ADA, Okla. – Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby was joined by tribal officials and several Ada-area residents, Wednesday, Jan. 25, to break ground on the new Chickasaw Nation Softball Complex, located at 2000 North Country Club Road.

Gov. Anoatubby said the 12-acre softball complex came to fruition because of requests from Chickasaw citizens.

“Several Chickasaw citizens and community members have requested facilities for athletics and family-friendly activities,” said Governor Anoatubby. “In response to those requests, this park will be a place for everything from organized tournament play to casual games and family reunions.”

The new softball complex will include two regulation-sized softball fields and one youth field. Each field will include bleachers, dug outs, warm up areas, and lights for night games.

A central two-story building will include a concession area and restrooms on the ground floor and booths for announcers on the second floor. Plans also include a half-court outdoor basketball court and playground area complete with a large play set.

The new softball complex, expected to be complete later this year, will complement the Chickasaw Nation’s on-going community wellness efforts, said Gov. Anoatubby.

“It is important to have venues that meet the need for family-friendly activities as part of our comprehensive effort to promote healthy lifestyles and strong families,” said Gov. Anoatubby.

The Chickasaw Nation Wellness Centers are located in Ada, Ardmore and Tishomingo. All Wellness Centers are open to the public.

Plans are also underway to update the gymnasium located in the old Chickasaw Nation community center on the Chickasaw Nation headquarters campus on East Arlington in Ada.