MAPS 3 project creates healthy home for OKC seniors

Oklahoma City’s Healthy Living Center at 1:30 on a Monday afternoon had a full parking lot. Impressive. It was my first visit and I wanted a tour of this place I’d heard so much about. Two hours later I left with a membership.

Located at 11501 N Rockwell Ave., just south of the Kilpatrick Turnpike, Healthy Living OKC is a product of the MAPS program — our tax dollars at work. It offers state-of-theart health and wellness services.

As I walked through the doors, I received a warm greeting and was soon met by Associate Director Amber Clour, who took me on a tour of the facility. On our tour, Amber knew everyone by name and is obviously committed to making anyone’s time there a good experience. And it obviously is. Here’s what patrons had to say.

• “I finally found a place for people over the age of 50 where I don’t feel self-conscious like I do in a gym with 20-somethings.”

• “I feared boredom after retirement, but HLOKC created for me a healthy activity and many new friends.”

• “I’m becoming stronger and losing weight.”

• “Exercise, fun, food, friends and hobbies— best thing OKC ever did for seniors.”

• “The new facility is open and clean and the warm salt water swimming pool is fabulous. I tried tai chi for the first time and plan to join art classes.”

• “I refer to this wonderful place as ‘the spa’!”

• “I came for the pool, but I stay for the people.”

Following my tour, I visited with Executive Director Jefferson Killgore — a friendly, enthusiastic man who finds great satisfaction in his work.

Check it out at https://healthylivingokc.com. Even better, go for a tour.