By Conrad Dudderar
Senior Staff Writer
A remodeling project at the Yukon Community Center is complete with a new kitchen that’s twice as large as the old one.
The multi-phase face lift of Yukon Parks & Recreation’s oldest facility was finished several weeks ago.
Patrons at the center, 2200 S Holly, have welcomed the latest improvement.
“They appreciate that this new kitchen is a major upgrade,” YPR recreation coordinator Brandi Abercrombie said. “They’re excited about it and all the new programs that will be offered.”
The kitchen features a convection oven, commercial-grade stove, large island, ice-making machine and new counter space.
“We will have cooking classes for youth and adults and summer camp programs with the new kitchen,” Abercrombie said.
This kitchen overhaul was long overdue at a facility that opened in 1973.
The new kitchen is double the size of the previous one.
“This was a long time coming,” YPR Director Jan Scott said.
The old YCC kitchen had no hot water and the stove wasn’t vented, among other issues.
“We had to do something,” Scott said.
Yukon’s capital improvement project was completed in late April by the Oklahoma City contractor Downey Contracting, which also installed a new accessible restroom at L.C. Taylor Park.
The YCC is really looking sharp, patrons and YPR officials agree.
A large front desk and counter were completed at the end of December just inside the entrance to the YCC. Retired Yukon police officer Mitch Hoskins built the desk.
Wood laminate flooring was installed in the entryway in spring 2018.
Several other improvements are on YPR’s wish list for the community center as the department develops its five-year plan.
This includes a new multi-purpose room and expanded pre-school room, according to Scott.
