NEWKIRK — The Otoe-Missouria tribe held its groundbreaking Wednesday afternoon for the latest expansion of the 7Clans First Council Hotel and Casino property north of Newkirk.
The project that will create a year-round destination for family entertainment.
Included in the expansion are a 20,000 square foot water park which includes four large thrill rides, a children’s pool with additional slides, a separate teenage pool and a lazy river; 60 additional suite style rooms, including many with bunk beds, to bring the hotel capacity to 146 rooms; a second floor arcade adjoining the hotel expansion and water park; food and beverage service for the water park, two additional meeting rooms plus a substantial addition of gaming space.
The project is scheduled to be completed and open for business in late December 2018 and will bring approximately 70 new jobs to the area.
Otoe-Missouria Chairman John R. Shotton says this is just the latest development that the tribe has created to continue on a path of economic sovereignty.
“The Otoe-Missouria tribe is excited to break ground on the 7Clans First Council Hotel expansion and indoor waterpark,” Shotton says. “This project is next phase in our plan to be the top entertainment destination in North Central Oklahoma. Building upon our outstanding gaming and hotel facilities as well as our unique concert venue, we look forward to offering even more entertainment options to our patrons and their families. The expansion will provide a family entertainment experience unlike any other in our region.”
7Clans Casino CEO Bruce Barnett believes the water park creates a unique opportunity for 7Clans First Council Casino and Hotel.
“Having the indoor water park adds year-round entertainment value for the entire family and will be a differentiator for our property,” Barnett says.
John Lyden began serving as the Chief Financial Officer of the Otoe-Missouria Development Authority this past July. Lyden brings years of insight and acumen with him from his previous post with Great Wolf Lodge Resorts. Jim Grant serves as the properties General Manager.
The Otoe-Missouria tribe operates five gaming facilities in North Central Oklahoma including 7Clans First Council Casino and Hotel in Newkirk, 7Clans Gasino at Chilocco, 7Clans Paradise Casino, 7Clans Gasino at Red Rock and 7Clans Casino in Perry.
