Community members, seniors and representatives from local organizations gathered this week at the Spencer Senior Center and the Garden Oaks Community Center to unveil new garden beds. Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company (OG&E), OKC Beautiful and RSVP of Central Oklahoma partnered together to provide these new raised garden beds for local seniors.

“We are so grateful to receive these new garden beds for our older adults,” said Cecilia Taft, City of Spencer Clerk. “These beds will empower people who are aging by encouraging gentle physical movement, bolstering social interaction and allowing them to safely spend time outdoors.”

Volunteers from the OG&E Mustang Energy Center donated, built and installed the beds at the senior centers, a particularly timely gift for the Spencer Senior Center as the community is also celebrating the 40th anniversary of the facility’s grand opening. 

“OG&E has planted seeds of solidarity into the soil of Garden Oaks,” said Brandon Denton, Executive Director of Alpha Community Foundation. “This is more than a project — it’s the beginning of a harvest of hope. This garden will be a space where we not only grow food, but grow our people together, in collaboration with organizations that align with our vision we are going to improve health outcomes and water food deserts, starting with a garden in Garden Oaks.”

The garden beds are accessible for people with wheelchairs and walkers, allowing older adults, no matter their mobility capabilities, to enjoy gardening at the center.

“By donating these garden beds, we hope to create a space where local seniors can connect and blossom in a community together,” said Kelli Hayward-Walsh, manager of community outreach and engagement at OG&E. “We’re only as strong as the communities we serve, and we are honored to help energize life for residents in these communities.” 

Following the ribbon cutting ceremonies, local seniors and volunteers from the community and partner organizations began planting flowers, vegetables and herbs in the beds. 

“We are proud to partner with organizations like OG&E and RSVP of Central Oklahoma that help us invest in our community through environmental stewardship and beautification,” said Lauren Nixon, program coordinator at OKC Beautiful. “We are grateful to help provide this center with a unique opportunity that creates a lasting impact.”