05/27/2025
Local leaders, school officials, and community members gathered this month to celebrate the official groundbreaking of the Chelsea Multi-Activity Center—a collaborative project between Chelsea Public Schools, the Cherokee Nation, and the Chelsea Boys & Girls Club. The facility will serve as a cornerstone for youth development, educational support, cultural enrichment, and community engagement.
Located between the Chelsea Public Schools Administration Building and Art Goad Intermediate School, the new two-story center will feature a gymnasium, multipurpose classrooms, a technology lab, outdoor recreation space, and a 2,200-square-foot storm shelter—the district’s first on-campus emergency shelter.
During the school day, the center will be used by Chelsea Public Schools for physical education, indoor recess, and instructional activities for elementary students. In the afternoons and summer months, it will operate as a Teen Center led by the Chelsea Boys & Girls Club, providing a safe and welcoming space for children and teens ages 5–18. The facility will also be available for community use, including events such as family reunions, banquets, and other gatherings—making it a true multipurpose hub for Chelsea.
The idea for the shared facility emerged in 2023 when Chelsea Public Schools and the Boys & Girls Club discovered they were both independently planning new buildings within a few blocks of each other. Recognizing the opportunity to serve the same group of youth more efficiently, the organizations partnered to create a single, multi-use space designed to benefit the entire community.
Funding for the project comes from several sources. Chelsea Public Schools is contributing through its $2.2 million bond issue passed in 2023. The Boys & Girls Club secured funding through American Rescue Plan Act grants awarded by Rogers County, along with matching contributions. The Cherokee Nation provided essential financial support and resources, strengthening the impact of the project and reinforcing its investment in community development.
CWA Group is leading the architectural design for the Multi-Activity Center, working closely with all partners to ensure the building meets the evolving needs of the community. Tulsa-based Ross Group is overseeing construction of the facility. The project is expected to be completed by summer 2026, with year-round programs launching soon after.