The Infrastructure Lab
A Community Gathering Hosted by Oklahoma Cowboys Charitable Foundation

Every neighborhood holds stories, knowledge, and experiences that cannot be found on a map. From the places that bring people together to the traditions that shape community identity, these connections help define where we come from and what our future can become.

The Infrastructure Lab is an interactive community gathering designed to explore the spaces, stories, and opportunities that shape our neighborhood.

As Oklahoma Cowboys Charitable Foundation begins envisioning a future home for its campus, we believe meaningful development starts with listening. Through community conversations, hands-on research, and creative activities, we invite residents to share their experiences, identify neighborhood priorities, and imagine new possibilities.

Before we build, we listen. Before we design, we learn. Together, we envision what comes next.

What to expect

A look back at place and history. We’ll open with a short film on the history of the land and the people connected to it.
Research in action. Work alongside neighbors, students and designers to dig into the neighborhood: its streets, buildings, gathering spaces and memories. Together we’ll put together research packets that capture what we find.
Make a zine. Turn your discoveries, drawings and stories into pages of a community zine. No art or design experience needed.
An intergenerational conversation. Elders, young people and everyone in between share what this place has meant and what it could become.
Portraits of neighbors. We’ll be taking tintype portraits of neighbors together to remember the evening by.

Why It Matters

Your voice matters. The stories, experiences, and ideas shared during this community session will help inform the vision and future development of a space rooted in education, culture, recreation, and community connection. Your input will help identify community priorities, preserve local heritage, and ensure future plans reflect the needs and aspirations of the people they are intended to serve.

Details

Friday, November 20, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Garden Oaks Community Center 3401 NE 16th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73117 ·

This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided.
Registration is required. Please reserve your spot below so we can plan for everyone.

Bring your memories, your questions and your curiosity. We’ll provide everything else.

Learn more about Oklahoma Cowboys at www.oklahomacowbys.org

In partnership with the Institute for Quality Communities (IQC) at the University of Oklahoma and the OU Chapter of NOMAS (National Organization of Minority Architecture Students). Made possible by the Gibbs Design in Action Award (GDAA), OU Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture.

THE INFRASTRUCTURE LAB

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