Life Is Good for Families Moving to McAlester, Oklahoma

Life is Good for Families
Moving to McAlester, Oklahoma


“We’re a community, a family, and these are our kids.” That’s the sentiment Randy Hughes, Superintendent of McAlester Public Schools wants to convey to families considering a move to McAlester. The McAlester school district is the largest in Southeast Oklahoma, yet smaller than a traditional metropolitan school district. “This gives us an advantage. We are large enough to offer 15 honors programs, an aeronautics and robotics program, strong athletics, and personalized support for over 650 children with special needs. Yet, no one is a number. Each child is special, unique and we treat them like family because they are. Our community of students, teachers, parents and volunteers is a caring family and that helps each child to succeed.” 

Band


Superintendent Hughes knows the power of strong McAlester schools firsthand, having worked in McAlester for 32 years. “The school district and community are growing together. It’s a symbiotic relationship and one that McAlester businesses are also supportive of. We currently have 80 students placed in internships so they can gain experience while earning high school credit.” This approach, combined with access to Eastern Oklahoma State College (EOSC) and Kiamichi Technology Centers (KTC), ensures that students can graduate and receive work training without leaving home and the comfort of family. These programs and more help sustain the McAlester workforce pipeline.

MHS Eastern KTC

In addition to the strong school system, growing up in McAlester is a lot of fun. Robbie Patton, the Head Gardener for City of McAlester Parks Department, has lived in the area his entire life. “Our parks and outdoor recreation are amazing. People come from all over the world to play our disc golf course. I’ve heard Australians say it’s one of the best they’ve ever played,” said Patton. Disc golf is just one of the many fun activities found in McAlester parks. With 16 located throughout the city, residents enjoy access to sports courts, play equipment, splash pads, a wading pool, cornhole, horseshoes, walking trails, covered shelters with BBQ pits, and much more. Highlights from McAlester parks include:

  1.  A fully ADA compliant playground 
The playground has a soft bed bottom that allows the kids who are physically challenged to play. 

2.  OKC Thunder basketball court 
The Oklahoma City professional basketball team put in a basketball court that’s top of the line and complete with their logos.

3.  Christmas lights and displays
The McAlester parks department goes all out for the holidays, decorating nearly a mile stretch of highway, with more than half a million lights that attract visitors from throughout Oklahoma and Texas.

4.  Movies in the Park
McAlester’s annual FREE summer series, running June through September, held in Chadick Park. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and kick back while you enjoy a movie under the stars on the big screen.   

5.  Archery Range
The McAlester Archery Park is ADA accessible and includes numerous bagged and 3D targets. Take aim from the covered shooting shelter or an elevated platform. It’s the perfect spot to hone your skill for fun or competition. 		   ADA PlaygroundThunder GirlsArchery Park


People of all ages enjoy McAlester parks, with one special place being the McAlester Arboretum. A walking trail surrounds 1,200 trees – many of which are unique and draw visitors from throughout the region. “Master gardeners come to see trees that are uncommon in Oklahoma. We have 47 different red buds, 22 gingkos, 93 oaks, more than 30 different maples, and nearly every type of crape myrtle. Around April all the red buds bloom and it’s magnificent. Then again, the fall foliage is gorgeous too. With a walking trail surrounding the arboretum it’s a beautiful place to take a walk and enjoy an afternoon,” said Patton.

A gardener by trade, Patton appreciates the opportunity residents have to connect with nature, both in McAlester and at nearby Lake Eufaula. “One of the largest manmade lakes in the world is just 30 minutes from here and it’s a great place to fish. Then, if you like to eat and shop – we have that too with downtown and historic McAlester, a new shopping mall, and our own Little Italy.” He continued, “McAlester is such a friendly place and new people are welcome here.”

The friendly atmosphere, combined with great schools and parks, is attracting people to McAlester. “We are seeing an influx of people moving from more expensive areas along the coasts. California transplants do well here because our weather is warm and more mild than the midwest and our cost of living is low. A lot of people are selling their homes and buying one in McAlester in cash,” said Billy Sumner, Tourism Manager for the City of McAlester. “We welcome everyone to come visit and to reach out while they’re here. We’re happy to show them around, connect them with local realtors and show off why we love living here.”
Sign   To learn more about life in McAlester, watch the McAlester, OK Community Video Tour or contact Billy Sumner by emailing billy.sumner@cityofmcalester.com.