The City of Oklahoma City sends this information as posted below:
Today, the Oklahoma City Council approved locations for four new youth centers. MAPS 4 includes $118 million to build state-of-the-art centers to benefit the lives of Oklahoma City’s youth and provide learning and social opportunities for children of all ages.
Youth centers will be built at the following locations:
- Woodson Park, 3403 S May Ave.
- S Santa Fe Ave & SE 66th St.
- Northeast Boys & Girls Club, 1501 NE 36th St.
- Melrose Community Center, 7800 Melrose Lane
The new facilities will offer after-school and summer programs for youth across the city, creating opportunities for learning, social engagement, and personal growth. These youth centers will serve as vital spaces for education, recreation, and mentorship, while also providing meaningful support and intervention for those in need.
“The future youth center sites meet the selected criteria and will best serve children in the areas of highest need in Oklahoma City,” MAPS Program Manager David Todd said. “By building youth centers in these locations, we are ensuring that more youth in our community have access to the resources, support and opportunities they need to thrive.”
MAPS identified locations in areas of high need based on data such as youth density, poverty, crime rates, school information and public transit. During the site selection process, consultants engaged nonprofits, law enforcement, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, metro school districts and City departments to gather information.
“Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County is honored to partner with the City of Oklahoma City on the MAPS 4 youth centers. We could not have reached this important milestone without the work of many caring, committed people. We are grateful to the City Council, Citizens Advisory Board and Neighborhoods Subcommittee for their partnership and support.” Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County President and CEO Teena Belcik said. “We look forward to working with the City and community partners to ensure young people throughout Oklahoma City reach their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.”
Programming at these facilities will include athletics, arts, health, educational resources and more.
The youth centers will be operated by Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County. The first center will be designed by Bockus Payne Associates.
About MAPS 4
MAPS 4 is a debt-free public improvement program funded by a temporary penny sales tax that will raise a projected $1.07 billion over eight years. Oklahoma City voters approved the sales tax to fund MAPS 4 in a special election on Dec. 10, 2019, moving forward with a unique and ambitious plan to transform our community. The temporary penny sales tax funding MAPS 4 began April 1, 2020, and ends in 2028. More than 70 percent of MAPS 4 funding is dedicated to neighborhood and human needs. The rest is for quality of life and job-creating initiatives. The MAPS 4 Citizens Advisory Board and its six subcommittees will guide MAPS 4 planning and implementation, making recommendations to the City Council. The Council has final authority on MAPS 4. The MAPS Investment and Operating Trust developed a strategic investment plan to support long-term sustainable funding for MAPS 4 projects’ operational expenses and maintenance. Visit okc.gov/maps4 for more.
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