A new center for Norman’s active adults that’s been in the works for over a decade, at last, opened its doors Nov. 13 with an opening ceremony that drew upwards of 300 guests.
After a period of several years in which local organizations advocated for the center, Norman residents on Oct. 13, 2015, overwhelmingly passed (by 72%) the Norman Forward initiative calling for various quality-of-life projects through a one-half percent sales tax collected over 15 years.
A wellness center was one of the many projects set out to be completed after the community voted for the initiative; however, there was not a dedicated budget for this project at that time, recalled Veronica Tracy, recreation manager for the City of Norman Parks and Recreation Department’s Development Center.
That budget was later approved, and input was sought from various parts of the community through surveys, workshops and ad-hoc boards, providing valuable insights and shaping the center to meet the community's diverse needs, Veronica said.
On Nov. 13, those longtime advocates and other members of the community finally got a chance to see the outcome of this decade-plus-long effort: a $14 million facility, located at 602 N. Findlay Ave. in Norman, for adults ages 50 and over featuring an art deco style design and over 30,000 square feet of space.
The event included a ribbon-cutting for a mural titled “Vibrant Connections” by Oklahoma artists Tiffany McKnight and Aunj Braggs; pickle game demos; art classes and group fitness classes; and a live band. Additionally, personal trainers answered questions and provided demos of the cardio and weight equipment in the fitness space.
The new Adult Wellness and Education Center is owned by the City of Norman; its Parks and Recreation Department will maintain the facility and work with the operator, Healthy Living Norman to ensure the facility meets the needs of residents for years to come.
Amenities include a temperature-controlled, warm saltwater pool, fitness center, indoor walking track, billiards room, demonstration kitchen, multi-purpose rooms for classes and exercise, and outdoor pickleball courts. See HealthyLivingNorman.com/amenities for details.
Individual memberships are $35/month; family memberships (for two 50+ individuals in the same household) are $60/month. Guests may use the facility for $10 per person daily. Some insurance programs, such as Renew Active and Silver Sneakers, are accepted. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis as determined by the Healthy Living Norman management team. A sliding scale is offered based on income.
According to Veronica, these fees are over $10 less per month than the local Family Y and comparable to other local fitness establishments.
“And we’re addressing every possible element of personal wellness at our facility, not just physical wellness,” she points out. “Local YMCAs and gyms do not offer programming for active adults that addresses emotional, intellectual or occupational wellness. Our facility aims to meet the holistic wellness needs of the adults we serve by offering art, educational and social programs as well.”
“We offer a variety of classes and activities, so there is something for everyone," stated Claire Dowers-Nichols, executive director of Healthy Living & Fitness OKC/Norman, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization selected to manage the new wellness facility because of their experience and past success.
"We take a comprehensive approach to wellness, targeting six dimensions: physical, emotional, social, spiritual, occupational and intellectual. For fitness classes, we offer a variety of land and water classes ranging from low to high intensity. Personal training is available for an additional fee for those who would like assistance with their personal training goals,” she added, also noting that the center offers a variety of art classes instructed by local artists, some at no cost and some with only a supply fee.
Feedback so far has been “excellent,” Claire said, noting that membership had already reached 500 in the first week.