Cherokee Nation installs public restrooms at parks; several bridge and road projects near completion

Michael Lynn, reporting to the Cherokee Nation Community Service Committee, said new public restroom facilities have been installed at Sequoia Hunting Preserve (Sequoia County), Welling Ridge Trails east of Tahlequah, Dewey Cherokee Community Building, Grama Place Gate Park in Ketchum, and Salina City Park. Lynn said Hulbert Community Building and Griese Community Building are next to come online.

Lynn said three bridges are nearing completion and expected to wrap up in the coming weeks: Bridge 24 over Luna Branch (Adair County), Bridge 202 over Little Prior Creek (Rogers County), and Bridge 119 over North Fork Double Creek (Washington County). He said the Lost City Loop resurfacing is about "10 to 15% complete" and Mud Valley Road is "very near completion," with driveways remaining to be paved after the mainline work.

When Councilor Sasha Black Fox Qualls asked about Pecan Creek (Coos Thompson), Lynn said work there is "hung up in an environmental situation" tied to the purchase of environmental credits that must be resolved before right‑of‑way acquisition and utility moves can proceed. He said staff are attempting to clear that issue as quickly as possible but would not promise a spring completion.

Committee members praised the new restrooms as a priority of Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Horner. Councilor Danny Callison called the new facilities "absolutely gorgeous" and thanked public works staff for the improvements.

Lynn said public restrooms remain a major priority and that roughly 15 locations are planned or completed; he noted another site may come online soon. Work timelines for roads and bridges remain subject to weather and final punch‑list items.