Council tentatively approves transfer of former teen center to Muskogee Sky Kings; councilors ask for contractual safeguards

The Muskogee City Council approved a staff recommendation to move forward with the proposal from the Muskogee Sky Kings basketball organization to acquire the former teen center at 322 Callahan for $1 and convert it to a practice court plus vocational and training space focused on young adults.

City staff said one proposal was received from the Sky Kings and a review committee consisting of several council members recommended the Sky Kings based on their RFP response and prior experience rehabilitating a similar facility in El Reno. The proposal envisions using the property for team practice, strength training, film review, and year‑round programming targeted at ages roughly 18–25, along with vocational and career-development classes.

Several councilors asked about contract safeguards and performance milestones given the low sale price; Councilor Dan Hall and others said prior sales (e.g., the Kiwanis building, an old fire station) contained specific reversion or performance provisions and suggested including similar protections if the transaction moves forward. Staff said a contract has not yet been negotiated and that those stipulations could be added during negotiations.

Jonathan Reid, identified in the record as the Sky Kings’ owner, and Sherry Edwards of Sky Kings staff described ongoing programming and said having a permanent facility would allow expansion of year‑round offerings. The council voted to approve the Sky Kings’ proposal in principle and directed staff to prepare a formal agreement with negotiated terms and protections to return to the council for final approval.

Because the item on the agenda asked only for approval to proceed with the proposal and not for execution of a deed or final contract, the transfer remains subject to negotiation and future council action.