Published: July 23, 2023 | Last Updated on August 6, 2023, 2:46 AM
OKLAHOMA CITY — The first multi-generational recreation center built in Oklahoma City in over 40 years is now open and providing indoor activities, including swimming.
It’s much-needed relief from the current triple-digit summer heat.
The Willa D. Johnson Recreation Center is located at 909 Frederick Douglass Ave and is now open to the public from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm Mondays through Friday and from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Saturdays.
The space is funded by the Better Streets, Safer City Bond Issue approved by voters in 2017. The 10-year, $967 million bond package invests in parks, streets, police, and fire facilities and more.
The grand opening happened Saturday, July 15 with between 2,500 and 3,000 people in attendance, community vendors, a live DJ, performers, free food, and even Oklahoma City Thunder’s Rumble. OKC Parks Public Information and Marketing Manager Robert Culverhouse said the celebration was an overwhelmingly positive experience and is excited to see the community take in the new rec center.
“It’s a nice, safe, space for people to enjoy making memories,” Culverhouse said. “This has been a huge labor of love for many people. It’s such a touching moment to see it finally here after all the work that’s gone into it, and it does put so many Oklahoma City residents within a few minutes of a recreational facility.”
Fully equipped
The state-of-the-art recreation center is over 38,000 square feet and includes a teaching kitchen with professional chef-inspired designs, commercial gas ranges, a restaurant style refrigerator, and prep areas for members to come and try out new recipes or take a cooking class.
Next to the teaching kitchen is the community room, which can be used for programs and community events and also includes an outdoor patio space. Coming in September, this space will also be used for more programming like Zumba, swing dancing classes, and yoga.
Across from that area is a multi-use gym containing a full basketball court, 2 half-courts, and two pickleball courts.
There is also a fitness area with all state-of-the-art equipment including free weights, dumbbells, and a resistance machine. There’s a touch of accessibility in many of the aspects of this new community space, including computer screens with the fitness equipment showing tutorials on how to best use the machines.
According to Culverhouse, there’s been a push to modernize the existing 10 recreation centers, but there’s only so much to be done when renovating an older facility. This new space gives the opportunity to start from scratch and consider the needs of multiple generations.
For parents, it can serve as a go-to spot for child-care. The child watch area is close to the entrance when guests walk in. This is a space for children ages three to six to play, while supervised by trained staff. The play area is complete with building blocks and toys for little ones.
There are also several multi-use spaces in the new rec center. One is called the “party room,” and another is called the “SPOT,” which stands for “Sharing Positive Opportunity Together” and has gaming consoles and a lounge area. There’s also an internet café for people to be able to do research or homework.
“It’s really a multi-generational facility,” Culverhouse said. “We have something for the older generation all the way down to three years old.”
Indoor swimming complex
One of the main attractions of the new rec center is the indoor swimming complex, which is over 4,200 square feet with a 3,800 square-foot pool, three lap lanes, a current channel, and a water playground.
On Wednesday, July 19th, when temperatures broke 100 degrees, the pool was definitely the most popular place to be for people of all ages.
Paula was one of many guests there with her kid at the rec center on Wednesday. Her child was especially excited about the water slide, and Paula was particularly excited about the day care options.
“We live right across the street, so it’s super convenient, and it’s been a lot of fun,” Paula said. (Paula requested to not publish her last name).
She also said she was excited about having a 7-day free trial to the recreation center. For those who do choose to purchase a membership, Adult memberships range from $15 – $25 per month, and memberships for youth range from $10 – $15 per month.
“We’ve been anticipating this day for a long time,” said Oklahoma City Parks & Recreation Director Melinda McMillan-Miller in a statement. “This state-of-the-art facility is the first of its kind in over forty years, and we are so thankful to the residents for their confidence in the Parks and Recreation Department to construct and operate this facility for generations to come.”
Just a week after its opening, guests are enthusiastic about the new space, with more to come in the fall as programming picks up.
Named after huge figure in OKC history
The $17.5 million state-of-the-art recreation center, located in Ward 7, was named after former Ward 7 Councilwoman Willa D. Johnson. The recreation center is near to Douglas High School, Councilwoman Johnson’s alma mater.
“Willa D Johnson was a huge figure in Oklahoma City and was instrumental for the constituents there,” Culverhouse said. “This is the very first recreation center that we’ve built in 40 years and placing it there where the old Douglas recreation center was allows residents that knew her and loved her to be able to connect with her and the kids in that area have a brand-new state-of the art facility. It truly is a shining star for the city of Oklahoma City.”
Councilwoman Johnson was the first black woman to serve on the Oklahoma City Council and died in 2022 at 83 years old.
“This is a momentous occasion for northeast Oklahoma City,” said Ward 7 Councilwoman Nikki Nice in a press release. “Having known former Councilwoman Johnson, I know she was proud to know how this center will benefit and improve the lives of all Oklahoma City residents, especially our young people within northeast Oklahoma City.”
‘Freedom to Dream’ mural
The recreation center features a mixed media mural titled “Freedom to Dream” created by Ebony Iman Dallas, Quiquia Calhoun, Jarica Walsh and Douglass High School students. The design features Councilwoman Johnson surrounded by children as she encourages them to follow their dreams.
“That was a very, very touching piece,” Culverhouse said. “You can’t help but be touched by the design of it, the skill of it. When you connect that idea to a safe space for children to grow, learn, and be children, it’s kind of a touching moment.”
Zoe Elrod covers events and happenings around Oklahoma City for Free Press bringing her skill as a reporter and photographer. Zoe has spent her career covering local musicians, artists, politicians, and everyday folks.
