Groundbreaking for the Tahlequah Wellness Center: A New Era of Health for Cherokee Citizens
TAHLEQUAH, OK – In a significant step towards enhancing the health and well-being of its citizens, the Cherokee Nation recently celebrated the groundbreaking of a new $34 million wellness center. This ambitious project, the Tahlequah Wellness Center, is set to become a cornerstone of health and fitness for the Cherokee community, with a planned completion date in 2026.
A Vision for Health and Wellness
The Tahlequah Wellness Center will span an impressive 75,000 square feet across two stories, strategically located near the tribe’s Durbin Feeling Language Center and the new Head Start facility. This location not only symbolizes the tribe’s commitment to health but also integrates cultural and educational resources, fostering a holistic approach to community well-being.
Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Under the Cherokee Nation Public Health and Wellness Fund Act and American Rescue Plan Act, we were able to lock down funds for projects like this one that builds upon the health of our Cherokee people.” The center is designed to significantly impact the daily lives of citizens by promoting both physical and mental health.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Once completed, the Tahlequah Wellness Center will offer a wide array of facilities aimed at encouraging an active lifestyle. The center will feature:
- Two Basketball Courts: Providing ample space for sports and recreational activities.
- Weight and Cardio Areas: Equipped with modern fitness machines and free weights to cater to all fitness levels.
- Studios: Designed for group classes, including yoga, dance, and other fitness programs.
- Batting Cages: Supporting local sports teams and encouraging youth participation in athletics.
- Locker Rooms: Ensuring convenience and privacy for users.
- A Running Track: Offering a safe space for walking, jogging, and running.
- Child Watch Facilities: Allowing parents to engage in fitness activities while their children are cared for.
- Public Health Administration Office Space: Enhancing the operational efficiency of health services.
The center will also feature a large lobby area, creating a welcoming environment for community gatherings and social interactions.
Funding and Community Impact
The funding for the Tahlequah Wellness Center is part of a broader initiative under the Public Health and Wellness Fund Act of 2021, which was amended in 2023. This act allocates $100 million in settlement funds from opioid and e-cigarette lawsuits to various public health initiatives. The establishment of the wellness center is a prime example of how these funds are being utilized to improve the health infrastructure for Cherokee citizens.
Deputy Chief Bryan Warner expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I can’t wait to see the progress our Cherokee people make in terms of a healthier lifestyle when this construction is complete.” He highlighted the proactive efforts of the Cherokee Nation Public Health team and the positive impact that a state-of-the-art facility will have on the community.
Expanding Public Health Initiatives
The Tahlequah Wellness Center is just one of several public health initiatives currently underway within the Cherokee Nation. Other projects include the Mary L. (Holland) Carson Wellness Center in Stilwell, which is expected to open in 2025, and additional wellness spaces in the new Salina Health Center. Earlier this year, the tribe celebrated the opening of two new wellness spaces in the Woody Hair Community Center in Kenwood and the Marble City Community Center, further expanding access to health resources.
Lisa Pivec, Cherokee Nation Public Health Executive Director, shared her excitement about the project, stating, “This is a dream not for just myself, but the public health staff as well. We understand how important it is to be active and to be well.” Her commitment to promoting health within the community reflects the tribe’s dedication to improving the quality of life for its citizens.
Looking Ahead
As the construction of the Tahlequah Wellness Center progresses, the Cherokee Nation continues to demonstrate its commitment to public health and wellness. Councilor Lisa Hall expressed her pride in the initiatives being undertaken, stating, “I can’t wait to see the construction complete on this wellness center and know it will benefit so many constituents.”
With Blue River as the architectural firm and Thompson Construction as the contractor, the Tahlequah Wellness Center is poised to become a vital resource for the Cherokee Nation, promoting healthier lifestyles and fostering a sense of community. As the center prepares to open its doors in 2026, anticipation builds for the positive changes it will bring to the lives of Cherokee citizens.
