Groundbreaking Ceremony For New Durant Community Center

DURANT, Okla. – On Friday, February 28, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma broke ground on a new community center in Durant, nearly doubling the existing facility’s capacity.

The new community center is approximately 12,500 square feet, almost 3,000 square feet more than the existing center. The facility will include a large multipurpose room for events and activities, dedicated office spaces, a fully equipped commercial kitchen, and a maintenance building.

Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton and Assistant Chief Jack Austin Jr. led the groundbreaking ceremony, which was attended by members of the tribal council, state and local officials, District 9 tribal members, and Choctaw associates.

“This groundbreaking marks our commitment to fostering growth, prosperity, and opportunity for our tribal members,” said Chief Batton. “We are providing more space for education, culture, and connection, ensuring that our people have the resources they need. We are proud to invest in the future of the Choctaw Nation and today is another example of how we are working to strengthen our community for generations to come.”

The Durant Community Center is slated to be completed in early 2026.