The Cherokee Nation has commenced construction on a $34 million wellness center in Tahlequah, slated for completion in 2026. This 75,000 sq. ft. facility will offer various fitness amenities, supported by funding aimed at enhancing public health. Additional wellness initiatives are underway, reflecting the tribe’s commitment to improving community health.
In a momentous gathering, the leaders of the Cherokee Nation laid the first stone for a state-of-the-art wellness center valued at $34 million. Situated in Tahlequah near the Durbin Feeling Language Center and Head Start facility, this expansive two-story edifice will encompass an impressive 75,000 square feet. Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. highlighted that funding from the Cherokee Nation Public Health and Wellness Fund Act will significantly enhance the health of Cherokee people upon the center’s completion in 2026. Upon completion, the wellness center will feature two basketball courts, spacious weight and cardio areas, studios for various fitness classes, batting cages, and a running track, amongst other amenities. Additional facilities, such as a child watch area, public health administrative offices, and a welcoming lobby, will create an environment conducive to community engagement and physical health. The funding for this initiative is rooted in the Public Health and Wellness Fund Act of 2021, which designates $100 million from opioid and e-cigarette lawsuits to bolster public health projects like the Tahlequah Wellness Center. This legislative effort was recently amended in 2023 to ensure its effectiveness in fostering healthier lifestyles among the Cherokee population. Deputy Chief Bryan Warner expressed his anticipation for the positive health outcomes that the facility will spur among the Cherokee people, underscoring the efforts of the Public Health team. “This is a real blessing for the tribe, the employees, and the citizens,” he remarked, reflecting a profound sense of hope for a healthier community. Other ongoing public health projects include the upcoming Mary L. (Holland) Carson Wellness Center in Stilwell, projected to open in 2025, alongside additional wellness spaces throughout the region. Earlier this year, the tribe celebrated the opening of new wellness spaces in the Woody Hair Community Center in Kenwood, and at the Marble City Community Center. Cherokee Nation Public Health Executive Director Lisa Pivec echoed the sentiments of excitement surrounding the project, emphasizing the importance of encouraging health and activity within the community. “This is a dream not just for myself, but the public health staff as well,” she stated with passion. Finally, Cherokee Nation Councilor Lisa Hall expressed her pride in the tribe’s continued focus on public health improvements, anticipating that the wellness center will positively impact many lives. With construction set to conclude in 2026, Blue River serves as the architectural firm, while Thompson Construction oversees the project.
The Cherokee Nation is making significant strides in public health through the construction of new wellness facilities. These developments are funded by legal settlements from opioid and e-cigarette lawsuits, designated for initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of its citizens. The Tahlequah Wellness Center is just one part of a broader strategy to ensure the community’s health needs are comprehensively addressed, reflecting a commitment to proactive public health practices. Ongoing partnerships with public health officials and construction teams are vital for the successful realization of these facilities.
The groundbreaking of the $34 million Tahlequah Wellness Center marks a transformative milestone for the Cherokee Nation, promising enhanced health resources for its citizens. This ambitious project, set to open in 2026, is part of a larger public health initiative funded through legal settlements, reaffirming the tribe’s dedication to fostering a healthier community. The excitement among tribal leaders and health officials underscores the center’s anticipated impact on the physical and mental well-being of Cherokee people.
Original Source: www.indiangaming.com
