The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust has awarded nearly $4.6 million to fund 11 community projects aimed at improving health outcomes in Oklahoma by enhancing infrastructure. TSET will be funding projects such as the development of plans for community parks and trail systems, improvements to community fitness centers, and the creation of ADA-compliant sidewalks and playgrounds.
These projects are designed to promote physical activity, which can lead to reduced risk for obesity, heart disease, and stroke. TSET Executive Director Julie Bisbee emphasized the link between environments that encourage physical activity and improved health outcomes, stressing the importance of creating public spaces that promote active lifestyles.
Several of the programs will be funded over three years, and TSET looks forward to seeing how these projects 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:
1. Norman Parks Department – $200,000 for park improvements including new benches, picnic tables, grills and more.
2. City of Edmond – $500,000 for improvements to Edmond Community Center including new equipment and renovations.
3. City of Bartlesville – $158,750 for construction of a new walking trail in Bartlesville’s Central Park System