As a longtime business center for the energy, biosciences and aerospace sectors, this is a city where linear thinking just doesn’t cut it. Yes, there is a new $288-million convention center opening downtown in late 2020, boasting 200,000 square feet of exhibit space, a 35,000-square-foot ballroom and 50,000 square feet of additional space paired with a prime location near the Myriad Botanical Gardens. But there is also the opening of the only urban whitewater rafting facility in the world. Already designated as an official Olympic and Paralympic training site, Oklahoma City is creating the finest rowing racecourse in the world while investing $25 million in a public whitewater kayaking facility for all skill levels. This builds on the 2016 opening of the city’s whitewater rafting facility, RIVERSPORT OKC, one of only six man-made white water courses in the country. The city was also chosen as one of four communities to receive a multi-year grant from the Outdoor Foundation, which aims to make getting outside part of the fabric of peoples’ lives by providing repeat experiences of fun, joy and learning in the outdoors for kids and families of all backgrounds. The city ranks #50 in Parks & Outdoors and #11 in Weather.