Oklahoma City opens first new recreation center in 40 years

Construction workers finish up some last-minute projects outside the Willa D. Johnson Recreation Center in northeast OKC.

It’s been more than four decades since the City of Oklahoma City built a multicultural recreation center. That drought ends this month with the grand opening of the Willa D. Johnson Recreation Center.

The $17.5 million facility is named after the first Black woman to serve on Oklahoma City Council. Johnson represented Ward 7 for 14 years and also served as a county commissioner. Johnson passed away last year at the age of 83. 

Artwork inside the recreation center honors Johnson’s legacy. The mixed media mural “Freedom to Dream” was created by Ebony Iman Dallas, Quiquia Calhoun, Jarica Walsh and students from Douglass High School, Johnson’s alma mater. The mural depicts Johnson surrounded by children and stretching out her hands to release butterflies. 

“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.”

The recreation center is funded by the Better Streets, Safer City bond issue that voters approved in 2017. The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber led that campaign.

The grand opening celebration is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 15, at 909 Frederick Douglass Ave. It includes a live DJ, free food, community vendors, live demonstrations and tours of the center. The facility opens to the public Monday, July 17. Monthly memberships range from $10 to $25.

This article originally appeared in the July 2023 edition of VeloCity newsletter.