOATHOUSE ROBINSON AVE N SHIELDS BLVD DISTRICT LI

6 | Oklahoma City Welcome Guide Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | 7 Adventure Asian Automobile District District Alley In this case, the name says Oklahoma City’s culture has Located north of downtown it all – this is the district to been influenced in many along Broadway avenue, the visit if you love the thrill different ways and nowhere Automobile Alley district was of an adventure. In the is that more true than in the originally home to the city’s Welcome to Oklahoma City , you will Asian District, where an influx car dealerships, a fact that is find opportunities for the of Vietnamese immigrants in immortalized in the neon signs For more than 20 years, Ideal has … young and the young at the 1970s created a haven that still hang from its original heart. From the rush of live for Asian fusion cuisine that buildings. The past and the Built great homes in great school districts all over the metro. horseracing at Remington boasts some of the most present have combined to Blazed a path for energy efficiency that has saved our owners millions. Park to visiting Oklahoma inventive flavors around. The make this district effortlessly City’s wildest residents at food is so inspirational, it led cool with lots to offer, including As you search for a new home, we hope you will visit us online at the Oklahoma City Zoo famed chef, Danny Bowien to some of Oklahoma City’s best IdealHomes.com. We have a neighborhood for you. and Botanical Gardens, take his talents to the coasts. shopping, dining and nightlife. this family-friendly area has something for everyone.

Boathouse District With its glittering boathouses and new construction, it is hard to believe that two decades ago the Oklahoma River had to be periodically mowed. Thanks to new investment, today it is a hotspot for outdoor recreation. Located within walking distance of the Bricktown Entertainment District, the is an official U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site for rowing and canoe/kayak sports and is home to sports enthusiasts of all kinds.

www.IdealHomes.com

8 | Oklahoma City Welcome Guide Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | 9

175-5-PROD IDL ChamberRelo_8.5x11b.indd 1 12/7/15 12:26 PM Paseo Arts District From its original Spanish Revival architecture to its eclectic art galleries, the Paseo Arts District has a bohemian vibe that is all its own. Once Oklahoma City’s first shopping center in the 1920’s, Paseo is now home to more than 70 artists, plus shops, bars and restaurants. Plaza District Equal parts trendy and gritty, this area is an enclave of locally-owned shops, stellar dessert options and up- and-coming restaurants. Staying true to its roots as a commercial district in the 1920’s, the Plaza District has risen out of a state of neglect and become a hub of creativity and a magnet for local businesses. Its more than 30 small businesses include restaurants, bars, Bricktown Entertainment District galleries and shops, and the district is also home to the This hotspot for nightlife lives up to its name of Oklahoma City’s entertainment district. nationally-renowned Lyric on the Plaza Theater, where A favorite of visitors and locals alike, this former warehouse district is just steps away you can catch live performances in season. from downtown hotels, event venues and attractions. From taking a cruise along the Bricktown Canal to catching an game at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, there are plenty of options for an entertaining evening.

Central Business District Located in the heart of , the Central Stockyards Uptown Western Business District welcomes more than 51,000 employees each day City 23rd Avenue and is home to a growing number Oklahoma City’s Western roots The Uptown 23rd district is From upscale to accessible, of restaurants, stores and housing run deep, and you are sure experiencing dynamic growth, contemporary to antique, the options. Equal parts urban and Film Row Midtown to experience OKC’s strong meaning that options abound Western Avenue district has a Equal parts historic and Just on the northern edge of artistic, this area of Oklahoma City ties to its cattle-town past in when it comes to dining and little bit of everything. From the revitalized, Film Row is a downtown and just west of provides plenty of options for both Stockyards City. It’s home night life. If you love delicious local dives on Western Avenue symbol of Oklahoma City’s Automobile Alley, the Midtown work and play. In fact, many of to the Oklahoma National food and fun activities, this to the chic shops along renaissance. Film Row district is a connecting hub Oklahoma City’s most recognizable Stockyards, the world’s district is for you. Classen Curve, this district has was once home to the for the hustle and bustle of venues call the Central Business largest feeder and stocker you covered from shopping to film distribution offices for downtown with the stately District home, including the cattle market where live cattle eating. Hollywood’s studios, and it historic housing districts to Oklahoma City Museum of Art, the auctions take place every retained its glitz and glamour the north. With a mix of local Oklahoma City Civic Center, the Monday and Tuesday and are to become one of Oklahoma restaurants and neighborhood Oklahoma City National Memorial open to the public. Home to a City’s hot spots to live, work pubs, this district is the perfect and Museum, the Cox Convention number of shops specializing and play. Visit 21c Museum place to experience the best Center and all the buildings that in all things Western, your trip Hotel to experience both the of OKC’s local fare. make up Oklahoma City’s growing to Stockyards City may leave district’s past and its future. skyline. you hankering for a home on the range.

10 | Oklahoma City Welcome Guide Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | 11 HOME, SWEET HOME

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OKC is No. 1 in most apartment space for your Oklahoma City is the kind of or picture yourself in a money. place where you can live large – historic bungalow. No matter -Forbes, March 2016 for less. On average, Oklahoma what your tastes, Oklahoma City residents spend 26.4 City has it all. percent less than the national average on housing costs. And The choices for where you even better, Oklahoma City’s call home at the end of and one of the top cities for growing economy offers you the day are endless, and the housing affordability according plenty of ways to enjoy your span of architectural styles to Citylab, your purchase will be extra savings. provides something for every a wise investment. design taste and price point. From modern, urban lofts in the Chances are, if you are moving Also available are hundreds of heart of downtown to historic from another city, you will be rental apartments ranging from homes on tree-lined streets and pleasantly surprised at how far brand new luxury complexes to spacious homes on even more your money will go in Oklahoma modest, garden-style apartments spacious lots, Greater Oklahoma City’s housing market. The with the average rental price City offers an expansive choice average cost of a single family ranging from $600 to $1,500. of desirable neighborhoods home is $123,525 with single- In Oklahoma City, the average and a wide range of prices for family home prices starting at 950-square-foot apartment costs housing. Are you attracted to hip, $60,000 and condominiums $767 per month, compared happening urban enclaves, or and townhomes averaging a to $1,009 in Denver, $1,175 in is good old-fashioned suburban price tag of $72,567. And with Chicago and $2,051 in Los living more your style? Maybe Oklahoma City ranked No. 2 in Angeles. you prefer recent developments healthiest housing markets in the with lots of community amenities nation (according to WalletHub)

12 | Oklahoma City Welcome Guide Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | 13 Median Home Price Apartment Rental Price CITY SALES PRICE OF Comparison SINGLE FAMILY HOME CITY APARTMENT PRICE St. Louis...... $88,950 Oklahoma City...... $769 Kansas City...... $98,608 Omaha...... $824 Dallas...... $121,383 Kansas City...... $830 Oklahoma City...... $123,525 St. Louis...... $832 Omaha...... $134,250 San Antonio...... $854 San Antonio...... $141,725 Dallas...... $859 Houston...... $142,383 Albuquerque...... $943 Albuquerque...... $169,033 Austin...... $1,066 Chicago...... $171,500 Chicago...... $1,217 Austin...... $285,600 Denver...... $1,286 Denver...... $332,975 Houston...... $1,315 New TaxesYork...... Compared 2015 $483,667 Los Angeles...... $565,583 Los Angeles...... $2,391 Taxes Compared 2015 San Francisco...... State Corporate$3,194 Tax 2015 Colorado 4.63% Corporate Tax 2015 New York (Manhattan)State...... $3,965 Corporate Tax 2015 Oklahoma 6.00% 10%Corporate TaxCorporate 2015 Tax 2015 Colorado 4.63% 9% Missouri 6.25% 10% Oklahoma 6.00% 8% New Mexico 6.90% 9% Missouri 6.25% 7% Kansas 7.00% 8% New Mexico 6.90% 6% New York 7.10% 7% Kansas 7.00% 5% Illinois 7.75% 6% Cost of LivingNew York Comparison7.10% 4% Nebraska 7.81% 5% Illinois 7.75% 3% Movie TicketCalifornia 8.84% 4% Nebraska 7.81% 2% 3% Oklahoma CityCalifornia...... $9.378.84% 1% 2% Albuquerque...... $10.93 0% *Texas does not have a corporate 1% San Antonio...... Tax $10.75 0% *Texas does not have a corporate Tax Gasoline Source: http://taxfoundation.org/article/state‐corporate‐income‐tax‐rates‐and‐brackets‐2015 Oklahoma City...... Source: $2.35 Albuquerque...... http://taxfoundation.org/article/state$2.63 ‐corporate‐income‐tax‐rates‐and‐brackets‐2015 Property Tax 2015Property Tax 2015 San Antonio...... State$2.40 Property Tax 2015 3% Colorado 0.61% Property Tax 2015 State Property Tax 2015 New Mexico 0.73% 2%3% Doctor VisitColorado 0.61% California 0.81% New Mexico 0.73% 2%2% Oklahoma OklahomaCity...... $80.560.86% California 0.81% Missouri 1.02% 1%2% AlbuquerqueOklahoma...... $89.660.86% Kansas 1.39% 1% San AntonioMissouri...... $97.391.02% 1% New York 1.64% Kansas 1.39% 0%1% Nebraska 1.84% New York 1.64% Texas 1.90% 0% AHI_Fish-out-of-water_OKC.qxp_LayoutNebraska 1 7/21/15 12:511.84% PM Page 1 Source: C2ER CostIllinois of Living Index, Q32.30% 2015 Texas 1.90% Illinois 2.30% RELOCATING TO OKLAHOMA CITY? DON’T BE LEFT FEELING LIKE A 35

COFFEE CREEK SOONER AHI Corporate HousingSource:is one of Oklahoma’s largest COVELL TOWN SQUARE providers of 1, 2 & 3 bedroomhttp://taxfoundation.org/blog/how fully furnished apartments‐high ‐are‐property‐taxes‐your‐state DANFORTH Source:

2ND ST UCO ROUTE for stays 30 days or longer.http://taxfoundation.org/blog/how Receive StayPoints® Guest‐high ‐are‐property‐taxes‐your‐state 66 77 Reward points for qualified stays. INTEGRIS Combined State & HOSPITAL KILPATRICK COLTRANE Average Local Sales Combined State & Average Local Sales Tax 2015 TURNPIKE Combined State & State Tax 2015 10% Average Local Sales Combined State & Average Local Sales Tax 2015 Nebraska 6.83% 9% State Tax 2015 10% Colorado 7.44% 8% 405-603-3493 | www.ahicorporatehousing.comNebraska 6.83% 7%9% New Mexico 7.49% Colorado 7.44% 6%8% Missouri 7.84% 5%7% 14 | Oklahoma City Welcome Guide New Mexico 7.49% Texas 8.17% 4%6% Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | 15 Missouri 7.84% 5% Texas 8.17% 4%

TSfallPOHadV4.indd 1 2/2/16 2:53 PM Culture Want to release your inner artist? Oklahoma City’s art community offers many learning experiences for students of all levels in a variety of mediums. Check out the year-round classes and camps for students of all ages at Oklahoma City Museum of Art’s Museum School or Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, or contact one of Oklahoma City’s continuing education institutions CULTURE found on page 39. Museums From sporting events and outdoor adventures to place where culture and commerce thrive. The Oklahoma City’s museums are as diverse as its people. From viewing Remingtons at the National Cowboy & theater and ballet, Oklahoma City’s unique culture diversity, creativity and can-do attitude can be Western Heritage Museum to rhino bones at the Museum of Osteology, each museum offers something unique. shines through in the creativity of its people. By seen all around town – from the growing skyline combining our hip, spirited environment with a to the various districts across Oklahoma City. historic western heritage, Oklahoma City is a

Oklahoma City Museum the awe-inspiring 18-foot “End of the campus of the University of Art the Trail” sculpture by James Earle of Oklahoma in Norman. This Arts Considered the crown jewel of Fraser. museum boasts thousands of Oklahoma City’s robust artist community – with more than 4,500 artists and more than 20 arts the Arts District, the spectacular artifacts tracing Oklahoma’s organizations – is one of the largest in the nation. Oklahoma City Museum of Art is Oklahoma City National natural history, including dinosaur a stopping point for some of the Memorial & Museum fossils and Native American most renowned traveling exhibits. On April 19, 1995, Oklahoma City cultural exhibits. The museum is also home to was forever changed when an the world’s most comprehensive act of domestic terrorism killed Oklahoma City’s cultural Paseo Home to seven of Oklahoma City’s professional exhibit by glass sculptor Dale 168 people in the Alfred P. Murrah opportunities don’t stop there. District Chihuly. Federal Building. The Oklahoma Take in the mind-expanding Developed in arts organizations, the Civic Center Music Hall City National Memorial & Museum exhibits at several galleries and 1929 as the hosts nearly 600 world-class shows each year. offers visitors from around the museums around town, including first shopping This 1930s Art Deco building in downtown National Cowboy & world the chance to honor the [Artspace] at Untitled, Red district north Oklahoma City is surrounded by the recently Western Heritage Museum The National Cowboy & survivors, victims and rescue Earth Gallery and Museum, the of downtown, renovated Bicentennial Park and the nearby Western Heritage Museum is workers and to learn the impact of Individual Artists of Oklahoma the Paseo Arts Oklahoma City Museum of Art. Home to the best America’s premier institution violence. Gallery, the American Pigeon District is now in Broadway, ballet, orchestra and more, the Civic of Western history, art and Museum, The American Banjo home to 20 Center Music Hall is a hub of live performance culture. This museum is home Museum and others. View a galleries and more than 75 artists. Its curved throughout the year. Sam Noble Museum of to a vast collection of classic complete listing of museums at streets are filled with Spanish revival architecture, Natural History and contemporary western Just 30 minutes south of www.visitokc.com. not to mention great restaurants, boutiques and art, including works by Charles Oklahoma City is the Sam Noble gift shops. Russell, Frederic Remington and Museum of Natural History on

16 | Oklahoma City Welcome Guide Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | 17 Prix De West Oklahoma Regatta Festival National Cowboy & Western Boathouse District Heritage Museum Five days of racing on the One of the most prestigious Oklahoma River. invitational Western art exhibits Sept. 30 - Oct. 2, 2016 featuring the best in contemporary FESTIVALS Western paintings and sculptures. OKCFest June - August 2016 Film Row Oklahoma City’s biggest music Peace Love & Goodwill Festival festival will return with three days AND Myriad Botanical Gardens of live music. Enjoy music, food and shopping Fall 2016 at this family-friendly event that EVENTS benefits Goodwill Industries of Chuck Wagon Gathering & Central Oklahoma. Children’s Cowboy Festival June 5, 2016 National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Stars & Stripes River Festival No matter your interests, Oklahoma Chow down like a real cowboy Oklahoma City Boathouse/ City’s annual events will keep your plus enjoy live music and hands- Oklahoma River on education activities from the Boat races of all kinds bring social calendar full. The best way to stay West. families in to cheer topped with May 28-29, 2016 informed of Oklahoma City events is by music, food and a firework finale. June 25-26, 2016 subscribing to The Better Life Blog at Oklahoma Craft Beer Festival Downtown www.abetterlifeokc.com/blog. Red, White and Boom Taste more than 200 craft beers State Fair Park from around the world as well as Oklahoma City Philharmonic enjoy local food trucks and live performs a free patriotic pops music. concert with fireworks following. June 17-18, 2016 July 2016 Oklahoma City Halloween Parade First Friday Gallery Walk Premier on Film Row Festival of the Arts Red Earth Native American State Fair of Oklahoma & Costume Party Paseo District Film Row Bicentennial Park, Downtown OKC Cultural Festival Sept. 11-21, 2016 Automobile Alley More than 70 local artists in more Film Row’s street festival featuring Oklahoma City’s annual Cox Convention Center Floats and costumes take over than 17 galleries showcase new local musicians, performers, food community festival for visual, More than 1,200 American Indian Plaza District Festival Automobile Alley with a Zombie work and exhibits. and more. performing and culinary arts. artists and dancers throughout Plaza District Ball to follow afterwards. First Friday & Saturday of the Third Friday of the month April 19-24, 2016 North America gather to celebrate Enjoy live music, artist booths, October 2016 month their heritage. kids art activities and a variety of Downtown in December Arts Council of Oklahoma City’s Paseo Arts Festival June 10-12, 2016 local concessions in one of OKC’s Various locations Downtown LIVE on the Plaza Twilight Concert Series Paseo Arts District hippest districts. Holiday events and attractions Plaza District Myriad Gardens Great Lawn More than 80 visual artists join deadCENTER Film Festival September 2016 including snow tubing, ice skating, Plaza District’s monthly art walk Each Sunday, June to September musicians and food vendors for a Various locations downtown a winter market and various featuring local artists, live music, celebration of the arts. This year Oklahoma’s largest film festival Wiggle Out Loud Festival activities and events. food trucks, shopping and more. Oklahoma City Memorial marks the 40th anniversary of the and one of the 20 “coolest” Downtown November 2016 to February 2017 Second Friday each month Marathon event. festivals in the world according to Oklahoma City’s free family Downtown May 28-30, 2016 MovieMaker magazine. #dcff16 music festival offering music, Arts Council of Oklahoma City’s Auto Alley Shop Hop A tribute to the victims, family June 8-12, 2016 entertainment, activities and Opening Night Automobile Alley members and survivors of plenty of food trucks all day long. Downtown Open house events at local shops, the April 19, 1995 bombing of Sept. 6, 2016 Family-friendly New Year’s Eve live music, local food and more. the Alfred P. Murrah Building. celebration featuring 16 stages of Third Thursday each month #RunToRemember local talent. April 24, 2016 December 31, 2016

18 | Oklahoma City Welcome Guide Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | 19 PARKS AND GARDENS Oklahoma City is an oasis for outdoor enthusiasts, offering plenty of opportunities to connect with nature in an urban setting. Oklahoma City’s extensive park system provides attractive, well-maintained areas for tennis, swimming, biking, jogging and even horseback riding. Within an hour’s drive, you will also find more than 50 lakes, dozens of miles of trails and 33 public and private golf courses.

Myriad Botanical Gardens Downtown Oklahoma City may be bustling, but the 17-acre Myriad Botanical Gardens located just south of Devon Tower and on SPORTS the northwest corner of the Chesapeake Energy Arena is a calm and peaceful retreat. The park received a complete redesign Oklahoma City’s sports in 2011 and now residents and visitors alike can enjoy its grand performance lawn, the children’s discovery garden, its two achievements aren’t limited restaurants, a dog park and the many community activities that to just (but hey, The take place there throughout the year. the Thunder is pretty great). The NBA’s presence in Oklahoma City as the Oklahoma City Thunder has transformed the downtown Chesapeake Energy Included in this downtown delight is the Crystal Bridge Tropical Here you will find packed Arena into one of the toughest places to play in professional Conservatory – a seven-story cylinder suspended over a lake the bleachers along vibrant river sports. Led by 2013-14 NBA MVP Kevin Durant and Russell size of a football field – which serves as the garden’s centerpiece. banks, tens of thousands of Westbrook, this young team has taken the world by storm and Spring and summer in the gardens bring outdoor concerts, movies, has made the playoffs five times in its six years in Oklahoma exercise classes and more. And in the winter, holiday festivities like fans roaring for the NBA’s City. The , the Thunder’s minor league a winter market and an ice rink light up the lawn with spirited cheer. Oklahoma City Thunder and affiliate, is also based in Oklahoma City. college champions being The Oklahoma City Dodgers Martin Park Nature Center crowned everywhere from Catch the future stars of at what USA Today calls one For hiking, nature and wildlife, Martin Park Nature Center is an oasis baseball diamonds to archery of the country’s top 10 minor league stadiums, the Chickasaw of calm by the busy John Kilpatrick Turnpike. The area features 2.5 ranges. Whether you prefer Bricktown Ballpark. The Oklahoma City Dodgers, the triple-A miles of kid-friendly hiking trails cut through woods and grasslands affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, have won seven division of the 144-acre park. Visitors can see many species of animals, as to be in the stands or on titles in their 16 Pacific Coast League seasons. it is home to different species of birds, butterflies, squirrels, foxes, the field, Oklahoma City is reptiles and even the city’s first observation bee hive. a sports lover’s paradise The Oklahoma City Energy & Rayo OKC Oklahoma City Energy FC completed its inaugural season in Oklahoma City’s Parks and Recreation Department provides – no matter your sport of USL Pro in 2014. Energy FC is an affiliate of Sporting Kansas recreation and education opportunities at parks throughout choice, you will always find City and plays in Oklahoma City’s recently renovated Taft Oklahoma City. From swimming pools to baseball diamonds, there something to cheer about. Stadium. Watch for OKC’s newest soccer team, the NASL- is something for everyone. Visit www.okc.gov/parks to find an oasis affiliated Rayo OKC, to start its first season in spring 2016. near you.

20 | Oklahoma City Welcome Guide Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | 21 Education

EDUCATION The Bert Cooper Trail of the Adventure District. at Lake Hefner You’ll get a new view of Oklahoma City is always looking to the future and TRAILS The Bert Cooper Trail at Lake the Oklahoma City Zoo, how it can make improvements on the quality Hefner allows you to run, bike Science Museum Oklahoma, Oklahoma City has plenty of life for its citizens. One key aspect of this is or skate around a beautiful Remington Park and Casino, of fresh air and sunshine, body of water. And Lake the Railroad Museum, education. Quality, commitment, accountability and one of the best ways Hefner has it all – beautiful Firefighters Museum and and choice are a few of the words that reflect scenery including a lighthouse National Softball Hall of Fame. to enjoy them is through Oklahoma City’s dedication to its education and sail boats, a slew of fun Oklahoma City’s trails things to do including parks West River Trail systems. system. Oklahoma City is for the kiddos, picnic areas Funded by Oklahoma City’s home to several trails to help and paved running and bike MAPS 3 Program, the West lanes around the entire lake. River Trail connects the Oklahoma schools have received that differ in size and scope, science, information technology, you stay fit while exploring Overholser Trail to the north national recognition for alternative but all are committed to seeing hospitality and tourism, health all the city has to offer. with the Oklahoma River Trail The Katy Trail education, early childhood their students succeed after sciences, fine arts and teacher Oklahoma City’s Katy Trail to the south. accessibility and the increasing graduation. preparation. Classen School of offers a first-hand exploration number of teachers earning Advanced Studies, part of the National Board Certification – Oklahoma City Public Schools Oklahoma City Public School the profession’s top credential. Innovation and improvement are District, also offers OKCPS Oklahoma City has also invested the watchwords of the Oklahoma students in grades 6 through SHOPPING $700 million into school City Public Schools. The district 12 two district areas of study – construction, transportation and covers 134 square miles and its International Baccalaureate As you are about to experience, Oklahoma City’s technology projects through the includes 60 elementary schools, Diploma Program and its visual low cost of living will leave you with some extra MAPS for Kids program. 17 middle schools, and 13 high and performing arts program. mad money in your bank account. Oklahoma schools. With a student population City’s shopping options will give you the perfect Through the dedication of the of more than 40,000, it is the Putnam City Public Schools opportunity to spend it, no matter your tastes. From community, excellent schools second-largest school district The Putnam City Public School high-end and national retailers to locally-owned can be found in both the in the state and one of the few district is located in Oklahoma establishments, Oklahoma City’s shopping scene city’s urban center and in the urban districts in the nation with a City. Covering 43 square miles, will scratch your retail therapy itch in no time at all. surrounding suburban areas. For growing enrollment. the district serves more than a full list of schools serving the 18,000 students at 18 elementary If you like shopping with everything under one roof, Columbia, Polo Ralph Lauren, Cole Haan and more. Oklahoma City metro, visit www. Oklahoma City Public Schools schools, five middle schools then visit one of Oklahoma City’s regional malls, If the local vibe is more your style, then visit one abetterlifeokc.com/education. also offer specialized learning and three high schools and has including and Quail Springs Mall. of Oklahoma City’s unique districts to get a feel for for students through its career an overall population of more The open-air Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City Oklahoma City’s retail flavor. Local favorites include Public Education academy program. Areas of than 119,000. Five of the district’s are the state’s only outlet center. Here you will find Classen Curve, Western Avenue, Automobile Alley The Oklahoma City metro area focus include engineering, law schools – Coronado Heights 350,000 square feet of designer outlets including and the Plaza District. is home to public school districts and public safety, finance, health Elementary, James L. Dennis

22 | Oklahoma City Welcome Guide Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | 23 䐀攀搀椀挀愀琀攀搀 琀漀 攀搀甀挀愀琀椀渀最 愀渀搀 搀攀瘀攀氀漀瀀椀渀最 琀栀攀 眀栀漀氀攀 瀀攀爀猀漀渀Ⰰ 瀀爀漀瘀椀搀椀渀最 愀 洀漀爀愀氀Ⰰ 攀琀栀椀挀愀氀Ⰰ 愀渀搀 䌀栀爀椀猀琀 挀攀渀琀攀爀攀搀 挀漀洀瀀愀猀猀 昀漀爀 氀椀昀攀⸀

㠀 ㄀ 一圀 㔀 琀栀 匀琀爀攀攀琀 ⴀ 伀欀氀愀栀漀洀愀 䌀椀琀礀 ⴀ ⠀㐀 㔀⤀ 㠀㐀㈀ⴀ㘀㘀㌀㠀 眀眀眀⸀䈀䴀䌀䠀匀⸀漀爀最 Elementary, Putnam City North High School, Wiley placement program, and last spring students Post Elementary and Will Rogers Elementary – have passed a total of 2,183 AP tests. In the past three been named National Blue Ribbon Schools. years, 70 Edmond Public School Students have been named a National Edmond Public Schools Merit Finalist or Commended Edmond, Okla., is a suburb Scholar. located directly north of Oklahoma City. The district Oklahoma School of Science covers 129 square miles and and Mathematics (OSSM) has an overall population One of America’s premier of 97,845. It includes 23 math and science high schools – 15 elementary schools, Oklahoma School schools, five middle schools of Science and Mathematics and three high schools, as (OSSM) has been operating well as one early childhood for 24 years, during which center and serves more than 20,000 students. the school has produced 389 National Merit Eight of these schools – Central Middle School, Finalists and 194 National Merit Commended Cimarron Middle School, Edmond Memorial High Scholars. A tuition-free residential high school School, Edmond North High School, Northern for juniors and seniors with exceptional ability in Hills Elementary, Russell Dougherty Elementary math and science, OSSM has been cited as one of School, Sequoyah Middle School and Summit “America’s Best Schools” (Redbook) and deemed Middle School – are National Blue Ribbon Schools. “the most rigorous academic program of its kind in Edmond Public Schools offer a robust advanced the nation” by Dr. Julian Stanley of Johns Hopkins.

Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | 25 Dove Public Charter Schools Dove Science Academy Schools are high performing K-12 public charter schools focusing on math, science, engineering and computer technologies to provide opportunities for underserved communities. With a college acceptance rate of 100 percent, Dove Science Academy Schools have earned the reputation of providing a distinct, high-quality education.

Harding Charter Prep High School Harding Charter Prep works to provide its students with an academically challenging, educational Students at OSSM study at least seven academic schools established by contract with sponsors and experience through an advanced placement courses plus fine arts and physical education often promote a specific curriculum and learning curriculum. The school has been named one of the courses each semester. Students also participate style. Several Greater Oklahoma City school Best High Schools by U.S. News & World Report. in campus and community service as part of their districts are authorized by state law to have charter graduation requirements. schools -- Choctaw-Nicoma Park, Edmond, Mid-Del, Harding Fine Arts Charter School Moore, Mustang, Oklahoma City and Putnam City. Harding Fine Arts Academy is a college OSSM is located on a 32-acre site to the northeast preparatory high school focused on the integration of downtown Oklahoma City, adjacent to the Advanced Science and Technology Education of arts and academics. In addition to math, English, libraries and research resources of the Oklahoma Charter (ASTEC) Schools science and social studies, students also choose Health Center. OSSM currently has more than 100 In 2000, the Advanced Science and Technology from electives including dance, music, theatre or students enrolled. Students from all of Oklahoma’s Education Charter (ASTEC) Schools became visual arts. 77 counties have been selected to attend OSSM. Oklahoma’s first start-up charter school. Today, the combined enrollment of the middle school and high Virtual or blended options Charter schools school total 750 students. The school educates If the in-class experience is not right for your The number of Charter Schools is growing in students in sixth-12th grades. family, Oklahoma offers several accredited virtual Greater Oklahoma City. Charter schools are public or blended education options. The Epic One-on- One Virtual Charter School is state-accredited and is open to all students residing in the state of Oklahoma. The education program is based on the individual needs and interests of each student. The Oklahoma Virtual Preparatory Academy, a In Oklahoma, every program of Epic Charter Schools, offers a blended Private education education approach that provides a licensed 4-year-old has Oklahoma County is home to 61 private schools teacher for every student and opportunities universal access educating more than 13,000 students. According to throughout the school year to meet with other PrivateSchoolReview.com, the average elementary to a high-quality students of the program. The Oklahoma Virtual private school tuition is $4,650 annually, and Charter Academy also offers a full-time program that pre-kindergarten 77 percent of all private schools are religiously includes support from Oklahoma-certified teachers program. affiliated. To view a list of area schools, visit www. and provides opportunities for concurrent college abetterlife.com/education or see the listings on credit. page 39.

26 | Oklahoma City Welcome Guide Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | 27 Employment EMPLOYMENT Oklahoma City is a haven for business. With its strong economic climate, diverse industries, and low costs of doing business, companies located here thrive. And in turn, those businesses provide great job opportunities for Oklahoma City residents.

Major Industries Center at OUHSC to the ProCure Proton Therapy Aerospace Center, Oklahoma City is booming with bioscience. Childcare the top 10 public universities in the nation in terms of Aerospace represents more than 38,000 jobs at In the Oklahoma City 10-county region, there are academic excellence and cost for students. more than 250 firms in Greater Oklahoma City. Energy more than 1,500 daycare providers with an average Centered on Well-known for being a global oil capital (and for weekly cost of $134 for centers and $120 for in-home The school offers 152 baccalaureate programs, 160 the work at the having a working oil well on the grounds of the care. For a list of childcare resources, visit www. master’s programs, 75 doctorate programs and 20 Oklahoma City state capitol), Oklahoma City’s energy industry rainbowfleet.com. majors at the first professional level. OU’s College of Air Logistics has developed significantly from its oil-intense Law has been named one of the 15 best law schools Center at beginnings. OKC also makes a great fit for CNG, Career and Technology Schools in the country by the Thomas M. Cooley Guide Tinker Air Force wind and solar production / manufacturing, due to When it comes to career and technology schools, and the OU Health Sciences Center in downtown Base, private our strategic central location, wealth of advanced Oklahoma’s system is nationally acclaimed. Greater Oklahoma City is Oklahoma’s largest and most companies manufacturing, production and workforce synergies Oklahoma City’s nine technology systems and 18 comprehensive hospital and home to seven health- such as Boeing, due to our well-developed aerospace sector, and campuses not only provide training to high school related professional colleges. Lockheed low input costs. and post-secondary students, but they also provide Martin and invaluable education services to a variety of Oklahoma State University, located 66 miles north Pratt & Whitney Technology and Entrepreneurship businesses in a number of different skill areas. of Oklahoma City, has been named a Truman Honor partner with In many ways, OKC’s very roots run deep in the Institute as a result of having 15 Truman Scholars and military personnel to operate the largest aircraft and entrepreneurial spirit - after all, we went from a Higher Education the Carnegie Foundation classifies OSU as a “High jet repair center in the U.S. Another star performer city of zero to more than 10,000 in one day. Today, Greater Oklahoma City is home to 18 colleges and Research Activity” campus. The Princeton Review is the FAA’s Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, Oklahoma universities. Through these institutions, more than also named OSU one of its “Best Value” colleges. whose 5,500 employees provide aviation training City’s growing 125,000 students are furthering their education and and logistics support to the nation’s aerospace entrepreneurship pursuing thousands of graduate and undergraduate OSU’s Donald W. Reynolds School of Architecture system. community opportunities. ranks among the top 20 in the nation. The university benefits from also features nationally renowned veterinary, Biotechnology our low-cost, Two Division 1 universities are located in the mechanical engineering and other agricultural Cutting-edge research is transferring into successful business-friendly Oklahoma City region, both providing their students science programs. businesses in the region’s fast-growing bioscience environment, as with a world-renowned education. The University cluster. Spurred by the presence of the University well as easy talent of Oklahoma, located 20 miles from downtown Other higher education programs located in of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) and acquisition due Oklahoma City, is a public research university. OU the Oklahoma City metro include Oklahoma Presbyterian Health Foundation in downtown, the to our region’s is No. 1 in the nation in the number of freshman City University, University of Central Oklahoma, number of employees has grown to nearly 28,000 125,000 college National Merit Scholars enrolled among public Oklahoma Christian University, Oklahoma State in just a few short years. From Oklahoma Medical students. From and private universities and is in the top five public University-Oklahoma City, Rose State College, Research Foundation’s $125 million, eight-story successful tech startups to biotech labs to the universities in the nation in the graduation of Rhodes Oklahoma City Community College and Southern research tower, powered largely by wind energy, to inventor’s workbench, OKC is a place where your Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked OU among Nazarene University. the seven-story, $120 million Stephenson Cancer ideas can get off the ground.

28 | Oklahoma City Welcome Guide Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | 29 OKC MSA Major Employers Resources for job seekers Company HQ #Empl. Has all this talk about OKC’s strengths inspired State of Oklahoma 46,900 you to look at your career options in Oklahoma Tinker Air Force Base 26,000 City? We don’t blame you. With Oklahoma University of Oklahoma - Norman 11,900 City consistently boasting one of the lowest FAA Mike Monroney unemployment rates in the nation, you may find Aeronautical Center 6,500 that finding a job here is relatively easy compared INTEGRIS Health ✓ 6,000 to other cities. Hobby Lobby Stores Inc ✓ 5,100 University of Oklahoma Health For full time Sciences Center 5,000 employment, the state City of Oklahoma City 4,600 offers OKJobMatch. Mercy Hospital ✓ 4,300 com, a website where OGE Energy Corp ✓ 3,400 you can create or Corp ✓ 3,200 upload a resume Today, Greater Oklahoma City is home to 36,313 • GrowInOKC.com is a website specifically OU Medical Center 3,200 and search for jobs. small businesses, and Oklahoma City also boasts geared toward the OKC entrepreneur, with SSM Health Care of Oklahoma, Inc. ✓ 3,000 The website also business costs that are 17 percent lower than the interviews, how-tos, news for entrepreneurs, University of Central Oklahoma 2,900 allows for Oklahoma national average, a quality that creates a healthy and other resources. Norman Regional Hospital 2,800 employers to search environment for new businesses. Combined with Chesapeake Energy Corp ✓ 2,500 for candidates just the area’s incentive programs, these factors allow • i2E is an Oklahoma City- based non-profit AT&T 2,400 like you. For internships, visit GreaterGrads.com, startup businesses not only to survive, but also to dedicated specifically to growing innovative The Boeing Company 2,300 a website powered by the Greater Oklahoma City thrive. small businesses by helping entrepreneurs, Oklahoma City Community Chamber. GreaterGrads.com provides internship researchers and College 2,100 listings and more information about area job fairs. While the process of starting companies commercialize Sonic Corp ✓ 2,000 a business can be daunting, YOU WILL FIND A TRUE MODERN- their technologies LSB Industries, Inc ✓ 1,880 A Better Life’s employment resources can help Oklahoma City has ample DAY RENAISSANCE TAKING and access capital. support and resources. Over Dell 1,700 you find your fit in Oklahoma City’s job market. PLACE IN OKLAHOMA CITY. Hertz Corporation 1,700 Resources include links to job boards, internship the last decade, our region • Office of Entrepreneurial UPS 1,550 listings, staffing agencies and industry-specific has invested millions of Development, which Great Plains Coca-Cola Bottling tools. View those and more at www.abetterlifeokc. dollars in the areas entrepreneurs need it the most - provides resources and assistance to entrepreneurs Company 1,500 com/employment. infrastructure, access to capital and support. in high-growth sectors. Cox Communications 1,400 American Fidelity ✓ 1,300 Resources for Greater Oklahoma City has several organizations • OCAST (the Oklahoma Center for the Farmers Insurance Group 1,300 entrepreneurs dedicated specifically to supporting high- Advancement of Science and Technology), an Johnson Controls 1,200 A common theme agency dedicated to investing in technology transfer Midfirst Bank ✓ 1,150 in the story of tech entrepreneurs and are walking alongside and commercialization. Bank of Oklahoma 1,100 Oklahoma City is its entrepreneurs through the startup process. Love’s Travel Stops & entrepreneurial spirit Country Stores ✓ 1,100 that has carried it to ATC Drivetrain LLC 1,000 success throughout Continental Resources ✓ 1,000 its history. That spirit is Deaconess Hospital ✓ 1,000 alive and well today, Dolese Bros. Co. ✓ 1,000 with Oklahoma City being ranked as the best city Rose State College 1,000 in the nation to start a business by many national We’ve gone Last updated on October 2015. This list was complied groups. If you’ve got a great idea and you’re ready platinum! by the Economic Development Division of the Greater to trek into the world of entrepreneurship, then Oklahoma City Chamber from a variety of sources. View Managing talent and producing connections for 20 years. an updated list at www.greateroklahomacity.com. Oklahoma City is for you. Temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct hire placements

30 | Oklahoma City Welcome Guide Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | 31 The Oklahoma River, a seven-mile stretch of the Fresh, locally grown produce is available at weekly North Canadian River that runs through the heart of farmer’s markets at OSU-OKC on Classen Curve, Health Oklahoma City, offers world-class at St. Anthony’s in Midtown and in canoeing, kayaking and standup other surrounding areas. paddle boarding. An Olympic-level whitewater Mat Hoffman Action Sports Park is kayaking facility at the Boathouse 26,000 square feet of terrain for District, open in May 2016, will ACTIVE LIFESTYLES skateboarding, in-line skating and provide whitewater training and BMX freestyle biking. fun for both athletes and amateurs. With nearly 250 days of sunshine a year and a growing number of parks, trails and sporting activities, Oklahoma City is the perfect place to maintain an active lifestyle. Thanks to Paw Park, a two-acre, off-the-leash Oklahoma City is home to the Oklahoma City’s emphasis on improving infrastructure, the community funding new wellness park recognized as one of the top annual Oklahoma City Memorial 10 dog parks in the U.S., features a Marathon, held each April, which centers, sidewalks, trails and facilities that encourage the type of quality of life that produces swimming pond and enclosures for attracts more than 24,000 runners healthy, happy citizens. Read on for more of the amenities available for those looking to both large and small dogs. and walkers from all 50 states and several foreign support an active lifestyle: countries.

Oklahoma City has more than 140 miles of walking, Boathouse District running, bicycling and skating trails, with more Twenty years ago, the Oklahoma River was a muddy than 30 miles of trails under construction. patch of land that had to be mowed periodically. Now These trails make it as a glittering jewel of Oklahoma City’s renaissance, it possible for bicycle offers access to river sports and adventure for athletes commuters to travel all the way from northwest of all levels and it is the perfect location to take your Oklahoma City to training to the next level. downtown on designated bike paths. The Boathouse District is Oklahoma River, a six-story participate in the RIVERSPORT Bluff Creek and Lake home to Olympic-caliber SandRidge Sky Trail ropes Corporate Rowing League, Stanley Draper, both athletes training for the course and the opportunity which includes two on- located in Oklahoma City, 2016 Olympic Games in to experience several paddle the-water rowing seasons have more than 15 miles Rio, and the Oklahoma City sports, including rowing, culminating in regattas in of mountain biking and Boathouse is an official U.S. kayaking and stand up paddle June and October and a hiking trails. Olympic and Paralympic boarding. winter indoor rowing training The Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge at the north end of Training Site. However, the program. If you have children Three large lakes – Hefner, Draper and Overholser Lake Overholser is a pristine area of 1,000 acres. facilities available at the To experience all that the who may be interested in – provide outdoor recreational activities in and Hiking the area will put you in close contact to Boathouse District are for district has to offer, purchase paddle sports, the RiverSport around each lake, including boating, fishing, biking wildlife, not to mention beautiful views of lakes, everyone, no matter your a RIVERSPORT Adventures Junior Crew will teach them and jogging trails and golf. Visit www.okc.gov/lakes bottomland forest and marshlands. The refuge’s athletic aspirations. The pass to gain access to all of everything they need to know for more. trails can accommodate bicyclists or hikers. You can district includes miles of trails, the boathouse’s facilities. in an unparalleled training also rent kayaks or canoes and explore the North a 700-foot SkyZip across the Several area businesses also experience. Canadian River/Oklahoma River through the refuge.

32 | Oklahoma City Welcome Guide Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | 33 Outstanding Medical brain tumors that can’t be governed by a 19-member board of directors made Care, Heart Care, Hospice, Multiple Sclerosis Center, Care treated by conventional up of business, medical and community leaders NeuroScience Institute, Neonatal Intensive Care, With one of the nation’s methods, a Bone Marrow from across the state. Integris offers top-notch care Physical Medicine / Rehab Center, Robotic Surgery, leading heart transplant Transplant Center and at facilities throughout Oklahoma City Urgent Care and a Women’s Center. teams, one of the country’s Oklahoma’s largest most complete medical Radiation Therapy Center, ProCure Proton Therapy Center Deaconess Hospital research centers, and one OU’s Stephenson Cancer The ProCure Proton Therapy Center in Oklahoma For more than 100 of the medical profession’s Center. City provides patients with advanced radiation years, Deaconess’ most respected eye therapy in a supportive environment. The center is team has worked to institutes, area residents’ Other unique services equipped with the most advanced proton therapy make Oklahomans access to health care is include Oklahoma’s only technology available. A team of experienced healthier, happier and among the best. Oklahoma Level One Trauma Center radiation oncologists and highly skilled medical hopeful. They continue City is also home to one and three new Medi Flight professionals is dedicated to providing exceptional that mission today of the first proton therapy air ambulances, including and personalized patient care. In addition, ProCure with new, expanded centers in America. These one dedicated to babies. is focused on ensuring patients’ seamless care hospital facilities, a facilities are on the cutting Additional special services beyond proton therapy. The center is integrated with strong network of family edge of battling cancer. include high-risk and the new, state-of-the-art INTEGRIS Cancer Institute practice physicians alternative pregnancy care, in our new Women’s of Oklahoma, which is adjacent to the center and throughout the region, Oklahoma City residents can find quality health & Newborn Pavilion, and a full range of heart care can provide any additional medical services one and the best technology care at 35 hospitals, with most providing services including an internationally renowned might need while undergoing proton therapy. available in healthcare. They are committed to specialty services in areas such as: oncology and electrophysiology laboratory for treating heart providing A Legacy of Caring, A Future of Hope to hematology; orthopedics; burn treatment; hearing arrhythmias. Mercy Hospital all Oklahomans, past, present, and future. and vision care; neonatal care; infertility; spinal Mercy Hospital implements and advocates for disorder care; sports medicine; and after-hours St. Anthony Hospital innovative health and social services to improve the Deaconess has 313 licensed beds with 300 active urgent care. Opened in 1898 by two sisters from the order of the health and quality of life of communities served, with physicians and 250 provisional physicians. They Sisters of St. Francis, St. Anthony was Oklahoma particular concern for people who are economically are also accredited by the Joint Commission and The state’s only Level 1 Trauma Center with City’s first hospital. St. Anthony has a long-standing poor. Commission on Accreditation of Rehab Facilities. MediFlight service is based in Oklahoma City, and ongoing commitment to excellence and quality. the perfect location for regional service. And, the As the recipient of two very prestigious awards, St. Mercy is a full-service tertiary hospital and has Lakeside Women’s Hospital Oklahoma City area’s thriving biosciences industry Anthony’s excellence in quality shines. 381 licensed beds, 2,788 co-workers and 878 Lakeside Women’s Hospital is Oklahoma City’s first adds to the quality of health care, with organizations physicians. Mercy provides the following services: full service women’s health care facility featuring and businesses dedicated to the discovery, In 1998 and again in 2004, St. Anthony was awarded BirthPlace, Breast Care, Cancer Resource Center, many options not offered before in the same setting. development and distribution of advanced with the Oklahoma Quality Award. In 2002, SSM Day Surgery, Emergency Care, Gamma Knife, Home technology to improve treatments and health. Health Care, of which St. Anthony is part, was honored as the first health care system in the nation OU Medical Center to receive the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige Award. OU Medical Center, including The Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center, is Oklahoma’s INTEGRIS Health largest and most comprehensive hospital. It is INTEGRIS Health is the state’s largest Oklahoma- located in the heart of Oklahoma City, just minutes owned health care corporation and one of the from Bricktown and the State Capitol. They provide state’s largest private employers, with hospitals, a full range of hospital services for every patient, rehabilitation centers, physician clinics, mental from the smallest neonate to the most critically ill health facilities, fitness centers, independent living senior. Their unique services include The Children’s centers and home health agencies throughout much Hospital with Oklahoma’s highest level Neonatal of the state. Corporate headquarters are located Intensive Care Unit (NICU), comprehensive cancer on the campus of INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center care including a Gamma Knife Center for treating in Oklahoma City. It is a not-for-profit corporation

34 | Oklahoma City Welcome Guide Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | 35 A Guide to Weather Watches Climate and Warnings

If you aren’t familiar with the categories for severe weather, watching a meteorology report can be a little confusing. Here is a no-frills guide to severe weather reporting.

Severe thunderstorm to the National Weather watch Service’s weather radio What it means: The or local stations for further potential exists for weather updates. the development of thunderstorms that might PDS tornado watch CLIMATE produce large hail and/or What it means: This type damaging winds. of tornado watch is issued when the National Weather Severe Weather Preparedness What to do: Go about your Service deems a storm to Much like states along the east coast normal activities, but be be a “particularly dangerous Sunny Days Ahead Like other states that have a potential for severe are prepared for potential hurricanes, aware of the weather. Listen situation” with the potential Oklahoma City’s solid four seasons and its sunny weather, Oklahoma is well-prepared for what residents in Oklahoma City can do to the National Weather for multiple strong or violent days give residents plenty of opportunities to get Mother Nature might throw its way. The Greater their best to be prepared for severe Service’s weather radio tornadoes. Of the tornado outdoors and explore in a Oklahoma City metro area weather and tornadoes. At home, or local stations for further watches issued across the variety of seasonal weather. has hundreds of outdoor have a family tornado plan in place weather updates. U.S. from 1996-2005, only 7 Oklahoma City’s climate is warning sirens that inform by identifying where you will take percent were classified as enjoyably average (weather- residents when their area shelter. Flying debris is often the PDS tornado watches. wise), with sunny and warm is under a tornado warning, Severe thunderstorm greatest danger in tornadoes, so summers, bright and cold and in Oklahoma City, warning store protective coverings in or next What it means: A severe What to do: Go about your winters and crisp autumns. these tornado sirens are to your shelter space. Many homes in thunderstorm – meaning a normal activities, but be The spring season is often tested every Saturday Greater Oklahoma City have tornado storm with large hail and/ aware of the weather. Listen wet, but filled with plenty at noon unless there is shelters or safe rooms. While not all or damaging winds – is to the National Weather of clear days to get out severe weather in the area. builders include a shelter in the house, occurring or is imminent. Service’s weather radio and watch Oklahoma’s Oklahoma City is also home they often take the steps to make it or local stations for further landscape bloom. In to some of the nation’s very easy for one to be added by the What to do: Move indoors weather updates. addition to its temperate best meteorologists who homeowner. or to a place of safety. climate, Oklahoma City also help residents stay aware boasts clean air so you can and informed when severe Tornado warning The region’s hard clay soil and water What it means: A tornado breathe easy. weather happens. Just 30 Tornado watch table mean that most newer homes do has been spotted or intense miles south of Oklahoma What it means: Conditions not have a basement, but many homes low-level rotation has been Oklahoma’s location east City in Norman, Okla., is the are favorable for severe in historic neighborhoods do. No indicated on weather radar. of the Rocky Mountains and north of the Gulf of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s thunderstorms to form, matter the age of your home, adding Mexico means that we are sometimes a hot spot (NOAA) National Weather Service. Oklahoma City and these storms may be a tornado shelter inside your house or What to do: According to for some interesting weather. Cold, dry air from the has access to the best and most technologically- capable of producing a on your property is a good way to be the NOAA, you should take Rocky Mountains and Canada have the potential to advanced equipment to predict and detect potential tornado. prepared for potential severe weather. cover immediately in an combine with the warm, moist air from the Gulf of severe weather. For more information about tornado enclosed, windowless area Mexico, sometimes resulting in thunderstorms or What to do: Go about your safety and preparation, visit the on the lowest level of your even more severe weather, including tornados. normal activities, but be Oklahoma Department of Emergency aware of the weather. Listen home or office. Management’s site, www.ok.gov/oem.

36 | Oklahoma City Welcome Guide Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | 37 RESOURCE GUIDE Resource Guide

ABOUT OKLAHOMA CITY Bishop McGuinness Catholic High Oklahoma School of Science & Greater Oklahoma City Chamber School Mathematics (405) 297-8900 (405) 842-6638 (405) 521-6436 www.okcchamber.com www.bmchs.org www.ossm.edu Downtown Oklahoma City Casady School Putnam City Schools Incorporated (DOKC) (405) 749-3100 (405) 495-5200 405) 235-3500 www.casady.org www.putnamcityschools.org www.downtownokc.com Christ the King Catholic School Santa Fe South Schools, Inc. Oklahoma City Convention & (405) 843-3909 (405) 635-0407 Visitors Bureau www.ckschool.com www.santafesouth.org (405) 297-8912 www.visitokc.com Christian Heritage Academy SeeWorth Preparatory School (405) 672-1787 (405) 475-6400 www.cha.org www.seeworthacademy.org AUTO TAG, DRIVERS LICENSE Heritage Hall & VOTER REGISTRATION Technology (405) 749-3000 Francis Tuttle Technology Center Downtown OKC Tag Agency www.heritagehall.com (405) 232-5299 (405) 717-7799 www.downtownokctagagency.com Mount St. Mary Catholic High www.francistuttle.edu School Midwest City Tag Agency - (405) 631-8865 Aviation Career Campus AT THE TOP OF THE LIST (405) 737-7640 www.mountstmary.org (405) 424-8324 Nicoma Park Tag Agency St. John’s Episcopal School & Child www.metrotech.edu Our mission is simple: to bring Oklahomans the very best care, in every hospital, in every specialty, every day. (405) 769-3353 Dev. Program Metro Technology Centers (405) 943-8583 (405) 424-8324 Striving to meet that goal often means others take notice. And when they do, it’s good news for all of us. Warwick Tag Agency www.stjohnsokc.com (405) 720-0002 www.metrotech.edu When INTEGRIS receives the Women’s Choice Award for Obstetrics, Patient Safety and Heart Care, it means you have a trusted, unbiased Westminster School (405) 524-0631 Universities & Colleges source reassuring you that great care is right here. EDUCATION www.westminsterschool.org The Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Adult Oklahoma When the Oklahoma Quality Award bestows all of INTEGRIS with its “Excellence” recognition, it means you can trust the INTEGRIS name Platt College Public ASTEC, Inc. (ASTEC Charter (405) 974-4700 wherever you go. (405) 749-2433 www.acm-uco.com www.plattcolleges.edu Schools) (405) 947-6272 And most of all, when INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center is Oklahoma’s only hospital to receive U.S. News and World Report’s Best Brown Mackie College Wright Career College www.asteccharterschools.com (405) 621-8000 Regional Hospitals ranking, there can be no doubt – you’re in the best of hands. (405) 681-2300 www.brownmackie.edu www.wrightcareercollege.com Dove Science Academy (405) 524-9762 DeVry University & Keller Graduate Industrial, Technical & Trade www.dsaokc.org School of Management Heavy Equipment College of Epic Charter Schools (405) 767-9516 Oklahoma (405) 749-4550 www.devry.edu (405) 491-4400 www.epiccharterschools.org www.ok-cc.com Heartland Baptist Bible College John W. Rex Charter Elementary (405) 943-9330 Mike Monroney Aeronautical School www.heartlandbaptist.edu Center - FAA (405) 587-8100 Heritage College (405) 954-4521 www.johnrexschool.org www.faa.gov (405) 631-3399 KIPP Reach College Prep www.heritage-education.com Private (405) 425-4622 Langston University The Academy of Classical Christian www.kippreach.org (405) 466-2937 Studies www.langston.edu (405) 478-2077 Oklahoma City Public Schools www.theacademyok.org (405) 587-0000 Mid-America Christian University www.okcps.org (405) 691-3800 integrisok.com www.macu.edu

405-951-2277 Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | 39

UNI_15-IN-246_Awards_OKC_Chamber_2016_WelcomeGuide.indd 1 11/23/15 1:39 PM Mid-America Christian University Oklahoma State University - University of Phoenix - Oklahoma Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City Armstrong Relocation OGE Energy Corp. (North Campus) Oklahoma City City Campus (405) 752-3754 (405) 947-8001 (405) 553-3000 (405) 692-3200 (405) 947-4421 (405) 241-3815 Ext:3815 www.mercyok.net www.armstrongrelocation.com www.oge.com www.macu.edu www.osuokc.edu www.phoenix.edu The OU Cancer Institute Atlas Van Lines Oklahoma Natural Gas Company OUHSC Office of Alumni & Oklahoma State University Vatterott College (405) 271-6822 (800) 654-5815 (405) 551-6500 Development (405) 744-5000 (405) 234-3600 www.ouhsc.edu/oucancerinstitute www.atlasvanlines.com www.oklahomanaturalgas.com (405) 271-2300 www.okstate.edu www.vatterott.com www.ouhsc.edu/ouhscdev OU Medical Center Edmond Emrick’s Van & Storage Company, Oklahoma Natural Gas Company- Rose State College HOSPITALS (405) 341-6100 Agent for Allied Van Lines Customer Service Oklahoma Baptist University (405) 733-7368 Bone and Joint Hospital at St. www.oumedicine.com/edmond (405) 946-4405 (405) 551-6626 Graduate School www.rose.edu www.emricksallied.com www.oklahomanaturalgas.com Anthony OU Medical Center (405) 585-4601 (405) 272-9671 www.okbu.edu/graduate Southern Nazarene University - (405) 271-5911 Little Guys Movers Oklahoma Natural Gas Company- Professional Studies www.boneandjoint.com www.oumedicine.com (405) 292-5700 Economic Development Oklahoma Christian University (405) 491-6332 Cancer Treatment Centers of www.littleguys.com (580) 249-2272 MBA Program www.snu.edu The Children’s Hospital at OU www.oklahomanaturalgas.com America Medical Center Moving Experts, LLC (405) 425-5562 (918) 508-6593 www.oc.edu/mba Southern Nazarene University - (405) 271-5911 (405) 430-4014 Oklahoma Natural Gas Company- Graduate Studies in Management www.cancercenter.com www.oumedicine.com/childrens www.movingexpertsllc.com Manager of Communications Oklahoma Christian University (405) 491-6671 (405) 551-6738 The Children’s Center Oklahoma Heart Hospital South Serenity Moving Services (405) 425-5100 www.snu.edu Rehabilitation Hospital www.oklahomanaturalgas.com www.oc.edu Campus (405) 437-8243 Southern Nazarene University - (405) 789-6711 (405) 628-6000 www.serenitymovingservices.com Oklahoma City Community College Office of University Advancement www.tccokc.org www.okheart.com (405) 682-7502 and Church Relations 2 Fellas & A Big Vehicle Deaconess Hospital Oklahoma Heart Hospital (405) 814-1013 www.occc.edu (405) 491-6314 (405) 604-6000 www.snu.edu (405) 608-3300 www.2fellasok.com , Steven www.deaconessokc.com www.okheart.com C. Agee Economic Research & Southern Nazarene University - UTILITIES Department of Veterans Affairs Oklahoma Spine Hospital Policy Institute School of Business Medical Center Cox Communications (405) 208-5586 (405) 491-6639 (405) 749-2700 (405) 600-8282 (405) 456-1000 www.oklahomaspine.com www.okcu.edu www.snu.edu www.oklahoma.va.gov www.cox.com/okc SSM Health Care of Oklahoma Oklahoma City University, Ann Lacy Southern Nazarene University INTEGRIS Bass Baptist Health Cox Retail School of American Dance and Arts (405) 789-6400 (405) 272-7000 Center www.saintsok.com (405) 603-6010 Management www.snu.edu (580) 548-1100 www.cox.com/okc (405) 208-5322 www.integrisok.com St. Anthony Hospital Cox Retail - Edmond www.okcu.edu/dance_amgt The University of Central Oklahoma (405) 974-2311 (405) 272-7000 (405) 657-1212 INTEGRIS Canadian Valley Regional www.saintsok.com www.cox.com/okc Oklahoma City University, Kramer www.uco.edu Hospital School of Nursing (405) 717-7963 Summit Medical Center, LLC Cox Retail - Midwest City (405) 208-5900 The University of Central Oklahoma www.integrisok.com (405) 359-2400 (405) 455-2424 www.okcu.edu/nursing College of Business www.summitmedcenter.com www.cox.com/okc (405) 974-2809 INTEGRIS Cancer Institute of Oklahoma City University, Meinders www.uco.edu Oklahoma Valir Health Cox Retail - OKC

School of Business (405) 773-6400 (405) 609-3600 (405) 604-8777 Ext:3 (405) 208-5488 University of Oklahoma Athletics www.integrisok.com/cancer www.valir.com www.cox.com/okc www.okcu.edu/business (405) 325-8200 www.soonersports.com INTEGRIS Health MOVERS Cox Solutions Store Oklahoma City University, Petree (405) 949-6066 (405) 735-9163 University of Oklahoma College of A-1 Freeman Moving & Storage, Inc. College of Performing Arts www.integrisok.com www.cox.com/okc (405) 208-5474 Medicine (405) 751-7561 www.okcu.edu/music (405) 271-3223 INTEGRIS Health Edmond www.A-1Freeman.com AAA Electrical Contractors, Inc. www.medicine.ouhsc.edu/ (405) 657-3000 (405) 787-9299 Ace Moving & Storage Oklahoma City University, School www.integrisok.com University of Oklahoma Health (405) 672-4425 of Law Sciences Center www.aceatlas.com Delco Electric, Inc. (405) 208-5440 INTEGRIS Heart Hospital (405) 302-0099 www.okcu.edu/law (405) 271-2332 (405) 951-2277 All My Son’s Moving and Storage www.ouhsc.edu www.integrisheart.com Oklahoma City University, of Oklahoma City, Inc. CenterPoint Energy Services (918) 938-7107 Wimberly School of Religion University of Oklahoma Lean INTEGRIS Southwest Medical (405) 415-4159 www.centerpointenergy.com/ces (405) 208-5281 Institute Center www.allmysons.com www.okcu.edu (405) 325-9135 (405) 636-7000 All Over Movers Clearwater Enterprises, LLC www.lean.ou.edu www.integrisok.com Oklahoma City University (405) 265-7559 (405) 842-9200 Ext:204 www.clearwaterng.com (405) 208-5000 University of Oklahoma Lakeside Women’s Hospital www.allovermovers.com www.okcu.edu (405) 325-3916 (405) 936-1500 All Star Moving www.ou.edu www.lakeside-wh.com (405) 399-3004

40 | Oklahoma City Welcome Guide Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | 41 Live BIG in OKC.

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42 | Oklahoma City Welcome Guide 405-702-0060 | jmarshallsquare.com