Elk City, OK – The Lincoln Teen Center building in Elk City has officially been donated to the Elk City School District. The center’s leadership announced the transfer this week, marking a new chapter for the historic space that has served local youth since 1998.

The plan is to repurpose the building as a practice venue for the school’s wrestling and tennis programs. Leaders say the facility will offer students a place to train and grow for years to come.

“What began as a vision from God in 1998 has been an incredible journey,” the announcement read. Over more than two decades, the Lincoln Teen Center offered after-school activities, community events, and a safe hangout for teens in grades 6 through 12. The center grew out of a grassroots effort to provide positive programming and support for local youth.

Board members expressed deep gratitude to everyone who supported the center through the years. “Nancy and I and the board would like to thank all the people who have supported this journey,” the statement continued. Leaders said they feel the same calling to donate to the school that inspired them to start the center. They noted that having students use the building long after they are gone “warms my heart.”

The nonprofit’s Facebook posts over the years highlighted fundraising efforts and community backing that kept the center running.

In addition to the building donation, there is currently an after-school program at the Arrowhead Center. The school district also operates an after-school feeding program.

The community remembers the Lincoln Teen Center not just as a place for recreation, but as a gathering spot that brought young people together for learning and fellowship.

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