Official Public Notice: MLK Day Service Impacts and City Operations Roundup
Observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
In observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday on Monday, January 19, 2026, the City of Oklahoma City has announced the closure of most municipal offices and facilities. Non-essential city services, including the Municipal Court, Animal Welfare, and the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center, will be closed for the day. Residents needing to address municipal court matters are encouraged to use the online payment portal available through the official city website to avoid delays.
Utilities and Waste Management Schedule
Public service announcements from the Utilities Department indicate a significant shift in residential services. Trash and recycling collection normally scheduled for Monday, January 19, will be postponed. The make-up day for these routes is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21. Residents are advised to have their carts at the curb by 6 a.m. on the adjusted date. Please note that bulky waste collection schedules are not affected by the holiday and will proceed according to the regular calendar.
Public Transit and Transportation Alerts
EMBARK has issued a public service announcement regarding transit services for the holiday. To encourage community participation in memorial events, free fares will be offered on Monday for all OKC buses, the OKC Streetcar, RAPID, and OKC PLUS Zone 1 ADA Paratransit. Buses will operate on a weekend schedule, while the RAPID line will maintain a 30-minute frequency from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The OKC Streetcar will operate on its regular schedule until midnight.
Traffic Advisory: New Arena Infrastructure Project
Commuters should be aware of a major traffic advisory starting Monday, January 19. Utility work associated with the new Oklahoma City Arena will necessitate the closure of North Broadway Avenue between West Sheridan Avenue and West Main Street. This closure is scheduled to remain in place through February 28 to facilitate the installation of new power lines and manholes. Motorists are encouraged to use South Broadway Avenue, which remains open, or seek alternative north-south routes through the downtown corridor.
Parks and Recreation Facilities
While OKC Parks recreation centers, gyms, and senior centers will be closed on January 19, all outdoor park grounds will remain open to the public from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The outdoor grounds at Martin Park Nature Center and the Will Rogers Gardens will also be accessible during daylight hours. Additionally, the city has issued a notice that maintenance crews will begin draining and cleaning the Bricktown Canal on Tuesday, January 20, immediately following the holiday.
Public Health Advisory
Health officials advise residents to take note of recent changes to the childhood immunization schedule. Following updated national directives, several vaccines previously listed as universal recommendations have been shifted to a framework based on clinical decision-making. Parents are encouraged to consult with their healthcare providers regarding these updates during upcoming wellness visits.