OKC Thrive Outside

To kick-off 2021, RIVERSPORT and OKC Thrive Outside plan to host a new community initiative, Urban Art Outdoors. Urban Art Outdoors is a multi-day celebration of community, public art, and the outdoors. RIVERSPORT will solicit applications from a diverse group of local artists to create an outdoor-themed mural on SE 5th St, located among urban biking and hiking trails in the downtown Boathouse District. The artist will paint the outline of the mural on 15,000 square feet of street. 

Youth from OKC Thrive Outside will complete the mural under the direction of the artist.

RIVERSPORT is currently raising funding for the project as well as funding for the newly-formed OKC Thrive Outside Youth Committee which will amplify the voices of youth across all RIVERSPORT and OKC Thrive Outside initiatives.  

RIVERSPORT and OKC Thrive Outside are challenging the outdoor and physical fitness culture. Fewer than 18% of Americans recreate outside once a week, and less than 50% report getting outside even once a year. 

In Oklahoma, kids who do not initially excel at traditional ball sports often start to self-identify as being non-athletic. We are redefining "athlete" by offering water sports - rowing, canoe/kayak, whitewater rafting and surfing – and outdoor recreation to Oklahoma City’s youth. 

We are breaking down barriers – cost, transportation and perception – that typically limit access.   Spending less time watching a screen and more time moving improves health and academic outcomes. Similarly, children who are connected to nature have higher satisfaction with life and pro-environment behaviors.   

OKC Thrive Outside is a two-stage approach beginning with free RIVERSPORT camp to introduce kids to kayaking, climbing, whitewater rafting, and more.  The camp experience is a launching point to motivate kids to engage with the second stage, participating in weekly outdoor recreation offered by Boys Scouts, Girl Scouts, Kayak Club, Bike Club, and the YMCA's Outdoor Club. 

The Urban Art Outdoors project and new OKC Thrive Outside Youth Committee will help ensure that all youth - not just those interested in sports or outdoor recreation – will find their place in claiming the benefits of being outdoors.