TAHLEQUAH, Okla. –
The Cherokee Nation and Cherokee Nation Public Health officially opened the new Tahlequah Wellness Center on Tuesday, celebrating a $30 million investment aimed at expanding access to fitness, recreation and preventive health services
The 75,000-square-foot, two-story facility includes six group exercise rooms, locker rooms with saunas and showers, two basketball courts, two batting cages and a child watch area. The center begins regular operating hours Aug. 5, opening from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said the project was funded through a combination of American Rescue Plan Act dollars and the tribe’s Public Health and Wellness Fund Act, which will help support future wellness centers across the reservation
“This is how we’re going to build and sustain more of these across the reservation,” Hoskin said
Focus on prevention and community
Hoskin said the facility reflects a broader approach to health that goes beyond traditional medical care by encouraging fitness, nutrition and social connection
“I think people are becoming more interested in the idea of wellness,” Chief Hoskin said. “It’s more than going to your doctor or getting prescription medicine.”
He said the success of other Cherokee Nation wellness centers has shown that residents will use high-quality, affordable facilities when they are available
“I think if you create that opportunity, people are responding to it,” he said
Chief Hoskin also highlighted the center’s impact on Cherokee elders, pointing to activities such as chair volleyball that promote both physical activity and social interaction
“They woke up that morning anticipating seeing friends,” Chief Hoskin said. “That’s some of the best medicine of all for our elders.”
He added that the new facility offers something for every age group, including families with young children through the Child Watch program
Residents already signing up
Cherokee Nation District 1 Tribal Councilor Sasha Blackfox Qualls, who chairs the Health Committee, said community interest has been strong from the start
“We have a lobby full of citizens that are already signing up,” Blackfox Qualls said
She said the wellness center is designed to promote prevention by making fitness and health re
“We know that it’s not just physical wellness. It is mental wellness. It is spiritual wellness,” she said
Blackfox Qualls said the location will make it easier for people who work or receive services nearby to stay active without traveling across town
Community welcomes expanded facility
Tahlequah resident Meriah Kirk said she is excited to see the expanded space and additional equipment compared to the previous facility
“I’m kind of excited for all of the other machines,” Kirk said. “This is a good step in the right direction for the community.”
She also said she was happy for the employees who have been looking forward to opening the new center
Samantha Rupe
