Listen to this articleDevelopment of walking and jogging trails, renovation of a community swimming pool and planning for a wellness center were among projects approved recently for grant funding provided through the state’s Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust to build healthy living infrastructure in towns across Oklahoma.
Other projects approved in communities stretching from Tishomingo to Adair range from a pond expansion in a local park to improving sidewalks and making a town’s central shopping district more accessible to people with disabilities.
Nearly $4.6 million was approved in all to fund such projects, TSET officials said in a release. Communities slated to receive funding include Pauls Valley, Wilburton, Locust Grove, Tonkawa, Seminole, Cushing, Fort Cobb, Tishomingo, Westville and Wynnewood.
The TSET board of directors voted to approve grants intended to encourage kids and older people to get outside, get fresh air, exercise and socialize.
“These projects encourage healthy living and revitalize communities across the state,” Board Chairman Marshall Snipes said. “The grants acknowledge the tremendous impact our communities have on our health and seek to create safe and convenient spaces for physical activity.”
Grants of more than $900,000 were awarded to the towns of Westville and Wynnewood. Plans in Westville, in Adair County, are to continue development of a master plan to improve community parks and open spaces and also to convert a former nursing home site into a multi-use outdoor public space. In Wynnewood, in Garvin County, leaders plan to renovate a community swimming pool to include shade structures, a kitchen, new equipment and other improvements.
All of the grants are substantial. None will be for less than $50,000. Several programs will be funded over a three-year period.
“Our environment impacts our health,” TSET Executive Director Julie Bisbee said. “Thoughtfully designed downtowns, parks, community centers and other public spaces encourage active lifestyles to keep us moving and healthy. We look forward to seeing how these projects impact communities throughout the state.”
Under the “planning, design and policy development” category, Seminole will receive $80,000 to create an engineering plan for accessible sidewalks along the town’s Main Street. In the “construction implementation” category, Tishomingo will receive $214,300 to enhance a park that’s an important gathering space for residents. Improvements will include the addition of accessible playground equipment for children, a walking trail, improved lighting and a public restroom.
According to TSET, there is a strong link between built environments that encourage physical activity and a reduced risk for obesity. Research shows that communities designed for active living can prevent 90% of Type 2 diabetes and reduce cases of heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers by half.
To learn more about TSET Built Environment Grants and other TSET programs, visit oklahoma.gov/TSET.
