Oklahoma City, OK- The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust has recently awarded nearly $4.6 million in funding to 11 community projects aimed at improving health outcomes in the state by enhancing infrastructure. The projects will be funded by TSET and will focus on developing plans for community parks and trail systems, improving community fitness centers, and creating ADA-compliant sidewalks and playgrounds.
TSET Executive Director Julie Bisbee emphasized the importance of designing public spaces thoughtfully to encourage active lifestyles and promote overall health. She highlighted the link between environments that encourage physical activity and improved health outcomes, stating that it’s crucial to create public spaces that promote active living.
Several of the programs will be funded over three years, with TSET looking forward to seeing how they will impact communities throughout Oklahoma. Bisbee stressed the significance of designing downtowns, parks, community centers, and other public spaces thoughtfully to encourage active lifestyles and promote overall health.
The 11 awardees and their respective projects are listed in the funding breakdown below:
• Central Park in Oklahoma City – Development of a new park entrance with bike lanes, pedestrian crossings, benches, shade trees, lighting fixtures and landscaping.
• South Oaks Community Center – Construction of an outdoor fitness center with equipment such as weight machines and resistance bands.
• Haskins Community Center – Construction of a walking track around the perimeter of the facility.
• Choctaw Nation Park – Development of a new picnic area with tables and grills.
• Paseo Trail Extension – Extension of an existing bike trail into a multi-use trail system that can accommodate walkers, joggers, cyclists, and rollerbladers.