Pictured (L to R): Choctaw Nation Economic Developer Blake McGee, Choctaw Nation Tribal Councilman Jess Henry, Pocola City Clerk/Treasurer John Limbocker, Pocola Councilwoman Cindy Jackson, Pocola Mayor Roy Walker, Choctaw Nation Small Business Development Advisor Taely Dedmon.
Funds help with community center’s final touches
POCOLA, Okla. (Aug. 20, 2026)- The Choctaw Development Fund donated $148,500 to the Town of Pocola to complete dirt work and install a parking lot at the new Pocola Community Center.
The Town of Pocola purchased a building for the community center, which they’ve already renovated and opened to the public. They’re continuing to update the space with remodeled bathrooms and a new parking lot.
The Choctaw Development Fund’s contribution will help with dirt work and the installation of an 18,000 square foot parking lot that’s expected to be completed in October.
“It’s a very, very useful donation to help finish up our community center,” said Roy Walker, mayor of Pocola. “We couldn’t have done it without Choctaw Nation.”
The community center was created as a gathering space for residents, as well as a revenue-generator for the town, with event and facility rentals available.
“The Pocola Community Center is a great addition to the town, giving its citizens a place to gather, generate income, host events and build community,” said Angel Drake, Choctaw Development Fund Manager. “We’re excited to contribute to a project that will continue to serve Pocola for decades to come.”
About The Choctaw Development Fund
The Choctaw Development Fund supports economic viability and sustainability by partnering with Choctaw small business owners, cities and municipalities to create long-term growth and job creation within the territories of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.
The Choctaw Development Fund partners with the Choctaw Nation Small Business Development (CSBD). The CSBD is a single-source contact for member advisory on business start-up and existing business enhancement processes that increase the opportunity for success through partnerships with state, federal, and tribal resources. Our focus is delivering technical assistance, training programs, and access to capital for individuals and entrepreneurs to build successful, job-creating, Choctaw-owned companies within the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.
About The Choctaw Nation
The Choctaw Nation is the third-largest Indian Nation in the United States with more than 230,000 tribal members and 13,000-plus associates. This ancient people has an oral tradition dating back over 14,000 years. The first tribe over the Trail of Tears, its historic reservation boundaries are in the southeast corner of Oklahoma, covering 10,923 square miles. The Choctaw Nation’s vision, “Living out the Chahta Spirit of faith, family and culture,” is evident as it continues to focus on providing opportunities for growth and prosperity. For more information about the Choctaw Nation, its culture, heritage and traditions, please go to www.choctawnation.com.
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