MAPS 4 site-selection analysis narrows options for fifth senior wellness center; near-Northwest area shows largest over‑40 population

Jason Cotton of ADG Blatt presented a site-selection update to the MAPS 4 Citizen Advisory Board on July 14, describing a citywide, data-informed process that narrows potential locations for the fifth MAPS 4 Senior Health and Wellness Center to six focus areas, with the near‑Northwest area showing the largest population of residents aged 40 and older.

“We've identified, a partner, the YMCA, and, Anissa Chadick with YMCA is here in the audience today,” Jason Cotton said as he described project milestones. He said the project team has contracted Hornbeek Architects and Studio Architecture for design and has begun a site-selection process that weights “push factors” (features that rule out areas, such as industrial zoning or proximity to existing MAPS 3 wellness centers) and “pull factors” (population density, demographics and over‑40 population concentrations).

Why this matters: locating the center where the target population can access services affects operating viability and program reach. Cotton’s analysis uses 2020 census data, zoning and land‑use topology layers from PlanOKC to identify candidate focus areas; the board was shown hex‑based population-density maps, census-tract demographics and 2-mile buffers around existing MAPS 3 centers and YMCA facilities.

Key findings presented: - Six focus areas were identified: Near Northwest (identified in the presentation as “near Northwest”), Kilpatrick East, Kilpatrick West, Canadian County (west of the city), I‑240 corridor (south Oklahoma City) and Southeast toward Lake Draper. Cotton said Near Northwest appears to have the largest total population and a large share of residents aged 40 and older. - Census‑based snapshots showed each area’s total residents and share aged 40+: examples cited included Kilpatrick West (about 19,000 residents, roughly 7,600 aged 40+, ~40%) and the I‑240 area (about 50,000 residents, ~41% aged 40+). Cotton said the team ranked areas by over‑40 population for initial focus.

Board members raised follow-ups about updated population figures and service area boundaries. Board member Chelsea asked whether the Canadian County data reflected more recent growth than the 2020 census, noting that “Canadian County looks very different since 2020.” Cotton acknowledged the population numbers came from the 2020 census and said the team would look into updated figures.

Staff and board members also flagged operational considerations: David (MAPS office staff) said operator viability matters because the YMCA will operate the center and the operator needs a mix of sliding‑scale and full‑pay members to sustain services. David told the board the MAPS office will use the data to guide site identification and expects to return at a later meeting with a recommended site within one of the focus areas for design to begin.

Next steps: staff said they will continue site evaluation, incorporate operator input, and aim to present a recommended site at a future meeting (possibly next month or later). No formal decision was made at the July 14 meeting.