Oklahoma City Parks To Close Rec Centers Under Proposal

Expect Oklahoma City parks to look less tidy, thanks to budget cuts.

In an attempt to cut $1 to $1.5 million, Oklahoma City's Parks and Rec Department is proposing an every three week mowing schedule at local parks.

It had been cutting every two weeks. That two-week schedule became a priority years ago to keep parks well maintained.

Meanwhile, hundreds of part-time workers will not be hired.

Two community rec centers will be closing under the budget proposal.

Closing the Douglas Center in NE OKC and Sellers Rec Center in South OKC will save the city about $140,000.

The Douglas Center would be torn down. The city is looking for a third party to take over the building that houses the Sellers Rec Center.

“You never like to discuss closure or elimination of assets or facilities. It’s not as easy choice,” said OKC Director of Parks and Rec Doug Kupper.

The new Willa D. Johnson Rec Center goes under construction this year at Douglas Park right next to the Douglas Center.

The Sellers Rec Center on south Villa is close to Sunny Oak Rec Center on south Walker.

Despite the cuts, OKC’s Parks and Rec Dept. is hiring 100 lifeguards.

City pools have been spared under the latest budget proposal.

The Parks and Rec Dept. is being asked to cut around 5% of its budget.