A ribbon cutting was held for a new Choctaw Nation Community Center, Head Start, Food Distribution center and Wellness Center on Friday, December 11, at 10 a.m. Chief Gary Batton, Asst. Chief Jack Austin Jr., Tribal Councilmembers, VIPs, employees and community members were on hand for this historical ribbon cutting of the new McAlester campus. Chief Batton spoke about the impact that the new facilities will have on the area and states, “it’s something that has been desperately needed here in the McAlester area for a long period of time and hope that our tribal members are excited for the services they’ll be receiving here.”
The 7,956-square-foot Community Center can seat 454 people. It offers a full commercial kitchen for meal prep for senior citizens and special events. The new facility has office space for CHR, Tribal Police, Outreach Services, and others.
The Head Start will accommodate up to 33 students in a school-readiness program for children. It will have an indoor safe room, it will be equipped with newer technology such as a smart board and classroom and touch screen computers. It will also have a parent resource room with computer/Internet access.
The Food Distribution Center will be a 6,333-square-foot facility offering a state-of-the-art nutrition education kitchen for staff nutritionist, to demonstrate how to prepare healthy meals. It also houses the Next Step Initiative program.
The Wellness Center provides top-of-the-line fitness equipment and a wide variety of fitness classes for tribal members, Choctaw Nation employees, emergency crew members and active military. The 6,100-square-foot facility includes a cardio room, weight room, and restrooms with showers. Staff also offer free personal training, nutritional counseling and comprehensive fitness assessments to Wellness Center members.
The new campus is located on the south side of Industrial Park, Elks Road, Afullota Hina in McAlester (behind Great Balls of Fire.)