I spent a few hours today with a delightful young woman charged with the logistics of relocating the Seattle Supersonics to Oklahoma City, and wasn’t at all surprised to hear the old ‘What’s in Oklahoma City?’ statement, in reference to the mindset of a few of the folks being moved here.
It’s a common question. Whether it’s old stereotypes or the image still being portrayed to the nation, many people outside our borders still picture horse-drawn carriages and dirt-covered prairies when they hear the word ‘Oklahoma.’
She, however, has a very optimistic outlook on the city, and has enjoyed her time here so far. She commented on the beauty of the area, the amazing affordability of housing, and the well-planned design of our highway system. With these things in mind, I thought I’d share a video here for anyone else wondering ‘What the heck is there to do in Oklahoma City?’
Well, the courtroom drama in Seattle came to an end today, with a settlement that will feed the city of Seattle up to $75m. So, fellow Okies, get ready to learn, live and love the NBA! They’ll be here to play next season…
Now for the whirlwind of discussions about names, mascots, etc.
Those of us who’ve been around Edmond for a while are proudly aware of the Territorial School House, located at 124 E. Second St. I find myself in awe every time I drive by it. Those who don’t know about it soon will.
This school house was the first public school house for children in the Oklahoma Territory, built in August of 1889. It’s amazing to look at this small building and imagine trying to send our kids there today for an education, and it’s equally impressive to know that there are groups of people who work very hard to protect and preserve this building. The Edmond Historical Society, and the Edmond Historic Preservation Trust, are the parties responsible, and they’ve been trying to find a way to make the school house available to public viewings.
Well, it looks like things are finally coming together, according to this recent article in the Edmond Sun. Get ready to experience what school was like over a hundred years ago, as an open house has been set for 1:30-4 p.m. April 5.
The trust and the society are also working on a way to develop an educational program tied to the school house, for the Edmond Public School system. Celebrating our heritage, and keeping our kids aware of it are great goals, and it’s nice to see things being done right.
A new facility could include a fitness center, two to three pools, two gyms and designated family areas, said Steve Commons, assistant city manager.
On the surface, this seems like a great idea that could be a win-win for all 3 entities, and ultimately be a huge benefit for the residents of Edmond.
The Edmond Public Schools certainly have a need for the pools, and the Y has a need for more fitness space. However, it sounds like there are still many logistical issues to be worked out. It seems though that all 3 parties have a real interest in finding a good plan that works for all of them, and as long as they stay in that mindset of cooperation, I would bet that this proposal will see it’s way to real-life expansion.
If you happen to have any further information on the progress of this proposal, please enlighten us, and as I find out more, I’ll be sure to post it here.
Most of us who live in Edmond, especially NW Edmond, know about the MAC (Multipurpose Activity Center). It’s an amazing facility built a few years ago at Mitch Park, which offers many different activities and programs for Edmond residents.
Talk is that the MAC is about to be expanded to include a branch of the YMCA, complete with fitness equipment, a gymnasium and a pool. This would benefit not only the residents, but the school system and the city as a whole.
With the ever-growing need for all of us to be more active, I applaud the City of Edmond, as well as the other parties involved in this, for taking the necessary action to see it come to fruition. Just another reason Edmond continues to be recognized as one of the top cities in the region, as well as the country.
You can read more about the specifics of funding, etc for this facility at the Edmond Sun.
