Chickasaw Nation Breaks Ground for Youth Activity Center

Chickasaw Youth Center groundbreaking
Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby (center) and Lt. Gov. Chris Anoatubby are joined by Chickasaw Youth Club members, tribal elected officials and leaders, as well as architect, engineering and construction representatives in groundbreaking ceremonies to begin construction of the Chickasaw Nation Youth Activity Center.

SULPHUR, OK – Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby led groundbreaking ceremonies recently for a facility which will serve the community’s youth for generations.

The Chickasaw Nation Youth Activity Center is designed for various activities, ranging from sports and games to community events. Located adjacent to the Chickasaw Nation Youth Club and Head Start, the Youth Activity Center will provide young people a place to develop to their full potential.

“This new center, in addition to our Head Start and Chickasaw Youth Club, stand as proof that we believe every child deserves the opportunity to dream big, to strive for excellence and to succeed in their endeavors,” said Governor Anoatubby.

The new activity center features a 6,000 sq. ft. multi-purpose area, which is equipped with athletic flooring and tiered bench seating.

“The versatile nature of this area will undoubtedly nurture the diverse interests of our young people,” said Governor Anoatubby.

The Youth Activity Center also includes two full locker rooms and two smaller activity rooms designed to facilitate more concentrated sessions or smaller group activities. The parking lot is designed to accommodate buses, which extends the opportunity for valuable learning experiences for young people beyond the borders of Sulphur.

Chickasaw Youth Center rendering

The new facility is symbolic of the collective responsibility to youth, the community, and long-term strength of the Chickasaw Nation. The activity center is also part of a wider network of facilities designed to serve Chickasaws. Together, these facilities create an environment that, not only fosters individual growth, but also strengthens communities.

In the past two decades, Sulphur and the surrounding Murray County area have experienced tremendous development led by the Chickasaw Nation designed to boost the area’s economy and the visitors’ experience. The Artesian Hotel and Spa, the Chickasaw Nation Visitor’s Center, ARTesian Art Gallery and the 184-acre Chickasaw Cultural Center, all in Sulphur, as well as the nearby Chickasaw Retreat and Conference Center, opened in the past decade.

Near Davis, the Chickasaw Nation Welcome Center, Bedre’ Chocolate Factory, as well as an additional Chickasaw Travel Stop opened in the last 10 years.

The Sulphur Chickasaw Youth Club and a larger facility for Chickasaw Nation Head Start, both designed to enhance the lives of community members, opened in 2017.