The Lawton City Council promised “More in ’24,” and delivered on that vow. Last year “was the most active and transformative in the history of our city,” Mayor Stan Booker said.
Nevertheless, in his third and final term, Booker envisions more. “Throttle Up” is his new buzzword, and “Thrive in ’25” is his new motto.
In his sixth New Year message, a video recording, Booker reviewed a lengthy list of last year’s achievements. Those included:
• Replacement of a 36-inch water line along Cache Road “to ensure reliable service.” The water main is being constructed in west Lawton from 67th Street east to Northwest Oak Avenue. Starting at the intersection of Oak and Cache Road, a 12-inch waterline will be installed “all the way to Fort Sill Boulevard,” said Caitlin Gatlin, the city’s communications and marketing director. In addition, a pedestrian bridge has been constructed over Wolf Creek just west of Oak Avenue on south side of the eastbound lanes of Cache Road; the new water line will be carried beneath the walkway.
• Reconstruction of Goodyear Boulevard, Phase 1.
• Expansion of West Gore Boulevard from a two-lane to a five-lane route, complete with sidewalks, is underway between 67th and 82nd streets.
• A pedestrian bridge was erected over Interstate 44 at East Gore Boulevard.
• Some 84 miles of aging water and sewer lines have been and are being replaced in neighborhoods throughout Lawton.
• Parks are “being revitalized,” the mayor said. Construction on the new aquatic center in Elmer Thomas Park is underway and the facility is scheduled to be open next summer. New playground equipment has arrived and is stored at the Armory on Cache Road.
Lawton citizens, city staff and the City Council have a “shared passion for progress uniting us as a team.”
“Our most significant accomplishment” of 2024 was “paving the way to ‘thrive in ’25’,” Booker said. As an example, Lawton voters passed an extension of the 2024 Capital Improvements Program, entitled PROPEL 2040.
Turning to 2025, “Cleanliness and safety are one of our top priorities,” Booker said. Property and violent crimes are down. In addition, “We’re doubling down on efforts to clean up and revitalize our neighborhoods for our children,” to make Lawton “a community of choice where families thrive.”
The City of Lawton is “willing to provide access to resources and to engage in partnerships with local organizations” such as the Salvation Army, the C. Carter Crane Center, and MIGHT, to help the needy, the mayor said.
“We have a commitment to fostering self-sufficiency,” Booker said. “We aim to provide a hand up, not a hand out, to those who are ready to rebuild their lives.”
The overall goal is to make Lawton a “thriving and inclusive community,” he said.
The City Council will begin holding special meetings to discuss potential changes to the City Charter, which is “the guidebook for the City of Lawton,” the mayor said. “These changes will be presented to the citizens for a vote … to ensure the community’s voice is heard.”
He also mentioned plans for the youth sports complex and improving and enlarging the animal shelter.
Booker challenged city residents and public officials to “look ahead with boldness, determination, and relentless drive to do more.”