From staff reports Yolanda Allen has been named the City of Lawton’s recreation superintendent. With more than 25 years of experience in health and recreation, she will oversee the city’s recreation centers, the new Aquatic Center, and maintenance of facilities, including splash pads and wading pools.
Allen has nearly eight years of service with the city; most recently she served as activities coordinator for the Patterson Center.
She previously spent 22 years as the health and wellness director at the YMCA, followed by a role as assistant manager at the Rinehart Fitness Center on Fort Sill. Her background in health and recreation spans decades.
Allen earned a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education, and a master’s degree in business.
“Yolanda has 25-plus years of direct experience in the recreation industry between the YMCA and Lawton Parks and Recreation,” said Mitch Dooley, deputy director of Lawton’s Parks Department.
“Her extensive experience includes recreation programming, special event planning, aquatic programming, program evaluation and improvement, community partnership development, and recreation staff supervision. In short, she is perfectly qualified and has all the experience she’ll need to succeed.”
Looking ahead, Allen has ambitious goals for the future. She said she plans to expand recreation options at the Aquatic Center by introducing new classes and programs.
“I know that she will put the same care and concern that has served her well-leading recreation programs into her new position,” Dooley said. “She is highly motivated, driven, ambitious, and takes the initiative. These qualities will serve her well as recreation superintendent.”
Allen’s promotion aligns with Lawton’s ongoing efforts to enhance recreational opportunities for residents. “The Patterson Center became a diverse, loving community, and I want to keep that up in my new role,” she said.