The McAlester Wellness Center under construction.
Choctaw Nation progress continues with new facilities, economic ventures
By Lisa Reed
Choctaw Nation
McAlester, Okla. - Construction is well under way on four new Choctaw Nation facilities on Elks Road in McAlester. The campus project includes a new community center, food distribution, head start, and wellness center with completion expected to be this fall.
“The Choctaw senior citizens in Pittsburg County have outgrown their center and will soon have a larger facility in which to gather for meals and special events,” said Chief Gary Batton. “The McAlester campus provides easier access and more services for tribal members in one centralized location.”
The community center, head start and food distribution program are replacing older buildings. The food market is the fourth of its kind to be built by the Choctaw Nation in its service area. The construction of a fifth is under way in Broken Bow. The markets offer a more personalized shopping experience for clients who receive approximately 80 food items totaling 85 pounds per person in the household.
One of 13 head starts operated by the Choctaw Nation, the new McAlester educational center will have the capacity to enroll 33 students from 3 to 5 years of age. The wellness center will provide more opportunities for tribal members and employees to work out, hold exercise classes, and learn about strength and training. Wellness centers are also located in Durant, Hugo, Atoka, Crowder, Idabel and Broken Bow, with construction progressing on an eighth in Wilburton.
Shovels are turning dirt and walls going up on many other facilities in Choctaw Country. The sounds of construction can also be heard in Durant, Stigler, Bethel, Poteau, Smithville, Antlers and Atoka.
The expansions include completion of the Durant Casino/Resort’s Grand Theater and a kickoff celebration with Aerosmith on June 27. The second phase includes a new hotel and spa tower opening in July, and the final phase opening in September will include The District – a bowling alley, arcade, laser tag and cinema complex.
“It’s all exciting in many ways,” said Batton. “The tremendous growth provides more jobs and makes a definite impact on the local economy. There will be approximately 500 new jobs added at the resort and at least 100 more in our other new businesses and service facilities.
“The Choctaw Nation is in the process of opening Chili’s restaurants in Poteau and Atoka. The restaurants will bring new dining options and approximately 40 new jobs in each area,” he said.
The Choctaw Nation has scheduled grand openings for a 10-unit independent living community in Stigler for Choctaw elders. An 8-unit community is being built in Smithville. The homes are designed for elderly couples who need an efficient living space. They have a living room, bedroom, laundry area, and a kitchen/dining area equipped with Energy Star appliances. Each community has a storm shelter for the safety of the residents.
New health facilities are also on the horizon with the grand opening of a 21,000-sq.ft. expansion to the existing clinic in Poteau. The services include pediatrics, optometry, podiatry, behavioral health, mammography, physical therapy, and employee health. The Choctaw Nation is also planning a new clinic in Durant with a groundbreaking ceremony in July.