FROM PARKS TO PRODUCTIVITY: THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF ADA'S QUALITY-OF-LIFE INVESTMENTS
July 17, 2025 by Daniel Castaneda
BY: SUNNIE DAWN BAKER
Enhancing quality of life is one of the most crucial aspects of developing a local economy. In the 21st century, many people can live and work wherever they would like. While businesses and industries might have specific infrastructure needs, they also have many more choices of where to locate than they once did. Dr. Amanda Weinstein, Director of Research, Knowledge, and Evaluation for the Center on Rural Innovation, talks about this in terms of the “good soil” that spurs economic development. At one point in time, the availability of electricity and other critical infrastructure improvements determined what counted as ‘good soil’ for economic development. Now, however, communities must invest in new priorities, with quality of life at the top of the list.
Thankfully, the City of Ada, its partners, and the broader community consider quality of life a top priority. We are fortunate that the citizens have continued to support the Penny for our City sales tax, which goes directly to quality-of-life improvements. The city established the first penny tax in 2010 primarily to improve public safety with investments in a new police station and fire station. In addition to this, our community received upgrades to City Hall as well as the beginning stages of the new streetscape, a new Sports Complex, and improvements to Main Street.
In 2016, voters chose to extend the tax with Penny Two. This extension focused on completing the improvements to Ada Main Street, as well as a brand-new Irving Community/Senior Center, and both Glenwood and Wintersmith Aquatic Centers. The extension also included workforce housing, the next phase of the Ada Sports Complex, and rehabilitation of the amphitheater at Wintersmith Park. Then, in 2024, voters once again extended the sales tax with Penny Three, which focuses primarily on the parks in Ada, including a further expansion of the Ada Sports Complex and extensive development of Wintersmith Park.
While the development of our parks will be a boon to the community, it also has a significant economic impact. Carol Ervin, President and CEO of Grow Ada, says, “According to the Trust for Public Land, the economic multiplier for Parks and Recreation improvements are 1.2x – 2x. In other words, a $500,000 investment will pay off in the local economy for up to $1M. Increased local spending on food and transportation drives this effect, which also leads to job creation.” You can find more information about the significance of the economic multiplier here. Penny Three focuses primarily on Parks and Recreation and includes a projected investment of $60 million, which could generate an economic impact of $120 million.
One of the many exciting quality-of-life improvements for Ada is the expansion of the Ada Sports Complex, which the City of Ada plans to open in Fall 2027. According to Lisa Bratcher, Public Information Director for the City of Ada, “In 2024, the Sports Complex had over 1,500 participants in various leagues. The recreation staff hosted many tournaments with more than 2,000 players in attendance.” With the next phase of development, though, these numbers are only going to rise. Future developments include a 65,000 sq ft multipurpose building that will include multiple courts for basketball, pickleball, volleyball, and a walking track above the courts. Multipurpose rooms will be available for rent or class space. A balcony will overlook a full-size soccer pitch and a complex of youth soccer fields. Outside there will be a basketball court and pickleball courts, a walking trail around the entire complex, and playground areas specifically designed for ages 2-5 and 5-12, as well as a challenge course for older kids, teenagers, and adults. While the Sports Complex will be beneficial to the citizens of Ada, it will also have a further economic impact. Ervin says, “Tourism is the third largest industry in Oklahoma and sports tourism is quickly becoming a driving factor in destination travel. The Sports Complex will have a strong impact on the local economy by supporting area businesses. It also improves the quality of life for current residents and is an important incentive for attracting or retaining industries in Ada.”
City leaders carefully considered the quality-of-life investments included in the Penny for our City, as the City of Ada wanted to make sure that the projects would serve the citizens as well as further develop our local economy. Angie Stout, Assistant City Manager for the City of Ada, says, “One of the things that we discussed is that these projects should be economic drivers. They should serve our citizens first but also create a better economy by bringing in outside visitors.” In the case of the Ada Sports Complex, it will provide opportunities for the people of Ada, but also affect our community in other ways. Ervin says, “Quality-of-life investments often boost public health, labor productivity, and community cohesion in addition to the financial impact.” While many people appreciate these improvements on a personal level, it is also important to remember that the impact on our community goes much deeper than an afternoon’s enjoyment.
Written by
Daniel Castaneda
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