ARDMORE, Okla. – Ground will be broken this year on a new 9,700 square-foot, full-service Chickasaw Nation senior site in Ardmore.
Gov. Bill Anoatubby announced the project last month following legislative approval of the Governor's request for the $3.6 million facility.
"We have had the new Ardmore senior site in the works for some time, and now we are prepared to move forward and provide a beautiful, new facility that will offer improved service and surroundings to our Ardmore-area elders," Gov. Anoatubby said.
"Our elders deserve not only our respect, but our attention to the quality of their lives. This new senior site will provide an exceptional environment for elders to enjoy nutritious meals, engage in physically and mentally stimulating activities, and enjoy each other's fellowship."
The new Ardmore site will include a full-service kitchen, and a large dining room with seating capacity of 100. A separate computer room, an exercise room, and an arts and craft room will also be included.
Elders will also appreciate the covered entrance for pick-up and drop-off.
The Ardmore senior site will be designed by the Dallas architectural firm of Boynton Williams and Associates.
Currently, about 45 elders utilize the Ardmore site daily, and another 40 receive site-prepared meals in their own homes.
The tribe opened the original Ardmore site in 1988. The site was located in the Community Center gymnasium. The current Ardmore site was dedicated in 1996.
The new Ardmore site will provide easy access to other tribal facilities, including the new Ardmore Health Clinic. The new 66,000 square-foot tribal clinic is scheduled for 2012 completion.
