Helen Grant Councilmember Ward 4

06/08/2026

“The City of Norman is advising residents that fireworks are still banned inside city limits, even after the passage of the Rockets' Red Glare Act.

The act, which was signed by Gov. Stitt in May, applies only to private property in unincorporated areas of the state and gives cities the authority to regulate fireworks within their city limits…”

Fireworks still prohibited in Norman City Limits

06/05/2026

06/05/2026

Administrative offices of the City of Norman will close to observe the Juneteenth Holiday on June 19, 2026. Normal hours/operations will resume June 22, 2026.

Details regarding certain City of Norman operations can be found below. A community festival, open to all, will also be held to commemorate the holiday at Reaves Park. Learn more at https://normanjuneteenth.com/.

SANITATION SERVICES 🚮
City of Norman Sanitation services (commercial pickup, residential curbside, to include recycling and yard waste) will remain on the regular schedule on June 19, 2026. The Transfer Station, 3901 Chautauqua Avenue, will be open normal operating hours – from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and the Compost Facility, 398 Bratcher Miner Road, will be open for normal operating hours – from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Questions may be directed to 405-329-1023.

PARKS & RECREATION SITES 🛝
Little Axe Community Center will be closed on June 19, 2026. Whittier, Irving and 12th Avenue Recreation Centers will be open for childcare services only. All Westwood Park facilities will be open regular hours; the Young Family Athletic Center will be closed all day. For more information, visit Normanparks.com.

NORMAN POLICE 🚨
The Norman Police Department Records Division and the Norman Animal Welfare facility will both be closed on June 19, 2026.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION 🚐
EMBARK Norman public transit service will operate on June 19, 2026. Visit www.embarknorman.com for more information.
Norman on Demand will operate on June 19, 2026. Download the app for more information.

06/04/2026

Today, Westwood Family Aquatic Center received an inspection from the health department, and we're happy to report we got a clean bill of health!

While we didn't know the inspector was coming, our team approaches every day like inspection day. From water quality checks and facility maintenance to keeping the grounds clean and welcoming, our staff goes above and beyond to make Westwood the best it can be. Not just when someone's watching, but every single day.

Yes, that includes our concession area, where cleanliness and food safety are just as important to ensure everyone has a great day at the pool.

The slides are sparkling, the water is crystal clear, the concessions stand is inspection-ready, and according to the inspector, we're “five-star” approved. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We'd call that a pretty good day at the pool. 🏊☀️

06/02/2026

Norman Youth Council is accepting applications! The deadline to apply is July 17, 2026. 📅

To learn more about the Norman Youth Council and to download the application and release form, visit https://www.normanok.gov/city-norman-youth-council or contact the City Attorney’s office at 405-217-7700 or [email protected].

06/02/2026

Join us for a Ribbon Cutting Event in celebration of the latest affordable housing collaborative project on June 4, 2026! Learn more: https://www.normanok.gov/news/community-invited-ribbon-cutting-normans-latest-affordable-housing-project

06/02/2026

We are so lucky to have Sooner Theater in downtown and as stewarded by Jennifer Baker!

We are proud to announce Jennifer Baker, our Executive Director of The Sooner Theatre and The Studio of The Sooner Theatre, received an honorable mention for The Excellence in Theatre Education Award in this year’s Tony Awards. Her vision has created educational performing arts programming that has impacted thousands of lives in our community and will continue to do so for years to come.

Established in 2014, The Excellence in Theatre Education Award, is presented each year by the Tony Awards and is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. A panel of judges comprised of the American Theatre Wing, The Broadway League, Carnegie Mellon University and other leaders from the theatre industry selects the winner, based on candidates submitted by members of the public.

06/02/2026

The City of Norman has been awarded up to $598,000 in funding through the Oklahoma To***co Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) Fiscal Year 2026 Built Environment Grant program to support the replacement of the beloved Kid’s Space playground at Reaves Park. 🛝

Learn more at normanok.gov/news/city-norman-awarded-598000-tset-grant-new-accessible-playground!

06/02/2026

This month we sat down with Utilities Engineer Nathan Madenwald and Billing Supervisor Shelley Couser to discuss the launch of the new MyUtility Customer Portal for Norman residents in June 2026. The portal – the final phase of Norman’s Meter Infrastructure Program – will allow water customers greater access and control of their consumption, along with the ability to set personalized notifications. Learn more at https://www.normanok.gov/MyUtilityPortal

Learn more in this episode of On West Gray - https://normanok.podbean.com/e/the-meter-infrastructure-program-wnathan-madenwald-shelley-couser/