CPN continues to expand as multiple construction projects move forward, bringing new opportunities to the community.

“The goal is to create a place where people can live, work and enjoy a variety of amenities without leaving the area,” said David Oman, director of the Planning, Design and Engineering Department.

Administration building

The new administration building is almost ready for move-in.

“The admin building is expected to open before this year’s Family Reunion Festival,” said Jackie Gamble, director of construction.

The four-story building spans 89,000 square feet and includes 158 single-room offices. Each floor features a conference room, common area and access to two elevators. The Tribal Court, located on the ground level and attached to the four-story building, provides space for judges, clerks, juries and court proceedings.

“The west entry is supported by seven pillars and framed overhead with an arrow fletching pattern that carries through the lobby and up the north and south vertical window framing, accented at night by illumination,” said Oman.

“It’s beautiful inside and out and is something the Nation has needed for a long time,” Gamble said. “This building will serve the Nation for decades to come.”

The new administration building is partially funded by American Rescue Plan Act allocations: the Fiscal Recovery Fund and the Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund. Federal Highway Administration funds and Tribal funds are also utilized.

Softball championship field

Softball fields 5-10 were completed in 2025, and crews have begun work on a new championship field. With a capacity of 4,100, the stand-alone field will be one of the largest in the state. It is scheduled for completion in early 2027, in time for softball season. The stadium will feature a 24-by-32 digital scoreboard and will also be designed to host events beyond softball.

“All fields were designed with Division I guidelines in mind,” said Oman.

The softball championship field is funded solely by Tribal funds.

Old casino redevelopment

Crews plan to repurpose the old FireLake Casino by taking it down to its structural frame. At 43,000 square feet, the new facility will include a centrally-located food court with four food stations and indoor and outdoor seating for more than 400 people. The west end of the building will have 12 batting cages and indoor turf flooring, designed to support softball tournaments. The east end will be reserved for future use.

The redevelopment of the old casino is also funded solely by Tribal funds.

Child development center

Plans are underway to expand the Child Development Center. The current administration building will be removed to make way for a new space that will be connected to the existing center. The expanded facility is expected to serve more than 600 children, nearly tripling the center’s current capacity. It will also include classrooms by age group, separate outdoor playgrounds and a splash pad.

Future projects

In addition to current construction, several projects are in development. Construction of the new FireLake Discount Foods in Asher, Oklahoma, is expected to begin soon, with a projected opening in 2028. Plans are also underway for housing and other developments in Choctaw, Oklahoma, as well as behind FireLake Hotel and Casino in Shawnee, Oklahoma.

“Crossland Construction has done a really good job on all projects they’ve done for us,” Gamble said. “They did the new hotel, casino and administration building and are working on the softball fields, so they’ve been really great to work with.”

The construction department and the planning, design and engineering department work closely with in-house teams, including the batch plant, mechanical, electrical and rural water teams on these construction projects.

“Working with in-house teams is a huge deal to the Nation in terms of saving money. We all work well together,” Gamble said.

These projects are expanding the Tribe’s benefits and services while also encouraging economic development.