On Tuesday, the City of Norman approved an agreement with the Young Family Foundation as a framework for a long-term relationship related to the Multi-Sports and Aquatics Center project. The project, which is a part of Norman FORWARD, is included in one of four bond packages on an August 25 ballot for voter consideration. 

The Young Family Foundation has committed $4 million toward the project, which is set to be named for the Young Family. The contribution is contingent on a successful August bond election to add funding to the project and location on 24th Avenue NW and Rock Creek Road. The funds donated by the Foundation may be used for physical or operational enhancements to the project as well as a scholarship program for low-income families   

The Young Family said in a statement they were extremely excited to partner with the City on this project.  

“This will be a world-class facility Norman youth deserve. We believe a project like this will change the landscape for all families in Norman.... We envision a facility that will change the way indoor youth sports are played in Norman and across the state. Instead of Norman families driving to basketball/volleyball events in communities' hours away (as our family did so often with Trae, Caitlyn, and Camryn), people will now travel to Norman, Oklahoma, to play these indoor sports. Also, experience our hotels, restaurants, and shopping, among other things that make this city what it is.” 

Read the full Young Family statement here. 

On Aug. 25, 2020, voters will consider investing $119.9 million in Norman to complete the remaining Norman FORWARD quality-of-life projects, renovate municipal facilities to provide better service and safety to residents, address homelessness in Norman, and provide a relief mechanism to our city’s small businesses. If the General Obligation (GO) bonds are approved, the average Norman homeowner ($150,000 home value) would pay about $13.93 a month for all four propositions. 

The bond package, known as GO Norman 2020, will include four propositions: 

• Proposition 1 would provide the $85.6 million needed to complete the remaining Norman FORWARD projects to meet the needs and desires of the community. These include the Multi-Sports and Aquatic Center, Senior Wellness Center, Softball/Football Complex, Ruby Grant Park, Reaves Park and a Parks Maintenance Facility. 
• Proposition 2 would provide $5 million to construct one or more built solutions intended to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Norman. Function and programming will be determined by ongoing studies on homelessness and housing affordability. 

• Proposition 3 would provide $24.3 million needed to complete Municipal Services Facilities to provide better service and safety to Norman residents. These include an Emergency Operations/Dispatch Center, Fleet and Fire Maintenance Facilities, a stand-alone Municipal Court and Police Department and City Hall renovations.   
• Proposition 4 would allocate $5 million to a small business relief fund to spur economic and community development in Norman in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, with particular emphasis on marginalized communities, job retention and creation programs. 

“We are so grateful for the generosity of the Young family. The Norman Forward sales tax initiative has helped us to build a series of transformative projects that will improve the quality of life for our residents, and the Young family’s donation will make the Multi-Sports and Aquatics Center a truly world class venture,” said Mayor Clark. “Norman residents have the opportunity to join the Young Family in supporting a brighter future for Norman by approving the GO Norman 2020 bond package in August. The projects included in this proposal not only restore the original vision of the Norman Forward Projects, but improve resident experience in municipal services, address homelessness and provided much needed small business relief during this difficult time. It’s time to invest in Norman and build these projects right!”

City Council approved the bond proposal on June 9, 2020 after a number of public meetings and study sessions. All Norman residents are eligible to vote for GO Norman 2020. Learn more about this package at normanok.gov/GONorman2020.