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The community is invited to attend the grand opening for the Willa D. Johnson Recreation Center, 909 Fredrick Douglass Ave., from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. July 15.
The $17.5 million state-of-the-art recreation center is named after former Ward 7 Councilwoman Willa D. Johnson and is the first multigenerational recreation center built by the City of Oklahoma City in more than 40 years.
The celebration will feature a live DJ, community vendors, live demonstrations, events, center tours and free food while supplies last.
“This is a momentous occasion for northeast Oklahoma City,” said Ward 7 Councilwoman Nikki Nice. “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. I encourage everyone to come tour the new Willa D. Johnson Recreation Center, sign up for programs and become a monthly member as we continue to improve health, wellness and recreation within northeast Oklahoma City.”
The multigenerational recreation center is over 38,000 square feet and provides recreational facilities in addition to programming. The center includes a fitness area, lounge, two multipurpose rooms, gym and teaching kitchen. There is also an indoor swimming complex, which is over 4,200 square feet and features a 3,800-square-foot pool with three lap lanes, a current channel, a multipurpose area and a zero-depth beach entry with a water playground.
“We’ve been anticipating this day for a long time,” said Melinda McMillan-Miller, Oklahoma City Parks & Recreation director. “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.”
The center features a mixed media mural titled “Freedom to Dream” created by Ebony Iman Dallas, Quiquia Calhoun, Jarica Walsh and Douglass High School students. Douglass High School was Councilwoman Johnson’s alma mater. The design features Councilwoman Johnson surrounded by children as she encourages them to follow their dreams.
A trailblazer, Councilwoman Johnson was the first black woman to serve on Oklahoma City Council. She represented Ward 7 for 14 years, was a County Commissioner for 11 years and passed away in 2022 at 83 years old.
The building will fully open to the public on July 17. Hours will be from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday – Friday and from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday. Adult memberships range from $15 - $25 per month, and memberships for youth range from $10 - $15 per month.
The recreation center 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 other basic needs.
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Media Note: Reporters are invited to attend a ribbon cutting at 9 a.m. July 14.
Media Contact: Robert Culverhouse, Parks and Recreation; (405) 206-5313 robert.culverhouse@okc.gov
