The Tulsa Forum by TulsaNow

Oologah Pegged As Oklahoma's Fastest Growing Small City  
Friday July 01, 2005 12:30pm    Posted By: Kevin King  (KTUL)
 
 
Oologah - Buoyed by the scenic Oologah Lake, the closeness to Tulsa and one of the state's best school systems, the town of Oologah is Oklahoma's fastest growing small city.

According to new census figures released this week, Oologah, known as the birthplace of Will Rogers, grew 25-point-1 percent from 2000 to 2004. Oologah is also the fastest growing city of any size in Rogers County, which is the fastest growing county in the state.

Many point to the restoration of the historic Bank of Oolagah in the 1980s as what sparked the town's rebirth.

"We have a beautiful community in which to live, work and play, but we also have created a model for the rest of Oklahoma to follow in making the Sooner State the envy of the nation as our state nears its centennial celebration," says Oologah Chamber of Commerce President John Wylie.

"Good growth doesn't just happen," he adds. "It has taken teamwork on the part of government, business and individuals. As a Chamber, we bring those forces together."

Oologah's population in 2004 was 1,112. The Oologah school system, which includes surrounding Talala and other towns, has nearly doubled in enrollment over the past 20 years -- from 1,000 in 1985 to 1,800 in 2004.

Oologah is located about 25 miles north-northeast of Tulsa, just up Highway 169.