Oklahoma City is observing Martin Luther King Jr. Day with altered schedules for city services; for the majority of OKC residents, this means a brief respite in the bustle and the rare gift of free transportation across various modalities. According to the City of Oklahoma City announcement, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which falls on Monday, Jan. 20, there will be no trash or recycling pickup, with makeup services scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 22, although bulky waste pickup will continue unimpeded.
This holiday also features free fares on EMBARK services, including RAPID, the OKC Streetcar, buses, and OKC PLUS, which is a boon for residents looking to attend commemorative events or simply navigate the city; the Streetcar and OKC PLUS will operate per their regular schedules, while buses will run on a weekend schedule, and RAPID will work on a 30-minute frequency from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m, an offer incentivizing community connectivity on a day meant to honor unity and social equality, as reported by the City of Oklahoma City.
Most city offices and community centers will be closed for the day, including the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center, Animal Welfare, and the Municipal Court pay window. EMBARK’s Transit Center Customer Service and 235-RIDE Call Center will have reduced hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and EMBARK's Mobility Management will be closed.
Outdoor enthusiasts and families may still enjoy the natural spaces the city offers as all outdoor parks are open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., and while the Martin Park Nature Center Visitor Center will close, its grounds remain open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., likewise, the Will Rogers Gardens Exhibition Center and Ed Lycan Conservatory will close their indoor facilities, but their outdoor grounds will be accessible from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., providing an opportunity for reflection or recreation amidst the memory of Dr. King's dedication to communal spaces as areas for civil organizing and peaceful assembly. For a comprehensive list of service changes and more details on the holiday schedule, OKC residents are encouraged to visit the City of Oklahoma City's official website.
