Plans have firmed up for the first MAPS 3 Senior Wellness Center, to be located in far north OKC.

$52 million has been allocated for 3 centers and this location will be operated by Healthy Living, Inc., an affiliate of Putnam City Baptist Church.



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/senior1.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/senior.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/senior2.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/senior3.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/senior4.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/senior5.jpg

Kerry, one becomes a "senior" the moment someone refers to them as SPRY instead of simply agile. I wear earplugs now just to make sure I never hear it when it happens. I don't want to do coordinated excercises now anymore than I did in gym classes and I am much less coorperative than I used to be. I don't want to be a member of the Center.

Kerry, one becomes a "senior" the moment someone refers to them as SPRY instead of simply agile. I wear earplugs now just to make sure I never hear it when it happens. I don't want to do coordinated excercises now anymore than I did in gym classes and I am much less coorperative than I used to be. I don't want to be a member of the Center.

What if they had Oompa-Loompas to assit you?

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MYaarEV2a7c/TUcAF8Ik_VI/AAAAAAAAA04/0meVAhGDvE0/s1600/oompa-loompa1.jpg

Hmmmmm...... I don't THINK so. But thanks. :D

Kerry, as I mentioned over in the other thread (thanks for starting a new one), during the campaign they said they were using the one in North Little Rock as the model. Had the NLR Mayor speak at one of their pay-to-attend luncheons. Perhaps Doug has the video for it and can post or provide a link. Think their starting point to qualify as "Senior" was 50. When I realized that by the time these get built, I will qualify age wise! That made me feel just a tad older! LOL

That is why I thought it odd that during Council meetings it was mentioned that the Oversight Committee had NO information for the S.A.C.s (Senior Aquatic Centers). The section for it was completely empty. No mention of North Little Rock or apparently not even the info/description mentioned on the City's site. No campaign info, absolutely nothing. That lead to concern among some Council members that they were going to be neglected and fall off the project list or something. Was also when they expressed the perception that the "push" was being made at the time about the Convention Center (think this was one where Spartan spoke).

As far as activities, that seem up in the air/undefined as well based on Council member comments. From what I have seen at commercial gyms, there are Senior Aquatic Aerobic Fitness classes where exercises are performed in the pool (some swimming) but mostly stretching/moving with resistance "paddles". Stuff like that.

ON EDIT found this on Google (was a MAPS 3 campaign item targeting that demographic (http://www.okcmapsforseniors.com/)


These can be full-fledged community centers, built around a health and wellness theme, but also containing social spaces, library, computer room, activity rooms, ballroom and the like. At this same luncheon, Mayor Cornett said these would be built in all parts of the city and would be designed according to the particular needs in each part of the city.

In addition to North Little Rock, Arkansas, the city of Rogers, Arkansas has created an amazing place for their seniors aged 50 and older. Their Adult Wellness Center offers senior-geared fitness equipment, a wonderful indoor walking track, two swimming pools, a library, several conversation seating areas, and fitness and well-being classes. Daily participation averages over 1,000 people! They also have weekly jam sessions and Gospel sing-along’s and an occasional Karaoke event. They also offer piano lessons. Additional amenities include a game room, library and crafts studio. They feel it vitally important to keep the mind as well as the body conditioned. Arkansas residents 50 and older can obtain a membership for $25 per year.

As far as activities, that seem up in the air/undefined as well based on Council member comments. From what I have seen at commercial gyms, there are Senior Aquatic Aerobic Fitness classes where exercises are performed in the pool (some swimming) but mostly stretching/moving with resistance "paddles". Stuff like that.

That is what concerns me. Lots of fitness centers have hours dedictaed to senior activties, but OKC is on the hook to build 4 or 5 dedicated facilites. I see these going the way of the Oklahoma Spirit Trolley and in 5 or 6 years they will all be turned into YMCAs. However, I am okay with that. If the City builds them and they don't work out we chalk it up to 'lessons learned' and find something else that will work.

But the City thought they had to be "on the hook" for it to "lure" the Senior vote. LOL

Tentative time line from Wed's Oklahoman (3/30/11):


Wellness centers

Budget: $50 million

Construction:
Center 1 from early 2013 to mid-2014;
Center 2 from mid-2015 to late 2016;
Center 3 from late 2016 to end 2017;
Center 4 from early 2018 to mid-2019

So these things are going to cost about $10 million each. I still don't know what we are buying that cost $10 million.

Including land acquisition, design, and the amenities and equipment in the examples...may not be a stretch. Don't know how much these types of things run (like for a Y or other commercial gym with the same things). But I don't see where a Practice Facility would cost its estimated $20 to $25M either, etc.

There are a bunch of these senior centers here in Southern Cal and in addition to a smaller indoor pool they also have lots of meeting and exercise rooms and even serve meals.

They have dozens and dozens of classes and activities; everything from crafts to Jazzercize to movies and music. The also organize trips and excursions.


I'm sure the idea is to have these places serve as hubs for all these things plus information/counseling centers for the myriad of senior services.

It looks like all OKC currently has in this vein are two older senior centers in Will Rogers and Woodson parks.

There are a bunch of these senior centers here in Southern Cal and in addition to a smaller indoor pool they also have lots of meeting and exercise rooms and even serve meals.

They have dozens and dozens of classes and activities; everything from crafts to Jazzercize to movies and music. The also organize trips and excursions.


I'm sure the idea is to have these places serve as hubs for all these things plus information/counseling centers for the myriad of senior services.

It looks like all OKC currently has in this vein are two older senior centers in Will Rogers and Woodson parks.

Pete - do you have any web links to them?

Kerry,

You're officially a senior when you get "Seniors" tickets to the movies and they stop asking for your I.D.

Seniors' Centers and Seniors Aquatic Centers are different animals. I'd imagine a SAC to be like a YMCA with a huge indoor pool. My brother teaches water aerobics using the Hydrotone equipment he invented at a place called the Lighthouse in OKC and there are between 30 and 50 seniors in each of his morning classes. Large Olympic sized pools can easily push a heated/ air conditioned building into the $ 5 - 10 million range.

Stan, I have no problem with cost, size, or targeted clientele - I just want to see what one looks like.

I believe these are supposed to be modeled after North Little Rock's. Maybe this will be helpful to the discussion:
http://www.northlittlerock.ar.gov/departments/senior-citizens.asp

So effectively what we "were sold" was 4-5 or however many we can do, of these. What we may end up getting could be completely different however. I'm not sure if that's an appropriate discussion yet however...

If found these membership names to be a little, well, disturbing:




Prime-Timer Membership - $25 per year

Weekday use of the center from 8AM-4:30PM, Monday - Friday
Weekend use of the center from 9AM-1PM Saturday, 2-5PM Sunday
Short-Timer Membership - $130 per year

Weekday use of the center from 7AM-8PM, Monday - Friday
Weekend use of the center from 7AM-1PM Saturday, Noon-5PM Sunday
It seems to me that if you self-identify as a short-timer you should pay by the month.

Yeah I was confused by that as well. Perhaps the "short-timers" are just the older senior citizens? Lol.. that's a bad term.

Too funny guys. So which one of you is Abbot and which is Costello?

If you are really a short timer, just skip the membership and get the "Non-Member Day Pass" (I speak as someone that is approaching the demographic and have some recent health issues (currently resolved) so no offense is intended to someone that may be in that situation).

I'm not trying to crack jokes, I'm just at a loss for what else that could mean. They must be putting one's membership in the most morbid and euphemistic terms possible at the North Little Rock Senior Center..

I wonder if they have a graveyard in the back of the building as well.

Sorry to hear about your health problems Larry, I hope being the official OKC Talk source librarian isn't causing you stress.

Understand. Probably just a case where someone didn't stop to think of the connection. Reminded of a recent Mazzio's Pizza commercial that went along the lines of..."Mazzio's got it's start As Ken's Pizza and it is back for a limited time". Almost immediately followed by the closing tagline line is "Mazzio's is better". Now if Mazzio's is better, why are they bringing back an inferior product? LOL

From the Senior Wellness Center Subcommittee, here are their objectives:

Provide 4 to 5 state-of-the-art health and wellness centers (1 or 2 to include aquatic programs)
 Encourage healthy lifestyles and serve as a gathering place for active seniors
 Reflect the needs of the surrounding community
 Reinforce the quality of life as it relates to physical, mental and spiritual well-being
 Create, expand and enhance life by providing meaning and purpose
 Foster the well-being of seniors by connecting them with each other
 Transform the aging experience into something positive and life-fulfilling

So, only one or two of these will have a pool and those will be built with ramps that make it easy for people to get in and out of the water.

All the centers will have fitness equipment; rooms for activities, meetings and classes; dining area; social lounges and game rooms.


I don't know why these originally were tagged as "senior aquatic centers" because they are really senior wellness centers similar to what you see in lots of communities.

It's clearly something Oklahoma City doesn't currently have and really needs.

Not my town, so I guess I never read it all that closely when the centers were pitched. But I was under the impression there would be 4-5 near identical centers spread around the metro, rather than a couple of centers and a few more centers-lite. Maybe it's just me, but it sounds like a wee bit of switcheroo, sort of like recently hearing about the park almost being a bother since MBG is now so nice.

Not my town, so I guess I never read it all that closely when the centers were pitched. But I was under the impression there would be 4-5 near identical centers spread around the metro, rather than a couple of centers and a few more centers-lite. Maybe it's just me, but it sounds like a wee bit of switcheroo, sort of like recently hearing about the park almost being a bother since MBG is now so nice.

the reality is that there is no funding for these centers when they come online ... so the programing will largely depend on the partners that they can find ...

ie is the OU health science center is willing to run one and provide the staff/budget they will get a huge say in what goes into "their" center

My understanding is that Woodson Senior center is to be renovated and the current pool there is to be connected to the center and enclosed. Now this is all rumor and speculation (also read smoke and mirrors). Also, to my understanding is that this is/was part of the MAPS3. I have no idea if/when this might happen. Just throwing out the rumor I have been told.

My understanding is that Woodson Senior center is to be renovated and the current pool there is to be connected to the center and enclosed. Now this is all rumor and speculation (also read smoke and mirrors). Also, to my understanding is that this is/was part of the MAPS3. I have no idea if/when this might happen. Just throwing out the rumor I have been told.

That would certainly make to sense to take an existing center when possible and expand and improve it instead of just starting from scratch for all of the senior centers.

My understanding is that Woodson Senior center is to be renovated and the current pool there is to be connected to the center and enclosed. Now this is all rumor and speculation (also read smoke and mirrors). Also, to my understanding is that this is/was part of the MAPS3. I have no idea if/when this might happen. Just throwing out the rumor I have been told.

You need to find a new information source, I guarantee this is 100% false.

You need to find a new information source, I guarantee this is 100% false.

Junkie, do you have inside info on what the plans are?

Well the information sources are wide and varied and that has been a persisting rumor amongst the people that work for the city(the workers that is...not people that are as well placed as rcjunkie seems to have been or still is). I dont know why they would want to save that pool. I see them building from scratch and giving the center to the YMCA or Boys and Girls Club. I can't see the need for that pool to be enclosed 8 lane 50 meter with seperate dive tank and baby pool makes no sense. building new with a 4 lane 25 yard senior fitness pool makes more sense.
Now that is just my thoughts on it I have no official info

I couldn't find the original senior wellness center thread so here is a new one. I just finished reading Suburban Nation last night and one of the chapters in entitled Victims of Urban Sprawl. This is what it said about Senior Citizens and I think this needs to be taken into serious consideration when selecting the location for the Senior Wellness Centers.


STRANDED ELDERLY
Whether or not the suburbs work as promised for children, they are intended to benefit families, especially young ones. As families age and disperse, however, parents begin to find themselves in an environment that is no longer organized to serve their needs. As driving skills diminish with age, parents become increasingly dependent upon others for mobility, just as their children were once dependent upon them. This situation may represent some form of divine justice, but hardly a satisfying one, since being forced to drive and being forced to ride are equally unpleasant.

Many seniors choose to retire to a house in the suburbs especially in the Sun Belt—at least they think that’s what they are doing. But they would be mistaken, because, as soon as they lose their driver's licenses, the location of that house puts them out of reach of their physical and social needs. They become, in effect, nonviable members of society. Unless they are wealthy enough to have a chauffeur, or are willing to burden a relative, they have no choice but to re-retire into a specialized home for the elderly. Then, having left a second community behind, they spend the rest of their days quarantined with their fellow nonviable members of society. The retirement community is really just a way station for the assisted-care facility.

Most elderly are neither infirm nor senile; they are healthy and able citizens who simply can no longer operate two tons of heavy machinery. The phenomenon of suburban auto dependency is not just a theory for these people. It is the reason why we see otherwise reasonable men and women falsifying eye exams and terrorizing their fellow motorists. They know that the minute they lose their license, they will revert from adulthood to infancy and be warehoused in an institution where their only source of freedom is the van that takes them to the mall on Monday and Thursday afternoons.

It should not be surprising that contemporary suburbia, with its strict separation of land uses, has inadvertently segregated the elderly from the rest of society. Prior to 1950, there were few if any retirement communities in the United States; they did not exist, because they were not needed. The elderly would almost always stay in their old neighborhoods after retiring. Once they lost their ability to drive, they could still maintain a viable lifestyle by walking, even if slowly. The ladies pictured here have the good fortune of living in Winter Park, Florida, a small City built in the late nineteenth century. In such a place, where housing and shopping are in close pedestrian proximity, they can remain independent until they become infirm. This option is simply not available in today's suburbs.

Acknowledging the conveniences that traditional urbanism offers the elderly, sociologists have recently identified what they call a NORC: a Naturally Occurring Retirement Community. Amateur observers have another name for it: a neighborhood full of older people. Winter Park, Florida, is one such community, as is the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Many American cities have their NORCs, where a disproportionate number of the better-off elderly have moved in order to realize the benefits of retiring in a mixed use, pedestrian-friendly environment. One hopes that this sort of self-sufficiency does not become the exclusive privilege of the upper classes.


With this in mind I would like to encourage these wellness centers to be located in places that not only serve the seniors directly, but also help to re-establish traditional neighborhood development in the urban core. I would like to have the following locations considered. And of course, each wellness center would need to be built to urban design specifications.

1) The Plaza District
2) Captiol Hill
3) Paseo
4) N. Western at 43rd

If you want to insure that there are no more Maps, be sure to alienate the rest of the city who pays into it by placing all projects downtown.

If you want to insure that there are no more Maps, be sure to alienate the rest of the city who pays into it by placing all projects downtown.

These locations are not downtown, but based on your response I am thinking you didn't read the excerpt I posted. These places won't work if the elderly have to drive to them.

The task force / consultants just issued their final report and based on the distribution of older people in the metro (first graphic) they are looking at two different options for locations:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wellness1.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wellness2.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wellness3.jpg

So it appears they are going to require seniors to drive to them instead of using this as an opportunity to develop sustainable neighborhoods. This is the dropping of the proverbial ball.

The last one looks closest to a Venn Diagram so I'm voting for it.

(Along with a recommendation to more closely qualify Consultant/GraphDrawers)

It is almost like we are slapping stuff all over the map without any rhyme or reason with little or no regard for future development. Then we complain about traffic in suburbia. Maybe the problem is that to get anywhere, we have to drive to it.

This is especially true for Urban Planners who don't even live within the confines of The Urban being planned.

Well . . . Isn't it?

(Not trying to be mean or rude or anything) . . .

This is especially true for Urban Planners who don't even live with the confines of The Urban being planned.

Well . . . Isn't it?

(Not trying to be mean or rude or anything) . . .

Do the universal rules of urbanism not apply in OKC, so only someone living in OKC is capable of understanding the unique characteristics? What makes OKC different from any place else on Earth? Do the laws of physics not apply inside the OKC city limits either?

http://hunts-upguide.com/photos/61.gif

Dang.

I done forgot about The Universal Laws of Urbanism(/ Planning).
I guess I feel sorta like the way Newton felt when Einstein's observations were presented to him.
(But only "sorta") . . .

So . . . Just out of curiosity . . .
'Zackly how much B.F. Skinner have you read, without a little Aldous Huxley and Kurt Vonnegut (e.g. "Cat's Cradle") thrown in, in order to develop your religion?

the map is not the
territory that it might
represent. nossir.

I would add "it ain't" (or "it don't") at the end, in parenthesis . . .
But so doing would violate The Universal Rules of Haiku.
(In fact, I'm not sure that periods are permissable.)

BTW: Where did you find that billboard and flags for Golden Goose Flea Market Mall?

That is pretty funny stuff RadicalModerate. Meanwhile back at the ranch, we are building senior wellness centers for today's seniors in a location they have to drive to. What about tomorrow's seniors? Why not spend the effort and money to create neighborhoods that people can grow old in so people don't have to keep moving in the first place?

Can you more exactly define "tomorrow's" seniors?
And exactly where are these imaginary "senior wellness centers" actually being built?
And isn't the whole concept of "[have] to keep moving" a large part of "wellness"?

Now, I'm sorry that I never got involved with "The Sims" . . .
(thank goodness, "Angry Birds" has appeared over the virtual horizon . . .)

Can you more exactly define "tomorrow's" seniors?
And exactly where are these imaginary "senior wellness centers" actually being built?
And isn't the whole concept of "[have] to keep moving" a large part of "wellness"?


Tomorrow's seniors are today's parents. You live in apartment A when you your single, then you get married and buy a starter home. Then you have kids and you move to a subdivision. Then you kids leave and you move again. Then you get to old to drive and you move again to a retirement home. Why? Why can't there be traditional neighborhoods where you can live your whole life and never have to move unless it is employment related. If people didn't have to move every 10 years some people might actually be able pay-off their mortgage by the time they are 50 and we wouldn't have the housing mess we have today. And they would have something they could sell to see them through their final years, or leave to their family members. Inheriting a childhood home is unheard of today, but it used to be common place.

Based on the maps provided they appear they are going to be built in places dominated by the automobile which is only going to contribute to more sprawl, more traffic, and a great dependence on the car which leads us to your third question. Just how much exercise do you get driving a car? We want seniors to be active so we build things in places that require them to drive. Read the text I posted above about the stranded elderly. How are they going to the wellness center when they need it the most. My mother stopped driving 2 years ago and my grandmother lived for 20 years after she stopped driving. Both of them could walk just fine but there was nothing to walk to.

With this in mind I would like to encourage these wellness centers to be located in places that not only serve the seniors directly, but also help to re-establish traditional neighborhood development in the urban core. I would like to have the following locations considered. And of course, each wellness center would need to be built to urban design specifications.

1) The Plaza District
2) Captiol Hill
3) Paseo
4) N. Western at 43rd

Very few seniors live in those neighborhoods anymore. They tend to live in houses built in the 50's and 60's, not pre-war neighborhoods. Old buildings =\= old people.

Is the City trying to build walkable neighborhoods or not? Becasue if we aren't, then building public facilites in a part of town that requires a car is the perfect location. I was under the impression that public money was spent on places like the Plaza District to re-establish walkable neighborhoods. Maybe I was wrong in thinking that.

Good commentary piece on Walkability from city staff in Gazette today: [URL="http://http://www.okgazette.com/oklahoma/article-13219-working-toward-walkability.html"].

Walkability is key, so is ADA infrastructure and access to transit. Are any cities planning for the aging and disabled? Is there adequate paratransit bus service?

Thanks for that link frustrated. I have a hard time believing someone with the City wrote that while at the same time senior wellness centers are getting built in locations that require the seniors to drive to use them. The left hand needs to tell the right hand what it is doing.

Thanks for that link frustrated. I have a hard time believing someone with the City wrote that while at the same time senior wellness centers are getting built in locations that require the seniors to drive to use them. The left hand needs to tell the right hand what it is doing.

650 square miles, seniors live in all areas of OKC, do you expect the City to build a wellness center within walking distance of every senior.

[/B]

650 square miles, seniors live in all areas of OKC, do you expect the City to build a wellness center within walking distance of every senior.

No, I expect the part of the City that is building new stuff to build it where another part of the City is trying to create walkable neighborhoods. It is like half the City is trying to build a house and another part of the City comes along every night and tears some of it down. We could get where we are going faster if he we didn't take one step forward and one step backwards.

The MAPS 3 Subcommittee has drafted an RFP to find a partner for one or more of these centers:


BACKGROUND
MAPS 3 is a 10-year construction program intended to improve the quality of life in OklahomaCity. It is funded by a limited term one-cent sales tax initiative which began in April 2010 and ends in December 2017. The projects span the entire city at an estimated cost of $777 million.The program includes $52,385,000 for “new health, wellness and aquatic centers designed for senior citizens” as defined in the City Council Resolution. The concept originally assumed thatthe city would construct the turn-key facilities and that operating partners would be solicited to operate the facilities at their own expense. In October of 2011, an RFP was released to solicitproposals from potential operating partners. Two responses were received, but both were rejected. The RFP has been revised in an effort to produce a broader level of interest andresponse from potential partners.

GENERAL SCOPE AND REQUIREMENTS
The City of Oklahoma City (“City”) is soliciting proposals from qualified organizations tooperate one or more of the City owned health, wellness and aquatic centers designed for seniors (“Senior Wellness Centers”), which will be constructed over the next several years. (“Senior” isdefined as an adult age 50 or over). The Operating Partner will be primarily responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Senior Wellness Center. The City proposes to engage theservices of an architectural firm, Glover Smith Bode, who will work with the City and the selected Operating Partner to design any buildings, building renovations and associated physicalamenities related to the first center. The selected Operating Partner will assist in the planning and programming of the center.

The successful respondent shall have relevant experience, shall be able to provide programs andactivities that serve a diverse population of seniors, and shall have the fiscal and service capacity to operate and manage the center. Respondents should be able to demonstrate their SeniorWellness Center operation and service delivery experience and be able to work cooperatively with the City and the community to implement a successful operation. In the absence of directexperience, respondents should describe the capabilities which qualify them for consideration. It is anticipated that the Operating Partners will enter into a contract with the City, with annualrenewals at the City’s discretion. Because it may be advantageous to the parties, the City may wish to contract with or through a participating public trust. As part of the selection process, respondents will be required to submit a statement ofqualifications as described on the following pages. The City will select the most qualified Operating Partner and commence drafting an Operational Agreement from these submittals andsuch other actions as they deem appropriate to the selection process. The Operating Agreement may be preceded by a Memorandum of Understanding for up to one year.The City encourages proposals from single providers or from multiple providers under a common legal entity. Services and programs may be proposed for a single location or formultiple locations.

The kinds of services to be provided may vary, but core services and programs would ideally include the following:
 Fitness
 Aquatics
 Social
 Educational
 Retail
 Health

The physical facilities may vary in size and scope. Any new, self-contained facility will beapproximately 40,000 square feet. The City encourages proposals which include any of the following options or combination of options within the construction budget specified in theImplementation Plan. The combined construction and Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment budget for the first facility is $8,604,000. Facilities may be housed in a variety of building typesincluding any one or a combination of the following:

1. A new facility
2. Renovation(s) of existing facilities
3. Addition(s) to existing facilities

“Senior” is defined as an adult age 50 or over
Turns out I was right when the thought occurred to me during the campaign, that by the time they get built, I will qualify. Made me feel old!

Am pleasantly surprised about the retail element!

From the Senior Wellness Center Subcommittee, here are their objectives:

Provide 4 to 5 state-of-the-art health and wellness centers (1 or 2 to include aquatic programs)
 Encourage healthy lifestyles and serve as a gathering place for active seniors
 Reflect the needs of the surrounding community
 Reinforce the quality of life as it relates to physical, mental and spiritual well-being
 Create, expand and enhance life by providing meaning and purpose
 Foster the well-being of seniors by connecting them with each other
 Transform the aging experience into something positive and life-fulfilling

So, only one or two of these will have a pool and those will be built with ramps that make it easy for people to get in and out of the water.

All the centers will have fitness equipment; rooms for activities, meetings and classes; dining area; social lounges and game rooms.


I don't know why these originally were tagged as "senior aquatic centers" because they are really senior wellness centers similar to what you see in lots of communities.

It's clearly something Oklahoma City doesn't currently have and really needs.

Sadly, anyone on the Senior Wellness Center Subcommittee that doesn't support aquatic centers at all 4-5 Wellness Centers has FAILED the seniors of Oklahoma City, the voters that approved 5 senior aquatic centers and has failed their responsibilities as committee members. Who the hell shrunk the aquatic centers to 1 or 2?

Sounds like the same kind of people who promised sidewalks in all neighborhoods without them to pass our last bond issue and almost totally reneged on that promise!

Hopefully they get rid of the Aquatic part and replace it with a water park. Every one knows how much seniors like running through water and they don't have to worry about having a life guard on duty either. It'll be perfect and every know pools for seniors would be under used any way.

Sadly, anyone on the Senior Wellness Center Subcommittee that doesn't support aquatic centers at all 4-5 Wellness Centers has FAILED the seniors of Oklahoma City, the voters that approved 5 senior aquatic centers and has failed their responsibilities as committee members. Who the hell shrunk the aquatic centers to 1 or 2?

Sounds like the same kind of people who promised sidewalks in all neighborhoods without them to pass our last bond issue and almost totally reneged on that promise!

The reduced number of pools may have come as a result of the potential partners who will be operating sites all balking at the original requirements of the first RFP.

We need many more inexpensive swim centers for EVERYONE!

When I was a boy, I learned to swim at the YWCA on 2nd Street (I was about 5 years old). At 7 or 8, I started swimming at the downtown YMCA. We had city pools at Will Rogers Park, Memorial Park, at a northeast park (where my sisters learned to swim). I believe there were several pools on the south side of OKC. http://www.okctalk.com/nostalgia-memories/25993-okc-parks-swimming-pools.html Currently only 2 parks, Will Rogers and Woodson have swimming pools. My family also swam at Springlake Park, Wedgewood Village, and the Sportsman's Club (when we were invited). Springlake's pool was everyone's favorite. There were 2 high diving boards at Springlake, something that liability insurance won't allow in today's world.

My mom (in the 1920's) would take the streetcar up Classen Blvd from NW 10th Street to swim at Belle Isle Lake where the Belle Isle Walmart is now. One of my uncles was a lifeguard at OKC Golf & Country Club which has always had a nice pool (back in the 1930's) -- and that pool is still there.

If there is not enough money to build the 5 indooor Aquatic/Wellness Centers for our seniors, we should be sure to use the money to build at least 2 great indoor Aquatic, Wellness Centers & promise to build another 3 centers for MAPS 4. We really need one of the initial centers located at Boathouse Row, so athletes training there can use it before 9 am & then we can start senior swim programs & free swim beginning at that time. The pool needs to be Olympic size. We need to insure the new trolley route extends beyond Bricktown to Boathouse Row, so we can insure transit for seniors who don't drive. After the central aquatic/wellness center is built, we should plan a senior aqualtic/wellnes center for each quadrant of the city.

The Boathouse Row pool needs to be Olympic size so it can also be used by our high school athletes for year-round training (early morning) and swim competition. We seniors can share the pool with our public schools for special events. I attended Classen High School (class of '67) and we had an indoor pool that we used for our gym classes and swim meets. OKC public schools no longer have swim pools inside any of our schools (that I'm aware of), even our new ones - Douglas, US Grant, & John Marshall - which is an egregious oversight in my view. I believe Central H.S., Classen H.S. and Captiol Hill H.S. were all built with indoor pools.

One thing we can do now is allow swimming to the public (either free or for a small charge) in the lake proposed for our central park. Since it's a man-made lake, we probably don't have to provide the same purity requirements of a public pool, but the water will have to come from Lake Hefner or Overholser, & not use Oklahoma River water which is too polluted for swimming. We can even share the pool with the proposed paddleboats, canoes & kayaks & the fish! If we need the state legislature to pass a special law limiting OKC's liability, let's get it done. I am sure we could have designated areas for swimming with trained lifeguards.

Oklahoma City Community College does have an indoor olympic sized aquatic center (http://www.occc.edu/rf/aquatic.html) available for special events. But I don't think it is available for public swimming.

I have previously advocated an indoor aquatic park on the north side of the central park near the new convention center which would enable conventioneers to participate year-round in one of Oklahoma City's central park attractions. Oklahoma City needs an indoor aquatic park & our new central park would be a great place to locate it.

Again, if we can't build 5 great senior aquatic/wellness centers with the MAPS 3 money that is allocated, let's build at least 2 great centers. MAPS 4 can build the remaining 3. Also, MAPS 4 could build that public indoor aquatic center for everyone on the north side of our central park. MAPS 4 also should build a whole bunch of public pools in Oklahoma City's parks like we used to have when I was growing up. We need lots of places for kids to learn to swim in the summer. Whitewater is just too expensive for most families. I realize that swimming pools are expensive to operate, but I have a possible solution which I will post in a future thread.

This article is co-posted at OKC Parks (swimming pools) (http://www.okctalk.com/nostalgia-memories/25993-okc-parks-swimming-pools-2.html#post590325) in the Nostalgia section.

As I mentioned in the other thread where you posted this, you're not entirely accurate about the public pools operated by OKC.


City of Oklahoma City | Swimming Pools (http://www.okc.gov/parks/pools/index.html)

As I mentioned in the other thread where you posted this, you're not entirely accurate about the public pools operated by OKC.


City of Oklahoma City | Swimming Pools (http://www.okc.gov/parks/pools/index.html)

Mea culpa!

I previously read that only 2 swimming pools remained in our OKC parks system. I should have reviewed the city's website (http://www.okc.gov/parks/pools/index.html) before posting those comments. It looks like Northeast Park where my sisters learned to swim still exists WITH a pool & still teaches swimming! There are actually 1 indoor pool for use year-round (Foster), 2 family aquatic centers (Will Rogers & Earlywine), and 3 other pools (Northeast, Woodson, and Macklanburg). I plan to walk each of these parks soon and I'll try to swim at the Foster indoor pool on Friday.

Also, since OKC Parks already has the Foster indoor pool facility at 614 NE 4th, we probably don't need a senior pool in Boathouse Row.

From the Oklahoma City Parks website (http://www.okc.gov/parks/pools/index.html):


The Parks & Recreation Department operates 17 spraygrounds, two family aquatic centers and multiple swimming pools throughout the city. They provide a variety of activities for people of all ages and swimming abilities, and are great way to stay cool in the summer heat.


The Parks & Recreation Department operates 17 spraygrounds, two family aquatic centers and multiple swimming pools throughout the city. They provide a variety of activities for people of all ages and swimming abilities, and are great way to stay cool in the summer heat.

Foster Indoor Program Pool - OPEN YEAR-ROUND
614 N.E. 4th
The Foster Program Pool is open year-round for citizens wishing to participate in special programs and classes. Exercise classes and lap swims are a few of the types of programs available. For more information, call 239-6898.

Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 6:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Classes and times:

Water Walking
Build resistance during this individual adult exercise. No instructor.
M/W/F 6:30 - 8:30 a.m.
T/Th 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
FREE

Adult Lap Swim
M/W/F 8:30 - 10 a.m.
FREE

Water Aerobics
Increase your stamina and burn calories during this instructor-led exercise class.
Cost: $2 per person
M/W/F 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Homeschool Aquatics
M/W 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
SESSION I: September 10 - 26
SESSION II: October 8 - 24
SESSION III: November 5 - 21
Cost: $20 per person/session

H20 Bootcamp
Build stamina and get into shape with this amped-up water aerobics class. Advanced.
M/W/F/ 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $2 per session



SWIM TEAM:
MWF June 4-July 28 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Cost: $30 for summer


2012 Summer Schedules and Hours

Schedules posted as of April 12 and are subject to change before the season.
Call 405-239-6898 for specific program or lesson questions.

Download a copy of our 2012 Pools brochure and schedule


Earlywine and Will Rogers Family Aquatics Centers

Hours Open:
May 26, 27, 28 noon - 6 p.m.
June 2-August 12 noon - 9:00 p.m.

August 18, 19 noon - 6 p.m.
August 25, 26 noon - 6 p.m.
September 1-3 noon - 6:00 p.m.

Fee: $6 per person; $3 after 6:00 p.m.


Season Passes (Family Aquatic Centers):
Individual $50 Family Pass (family of 4) $150 ($35 for ea. add'l family member)
Season Pass holders gain early admission at 11 a.m. Monday - Friday.

Season Pass Purchases:
Available at Earlywine and Will Rogers Family Aquatic Centers
May 23, 24, 25 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Or anytime throughout season.

Season Pass holders have 11:00 a.m. entry at Family Aquatic Centers Monday-Friday.

Swimming Lessons - Pre-Season Registration
Pre-season registration for swimming lessons will take place at Earlywine and Will Rogers Family Aquatic Centers May 23, 24, 25 from 3 - 6 p.m.

For more information, visit our Earlywine or Will Rogers Family Aquatics Center pages.

Northeast Pool, 1300 NE 33
Woodson Pool, 3405 S May
Macklanburg Pool, 2234 NW 117
June 12 - July 29
Open: Tuesday - Sunday, 1:00 - 6:00 p.m.

SWIMMING LESSONS

Swimming lessons are available throughout the summer months for ages toddler-adult. Call or visit your local pool for a complete schedule of lessons and activities.

Swimming Lessons: $20 Per Session / Per Child

Session Dates - Family Aquatic Centers:

Session I - June 6-16
Session II - June 20-30
Session III - July 4-14
Session IV - July 18-28
Session V - August 1-11
Session Dates - Northeast and Woodson

Session I - June 14-24
Session II - June 28 - July 8
Session III - July 12-22


Advanced Classes

Summer Competitive Swim Teams - Youth ages 8 – 18 can join one of our swim teams for fun summer competitions. FEE $30

Scuba / Snorkeling Call 405 366-8111 for class dates, times and fees.

Lifeguarding, Jr. Lifeguard and Swim Instructor Classes available.

Yesterday, I walked all the way around each one of the OKC Park Department's outdoor pools: Macklanburg, Northeast, Woodson, Earlywine, and then Will Rogers. I was already signed up at the Will Rogers Senior Center, but I additionally signed up at Woodson Park's Senior Center. This morning, I got up early & went swimming at the Foster Indoor Pool at NE 4th in the first block east of Lincoln Blvd.

Oklahoma City's Foster Indoor Pool is one of OKC's hidden secrets. It is located in what was the "Black" YMCA & built in the 1940's to give our east side Black residents comparable facilities to the Central YMCA downtown. In fact, when I mentioned the pool reminded me of the Central Branch YMCA pool where I swam as a youth, I was told it was identical & both pools were designed & built by the same contractor.

I plan to make the Foster Pool a regular part of my morning workouts. It is open Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 6:30 am to 10 am and on those same days from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm. The park offers some programs for a fee during midday and late evening.

PLUS YOU CAN SWIM FREE, mornings and late afternoons -- not just seniors, but everybody!!!!

The outdoor pools of Macklanburg. Woodson and Northeast are also free to the public during the summer season. Because the pools at Earlywine and Will Rogers are considered Aquatic Parks, there is a small charge for these pools.

Take advantage of your tax dollars and start swimming FREE at the Foster indoor pool during the entire year and at the other OKC parks with pools during the summer.

...If there is not enough money to build the 5 indooor Aquatic/Wellness Centers for our seniors, we should be sure to use the money to build at least 2 great indoor Aquatic, Wellness Centers & promise to build another 3 centers for MAPS 4. We really need one of the initial centers located at Boathouse Row, so athletes training there can use it before 9 am & then we can start senior swim programs & free swim beginning at that time. The pool needs to be Olympic size. We need to insure the new trolley route extends beyond Bricktown to Boathouse Row, so we can insure transit for seniors who don't drive. After the central aquatic/wellness center is built, we should plan a senior aqualtic/wellnes center for each quadrant of the city. ...
But that is what was essentially promised with MAPS 3...we were going to get 4 to 5 Senior Aquatic Centers..definitely 4 and a 5th if money permitted...think most folks figured each quadrant would get one and the 5th one would be located downtown. If they don't deliver what was promised with MAPS 3, why would folks fall for the same promise with MAPS 4???

Also, if not mistaken, the current Streetcar route doesn't get anywhere close to Boathouse Row

But that is what was essentially promised with MAPS 3...we were going to get 4 to 5 Senior Aquatic Centers..definitely 4 and a 5th if money permitted...think most folks figured each quadrant would get one and the 5th one would be located downtown. If they don't deliver what was promised with MAPS 3, why would folks fall for the same promise with MAPS 4???

Also, if not mistaken, the current Streetcar route doesn't get anywhere close to Boathouse Row


they are senior health and wellness centers ... they may or many not be aquatic

they are senior health and wellness centers ... they may or many not be aquatic

Is that how they were pitched in MAPs3? My memory differs, but there's been plenty of times that happens to me without any real reason.

With a project specifically targeting seniors did they repeal the senior exemption from the MAPS tax?