OKC, OK July 2023

This is CASADY.

CASADY SCHOOL

9500 N. Pennsylvania • Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405.749.3100 • casady.org

Casady School is a PreK-12, independent, college preparatory Episcopal day school committed to deeper-level learning. Casady School welcomes a student body that reflects the diversity of the world around us and therefore does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, nationality, or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics, and other school-administered programs generally accorded or made available to students at the School.

Faithful to the past while moving bravely into the future.

way we

For over 35 years, Brent Gibson Classic Home Design has been the premier residential custom home designer for Edmond, Oklahoma City and throughout the state, setting high standards of excellence in home design.

BUILT BY Matteson Custom Homes

Enjoying Your Summer?

I hope this letter finds you laying by the pool, lake or ocean and soaking in some much-needed Vitamin D.

As the days grow longer and the weather gets warmer, I find myself eagerly anticipating the arrival of summer. There's just something about this season that brings about a sense of excitement and adventure.

Sure, fall has my favorite flavors and scents, winter has its cozy charms and I can't deny the beauty of spring. But when the summer solstice rolls around, I’m more than ready to take off to destinations heretofore unexplained, hopefully somewhere with a central water feature!

My family loves to travel both the popular and less-known areas of the state, looking for the gems featured in tourist guides and those that are hidden. This summer we're considering a visit to Missouri or Colorado (though there also is some talk of going to see the ocean (which would be a first for 6-year-old Liam). There's something so rejuvenating and refreshing about getting out of your rut and seeing new places and meeting new people.

We have several stories in our Summer Fun issue that will help you make the most of this season in and around Oklahoma City.  And even if summer doesn't mean three months of summer vacation anymore (because we're, you know, adults) we can still look forward to an adventure by crossing things off our ultimate summer bucket list and curling up with a new favorite beach read. (P.S. teachers, you deserve this much-needed break!)

Just like this season has a way of bringing people together, we hope the pages inside this month’s issue will enrich and enliven your experience here in OKC this summer!

July 2023

PUBLISHER

Jimmy Darden | jimmy.darden@citylifestyle.com

405.541.5650

MANAGING EDITOR

Jerri Culpepper | jerri.culpepper@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Lindsey Nantze | lindsey.nantze@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Kaylin Hill | kaylin.hill@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Brooke Barnett, Julie Dill-Burnett, Jerri Culpepper, Lindsey Davies, Kaylin Hill

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kaylin Hill, Gavin Peters, Dennise Toewes, Danny Vo

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

OKC Lifestyle hosted a Spring Soiree May 2 at Slate in OKC.

PHOTOGRAPHER

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @CityLifestyle_OKC

Guests enjoy food catered by Rococco and spirits from Woodworks and Slate.

Photography by Dennise Toewes

Lyric Theatre to Stage Ain’t Misbehavin’

Get ready to jump, jive and wail the night away as Lyric Theatre transports the audience to 1920s and ’30s Harlem, featuring the wit and energy of a dynamic period in American music, in their production of Ain’t Misbehavin’, to be staged at July 25-30 at the Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave. Lyric’s production celebrates the music of legendary Fats Waller and the great artists of the Harlem Renaissance. lyrictheatreokc.com

Sonic Movie Nights at the Myriad

Wednesdays through July 12, gather up the kids for Sonic Movie Nights at the Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno. Held on Devon Lawn, participants can enjoy pre-movie activities, including food trucks, beginning at 7 p.m., with the movie starting at 9. Admission is free, thanks to SONIC, America’s Drive In. July’s lineup: Vivo (2021, Sony Pictures Animation’s first-ever musical adventure) on the 5th and The Sandlot (1993) on the 12th.

Scan to read more.

Red, White and Bloom Set for July 3

Celebrate Independence Day a day early with Red, White and Boom featuring the Oklahoma City Philharmonic! Meet up at the Spark Restaurant in Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St., at 8:15 p.m. The Philharmonic will begin at 8:30, with the fireworks display beginning after dark. Sponsored by St. Paul’s Cathedral OKC.

DESTINATION: THE NATIONAL

ENJOY GREAT DINING, DRINKING & SHOPPING, ALL IN ONE PLACE

ARTICLE BY KAYLIN HILL PHOTOGRAPHY BY GAVIN PETERS

Shopping. Dining. Luxury rooms. The First National Center offers it all, whether you’re looking for a girls’ weekend getaway, a romantic retreat, or short family staycation.

Choose your weekend stay at The National via their easy online reservation center. Booking direct ensures you’ll receive the best-rate guarantee, access to the hotel’s high-speed internet, and even a late checkout.

This beautiful historic building, originally built in 1931, offers some of OKC’s most luxurious accommodations, making your stay a memorable and photographic one.

But what I love most of all about this destination—especially summertime, when the weather here can be miserably hot—is that you truly don’t even need to leave the hotel to access some of OKC’s best dining, drinking and shopping!

As far as dining, I recommend enjoying a variety of craft cocktail options in the architecturally magnificent Great Hall (if you’re not an alcohol drinker, they have excellent mocktails on their menu, too), grabbing lunch at the Library of Distilled Spirits (we highly recommend their Crab Tostadas and their tacos!), reserving a table for dinner at Stock and Bond (The First National Center’s classic steakhouse with traditional dishes and High Plains steak paired with American whiskey), and brunching at Teller’s to enjoy live jazz music while you dine. Another place you’ll want to check out is The Gilded Acorn, which serves excellent coffee provided in an elegant atmosphere. (Tip: give their quiche a try!)

The National’s bottom floor is sprinkled with shopping experiences, such as OKC’s native concept, Plenty Mercantile, which prides itself on stocking its shelves with sustainable goods and gifts. Other options include Lucchese Bootmaker and—coming soon—King Ranch.

Between shopping locations is Drybar OKC, where you can treat yourself to a self-care moment with a blowout and a manicure at Paint Nail Bar.

When you’re ready to brave the heat, there’s lots to do without having to travel far. From Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park to the Bricktown Brewery, there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy nearby.

THE FIRST NATIONAL CENTER 120 N. Robinson, Oklahoma City | FirstNationalOKC.com

TOP LEFT: The National's architecturally magnificent Great Hall

TOP RIGHT: A beautifully appointed guest room

BOTTOM RIGHT: Spacious suites are also available.

Hollywood Meets Paseo

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIE DILL-BURNETT

WILDFIRE GALLERY

OWNERS DISCUSS

‘TULSA KING’ CONNECTION

Greg Erway has come a long way since his high school art class. After several units, his high school art teacher allowed the class to choose a medium for a special project. Greg chose paint. He claims his piece was “pretty horrible,” and even his mother wouldn’t display it. The painting ended up in the bottom of a closet.

He went on to earn a master’s degree in choral conducting from the University of Central Oklahoma, and he served as a worship pastor for over 35 years.

However, Greg says, “The desire to paint never went away.” He started painting again about 11 years ago.

When Greg turned 50, he knew he would retire at some point, and he wanted a hobby. He told his wife, Denice, that he was going to buy a set of paints and brushes, and that’s exactly what he did. He watched a couple of lessons on the internet, and they were good enough to keep his interest. He explains, “I just kept painting.”

He then took a workshop/class from Thomas Stotts at the Museum of Art in Oklahoma City. From there, he just kept at it. He shared some of his work on social media, and a collector purchased a piece.

After six or seven years, he brought five pieces into a Paseo art gallery. The owner of the gallery at the time was polite and told him she was full. Greg felt he wasn’t ready, so for the next few years, he continued to work hard,

improve and paint any spare moment he had.

Eventually, another artist noticed Greg’s work at a museum in Duncan and encouraged the Paseo gallery owner to contact Greg. After a few other shows, the owner invited him to add his work to the gallery in November of 2020. However, in February 2021, the owner called to say she was closing the gallery.

Where some people may see the end of a story, Greg and his wife saw opportunity. The couple leased the Paseo space and reopened with the new name Wildfire Gallery in June of 2021. Most of the gallery’s artists were retained.

An artist suggested that they go with a “new West” or “contemporary Western” theme. Since Greg is a portrait artist and often paints animals, it was fitting. Currently, all of the artists featured in the gallery are from Oklahoma, with the exception of one.

Fortunately, this led to even more opportunities. One day a buyer for a film production company came into the gallery looking for specific pieces to design the set of the Sylvester Stallone Paramount+ film, Tulsa King, which has been renewed for a second season. Denice worked to match the buyer with local artists.

She explains, “I decided that I was going to make our gallery available and be a liaison for some of the local artists.”

One of the gallery’s artists, Kevin Wells, created 12 12x12 custom watercolor paintings, which can be seen in the hotel room of the Tulsa King set. Most of the film was shot at Prairie Surf Studios, located in downtown Oklahoma City. These pieces showcase some of Tulsa’s landmarks, such as the Blue Dome District, Mayo Hotel, Brady Theater District, the Philbrook Museum, and the BOK Center, to name a few.

The production company leased Greg’s piece, a large 2x4’ abstract, which sold to a private collector shortly after it was returned.

One of the gallery’s artists, Kevin Wells, created 12 12x12 custom watercolor paintings, which can be seen in the hotel room of the ‘Tulsa King’ set.

Opposite Page, Top: Window display and entrance to Wildfire Gallery, 3005 Paseo St. Bottom Left: Historically, much of OKC’s art identity has been located in the Paseo Arts District, a small neighborhood just north of downtown.

Bottom Right: Greg Erway creates in his personal studio one block from the gallery. This Page, Top Left: Greg and Denice Erway welcome art collectors in their gallery, located in the heart of the Paseo Arts District.

Top Right: Wildfire Gallery owners Greg and Denice Erway Bottom: Wildfire Gallery features curated artwork by Oklahoma artists.

[Editor’s Note: Photos of the artwork are embargoed for the movie’s release; we will share it with readers at that time.]

A contact with local set designers has led to other opportunities, as well. Greg recently painted a commissioned piece for Universal Studio’s much anticipated  Twister 2.

With the production of films in the state of Oklahoma, the excitement is evident. As Denice declares, “It’s just the beginning.”

Greg Erway’s “Donkey and Flowers” may appear in an episode of Paramount+’s ‘Tulsa King’

CANDLES & SOAPS

THAT SMELL GREATNATURALLY

Mother/Daughter Entrepreneurs Launch

Successful Online Business in Midst of Pandemic

ARTICLE BY JERRI CULPEPPER

Nichol and Victoria Vagrosky started their line of highend candles, soaps and other products in the midst of the pandemic. (Dennise Toewes Photography)

I’d like to share an inspirational story about a mom who wanted to teach her young daughter how to run a business of her own when she grew up.

That goal was met, and Mom and daughter now own and operate a business that boasts sales nationwide.

The story begins in 2006, when Nichol Vagrosky launches her first candle company. She decides to take her daughter Victoria under her wing with the goal of showing her the ropes of building a business as well as how to create a brand.

Fast forward to 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic is in full swing, and business and supply-chain failures are making headlines almost daily.

It’s also the year the mother/daughter team successfully launches Victoria Nichol, a luxury candle, lotion, reed and fragrance online business.

Nichol, a graphic designer for 30 years, serves as creative director, designing the packaging, logo and formulations. Daughter Victoria serves as the company’s media manager; her responsibilities also include quality assurance and inventory oversight as well as client relations.

A mainstay of Victoria Nichol remains candles. But not just any candles!

“Our candles are all-natural, and their quality is first class,” Nichol explains, adding the candles are manufactured using all-natural soy wax, cotton wicks and oils that are free of VOCs or phthalates, which are known to be unhealthy for people and pets.

“Our candles burn clean and long and are highly scented,” she adds.

Victoria Nichol also offers a line of 100% natural, handcrafted goat’s milk soaps. “Customers may design and customize their own bar online with their choice of flowers, oils and fragrances,” Nichol points out, noting that soaps are “made with natural emulsifiers such as carrot oil, geranium oil, olive oil and coconut oil for healthy skin nourishment.”

They also offer a reed and fragrance line. And yes, these are also made with all-natural ingredients and essential oils.

A selection of essential oils and other all-natural ingredients used in making Victoria Nichol's high-end candles

One of Victoria Nichol's beautiful soaps; customers may personalize their own online!

Nichol states with pride that only natural ingredients go into their products.

“While some say ‘natural’ on their soap ingredients, we list all of ours. We do not use any chemicals or additives. We use pure goat’s milk for the soaps, pure soy wax for the candles. When customers build their soaps, they get to choose the oils/emulsifiers. That way, they can avoid any allergens. They are in full control of what their soap bars are made of.”

But it’s not all work and no play for these mother/ daughter entrepreneurs.

“We have a great time working together and fulfilling orders!” Nichol says. “We pour the candles together and have fabulous luncheons together to come up with new products.”

Both Nichol and Victoria love getting feedback from their customers.

“We get really excited when men write in and tell us how much they love our soaps,” she says. “They especially love the fragrance Sweet Tobacco, as it is masculine, yet light. It has been a favorite. We have customers

CANDLES ARE ALL-NATURAL, AND THEIR

QUALITY IS FIRST CLASS,”

who rave about our candles because they burn clean and have unique fragrances. We are always testing the market and asking people, both men and women, what they would like to see or smell in a product.”

In addition to their business website, VictoriaNichol.com , customers can soon find their favorite Victoria Nichol products on Amazon, as well.

“We are always coming out with new products and look forward to creating a new bath line of bath bombs, shower gels and scrubs,” Nichol notes.

MEET NICHOL AND VICTORIA

Both women grew up in Amarillo, Texas, and moved to Edmond 12 years ago.

Nichol bought her first business after graduating from Amarillo College. She’s been running her ad agency as a designer for 30 years and also runs a few telehealth companies. Victoria attended cosmetology school in Edmond. Nichol lives in Oklahoma City, Victoria in Edmond.

Somehow, Nichol finds time to pursue other passions as well as her businesses: she is an abstract painter, a gourmet chef and an author who writes about her faith and her life triumphs. She’s also “mom” to three mini Australian shepherds and one AussieDoodle.

“Our biggest mission is to serve people, and I am working on philanthropic ways to serve women and children,” Nichol says, noting that Victoria Nichol donates 5% of gross sales to the YWCA for women’s missions.

Did someone once describe success as sweet? In this case, it’s also all-natural and awesome smelling!

“OUR

Victoria Nichols line of candles not only smell great, they are all-natural AND add elegance to any setting.

Time to Hit the Trail

OKC’s Bike Trails Provide Opportunities for Improved Health, Happiness & Adventure

ARTICLE BY BROOKE BARNETT

“THE CITY IS A LOT MORE BEAUTIFUL WHEN YOU TAKE THE TIME TO EXPLORE IT, STREET BY STREET AND PLACE BY PLACE.”

For Danny Vo, freedom is the thing that he likes most about cycling. Three years into his bike riding experience, he says that the time he spends on bike trails around Oklahoma City has given him a new appreciation for the city he knows and loves.

“I have only been biking a few years, but the growth has been exponential. What initially drew me to bike riding was the freedom it gave me, especially during a global pandemic,” he explains. “I enjoy the different perspective that cycling can give.”

Danny leads and organizes the largest weekly group bike ride in the state. Called Hide & Go Bike, the ride is designed to encourage health and wellness, build community, and promote commuter visibility for those on two wheels. Held weekly during most months throughout the year, the 10-mile group rides cover different parts of Oklahoma City on streets designated as bicycle routes.

“Growing up in a car-centric environment like OKC is, it’s hard to imagine getting around any other way,” he continues. “A bike really grants you that freedom and allows you to slow your roll in getting from point A to point B.

“The city is a lot more beautiful when you take the time to explore it, street by street and place by place.”

For those ready to hit the trails in Oklahoma City, a complete map of available bike trails is available at okc. gov/departments/parks-recreation/trails/trails-map OKC offers more than 80 miles of multi-use trails for cyclists to enjoy, made up of 10 interconnected trails that span the city.

Popular trails include the 9.8-mile Bert Cooper Trails, located around Lake Hefner, and the 7.3mile Katy Trail that highlights the city’s Adventure District and parallels the former Katy Railway line. In addition, the Oklahoma River Trails runs for 13 miles along the Oklahoma River Corridor and Boathouse Row near Bricktown, and the 3.2 mile-Overholser Trail highlights the east side of scenic Lake Overholser.

“I love the Oklahoma River Trails and the Katy Trail because, even though they are located in the heart of OKC, they make you feel like you’re somewhere a little more distant,” Danny adds. “When you’re on a trail and there’s no chance of cars, you instantly feel like you’ve been transported somewhere else, and it’s doubly rewarding because you took yourself there.

“In addition, I love the Katy Trail on hot days because the trees provide so much shade coverage,” he adds. “It’s just as nice in the fall, when those same trees start to change colors and the leaves begin to fall.”

For those interested in cycling in the Oklahoma City metro, the Bike Central Oklahoma website ( bikemonthok.org ) is a source of information about bicycle and pedestrian safety and features a Regional Bicycle Network Map that shows shareduse paths, existing bike lanes and signed-shared roadways. In addition, the organization hosts special Bike Month activities in May each year, as well as other bike-oriented events.

Ready to hit the trail? Danny says all you need is a bike, some confidence and a sense of adventure.

“You just have to get out there and do it,” he urges. “You’ll never start exactly where you want to be, but I promise you will get to the place you need to be as a cyclist. You just have to hop on and start somewhere. You’ll fall, you’ll push yourself, but you will find something in return when you get up.”

Interested in learning more about Danny’s Hide & Go Bike rides? Follow @hideandgobike on Instagram.

Find an interactive map of bike-friendly trails in Oklahoma City at okc.gov/departments/parksrecreation/trails/trails-map

For more information about Bike Central Oklahoma, visit bikemonthok.org or Facebook.com/ BikeCentralOklahoma

OBSTACLES, DECISIONS & GOALS

ARTICLE BY PETER LEVINSON

When is the right time to pursue your passion and chase your dreams? As I write this, I sit in Times Square, waiting patiently for 2 p.m., when I will meet with several literary agents to pitch a fiction book I've written.

I am about to turn 47. In my life, I have been an active-duty U.S. Marine, earned my master's degree, built one of the best-selling real estate teams in the country with my wife (according to Real Trends), and have many other significant accomplishments. I would not say any of those was in pursuit of my passion or dream, but it was doing what needed to be done when it needed to be done.

Doing what needs to be done without complaint comes naturally to me. Pursuing a passion or dream does not.

Are you like me? You know what needs to be done, and you will do it. In the meanwhile, you continue to pay minimal heed to that lingering dream or passion.

Taking ownership of your responsibilities is essential. However, that does not mean you must never answer that long-sublimated desire. You have to make time to pursue it; that is where people fail when that mid-life crisis appears. You feel like you have not lived the desired life, or that something is missing.

You are never too old or far away from your passion to make it a reality. There may be just a few things you need to do first that are as simple as 1,2,3:

One: What obstacles lie between you and your passion? This could be getting your finances right, your career on

track, or your kids to a certain age. Obstacles are a good thing. They are just that, an obstacle—something to maneuver in, over or around. So, the first step is to recognize the obstacle and decide how to get through it.

Two: Decide how much time you will spend each week pursuing this passion. For me, it was a minimum of four hours a week. One hour four days a week, I would wake up an hour earlier. The sacrifice for my passion is just one hour a day, four days a week. Time is like that; something has to be sacrificed for something new to fit into your day. If your days are full, that may mean a higher sacrifice. If you find yourself death-scrolling through social media for hours each week, it's sacrificing needless entertainment.

Three: Set a goal or destination. This is the result you are striving to achieve in your pursuit of your passion. How do you know if you are getting closer to something unless you know where you are going? When I am coaching someone, and they tell me they feel lost or unaccomplished in life, it's because they never set any goals or destinations. Of course you feel lost, don’t know where you are going, and have just beeçn walking through life. So, what is the goal? Say, “I want to be (the goal) by (date/time).”

There it is; the three things between you and your passion: Obstacles, Decisions and Goals. Spend a few minutes working through each of those and reignite the flame inside you that yearns to burn brightly for the world to see.

realty report

A sample of recently sold properties in OKC.

CoolSculpting® and CoolSculpting® Elite are FDA-cleared for the treatment of visible fat bulges in the submental (under the chin) and submandibular (under the jawline) areas, thigh, abdomen, and flank, along with bra fat, back fat, underneath the buttocks (also known as banana roll), and upper arm. It is also FDA-cleared to affect the appearance of lax tissue with submental area treatments. CoolSculpting® and CoolSculpting® Elite are not treatments for weight loss.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

Red White and Boom

SCISSORTAIL PARK, OKC | 8:30 PM

Meet up at the Spark Restaurant in Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St., at 8:15 p.m. The Philharmonic will begin at 8:30, with the fireworks display beginning after dark. Sponsored by St. Paul’s Cathedral OKC. OkcPhil.org/Rwb

Stars & Stripes Regatta

BOATHOUSE DISTRICT, OKC | 8:00 AM

Start your 4th of July celebrations off early by enjoying a mix of outdoor activities and racing during the Stars & Stripes Regatta in Oklahoma City's Boathouse District. This Independence Day-themed festival will also include food, live music and a spectacular fireworks show along the Oklahoma River.  RiverSportOkc.org/ Events/Stars-Stripes-River-Festival

Oklahoma City Summer Bead & Jewelry

OKLAHOMA STATE FAIR PARK, OK

Show

Browse through diamond chains, gold and silver, carvings, cut-stone findings, fossils, minerals, rock and gem specimens, silver jewelry, rough cutting material. Find your perfect fit with custom wire wrapping ring sizing. There will be a wide variety of retail dealers selling a wonderful assortment of rocks and minerals, fossils, jewelry, gemstones, beads and more. AksShow.com/Events/Category/Oklahoma-Bead-Jewelry-Show

Dancing in the Gardens - Country Line Dancing

SEASONAL PLAZA, OKC | 7:00 PM

Come solo or with your favorite dancing partners for an evening filled with country line dancing. After learning the basics, dance the night away as the onsite DJ spins the tunes. Food and drink specials will also be offered as the party gets started at the Seasonal Plaza. MyriadGardens.org/Events/Dancing-In-The-Gardens

Lyric Theatre's Ain't Misbehavin'

CIVIC CENTER MUSIC HALL, OKC

Lyric’s vibrant, new production of the Tony Award-winning musical celebrates the music of legendary Fats Waller and the great artists of the Harlem Renaissance. LyricTheatreOkc.com/Shows/Aint-Misbehavin

Bricktown Reggae Fest

BRICKTOWN CANAL, OKC

Kick back and enjoy the tunes while sampling delicious Caribbean food and ice-cold craft beers. You can also deck out in beads, hats, tie-dye and other memorabilia that meshes well with the festival's laid-back vibe. Come to the Bricktown Reggae Fest and celebrate the sounds of reggae with your closest friends. BricktownOkc.com

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/OKC

Give Bike Share a Chance

If you’re looking for adventure close by, you don’t have to travel far to find it. Oklahoma City offers a plethora of options for pretty much anyone, any age, any interest.

Here’s one suggestion you may not have considered: How about pedaling your way through some of the most iconic districts and sites in OKC’s urban core?

In May, EMBARK ( EmbarkOK.com ) re-introduced pedal-only bikes to its Spokies Bike Share program. Its bicycle fleet now features 53 electric-assist (or E-bikes) and 60 pedal-only.

All bikes are Drop Mobility smart bikes, enabling customers to choose a conveniently located bike and leave it at their destination within the Spokies service area, which stretches north-to-south from the Paseo Arts District to Capitol Hill

and east-west from the Plaza District to the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

“Oklahoma City is becoming more bike-friendly with added bike lanes in the downtown area and an amazing city trails system,” said Jason Ferbrache, assistant city manager and EMBARK administrator. “Spokies makes it easier than ever for even casual cyclists to jump on a bike and experience the city.”

Whether you choose a pedal-only or electric-assist bicycle, you’re sure to experience the city in a new way while enjoying the health and environmental benefits of cycling. Plus, you won’t have to search, and pay, for a parking space!

To use the bike share, download the Spokies mobile app, found on SpokiesOKC.com or in the Apple or Google Play app store.  Annual, monthly and day passes are available.

ARTICLE BY JERRI CULPEPPER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LLOYD ROSEN

BICYCLES PROVIDE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY, CONVENIENT OPTION FOR RIDERS IN OKC’S URBAN CORE