The Well

Cleveland County finalizes plans, begins construction on a health and wellness complex

BY: Lindsay Cuomo

In 2017, county leadership envisioned a plan to strengthen Cleveland County through community access focused on the physical wellbeing of its residents. At the center of this lofty goal is the development of a complex called The Well, a partnership between the county and the Cleveland County Health Department.

“Our vision for The Well and the reason we included it in the master plan is to make the residents of Cleveland County the healthiest and happiest they can be,” County Commissioner Darry Stacy said.

Breaking ground in the heart of downtown Norman, construction is set to begin on the complex that will feature a two-story community building and a walkable outdoor space. The goal is to create an all-in-one destination where residents can take part in classes, wellness activities and community events as well as a place to access important resources.

Stacy said The Well is a new concept to Oklahoma, a conglomeration of the best practices the country. surveyed from across

“When the community approved the plan for The Well, we travelled the country looking at places that are successful at bringing together health resources, community classes and events that everyone wants to be a part of,” Melody Bays, the executive director of The Well, said. “We are creating a healthy destination for our residents but also for our visitors.”

“We are excited to be the first to do this,” Stacy added.

Bays said that health and wellness initiatives of this magnitude are another unique feature.

“Working in public health it’s usually a grassroots effort but to have this support from the top level is incredible,” Bays said.

“We met with community leaders to see what they would want and need and how to address barriers in the community,” Tara Douglas, the director of community engagement for The Well, said. “The sky is the limit and we have really great partners who are brainstorming ideas. We have about 40 partners that have agreed to provide free or low-cost programming.”

With support from community organizations like Norman Regional Health Systems, Pioneer Library System and Moore Norman Technology Center, Stacy said the complex’s design allows for many functions.

“There will be parking and walkable green space as well as multi-use classrooms and meeting spaces,” Stacy explained.

People will also be able to visit The Well virtually, accessing events and classes through the website, an option that was already planned but whose importance has been highlighted by the current health crisis.

“During the COVID-19 outbreak, we’ve learned a lot about the different ways people need to access information and connect with their community. We’re confident we’ve brought the best ideas and technology to benefit the health of our residents and visitors,” Bays said.

A centerpiece of the anticipated activity at The Well, Norman Farm Market, currently located at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds, will relocate to the new space in 2022. The market will have both indoor and outdoor space as well as added technology and resources available to recruit and cultivate new vendors.

“When we visited markets around the country, what we found was that these farmers markets were a snapshot of that city’s culture, a social festival each time it opened,” Kate Cooper, market manager for the Norman Farm Market, said. “Our farmers market is the oldest in the state and has seen a decline in attendance in the past ten years.”

“We want to invigorate the market and build up a new generation of farmers and shoppers.”

Cooper plans to provide educational resources and courses to support farmers in all areas of their business from getting started to marketing their products.

Complementing the market, The Well will also have a state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen where residents can learn how to utilize the local, in-season produce found at the market in healthy ways. Organizers also plan to host farm-to-table events.

Additionally, the public will have access to a wide variety of health services and professionals at The Well, including dietitians and mental health professionals as well as a health clinic providing free or low- cost screenings and preventive wellness care through a partnership with Norman Regional Health Systems.

“The Well will reach all ages and socio-economic backgrounds,” Douglas shared. “There will be something for everyone.”

Construction is scheduled to begin on the complex in July. The 14,000-square foot facility is designed by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris architects and will be built by GE Johnson Construction.

To stay up-to-date on the construction and for more information about the programs and services at The Well, visit thewellok.org. – BSM