TSET Grants Nearly $4.6 Million to Projects Improving Health Through Infrastructure Improvements

Friday, November 17, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 16, 2023) – The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) Board of Directors awarded nearly $4.6 million in funding for 11 projects aimed at improving the health of Oklahomans through improvements in infrastructure.

TSET Built Environment Grants fund a variety of projects, including the development of comprehensive plans for community parks and trail systems, improvements to community fitness centers and ADA-compliant sidewalks and playgrounds.

“These projects encourage healthy living and revitalize communities across the state,” said Marshall Snipes, chair of the TSET Board of Directors. “The grants acknowledge the tremendous impact our communities have on our health and seek to create safe and convenient spaces for physical activity.”

Grants were divided into two categories: planning, design and policy development, and construction implementation. Several of the programs will be funded over a three-year period.

“Our environment impacts our health,” said Julie Bisbee, TSET executive director. “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, the City of Seminole will receive $80,000 to create an engineering plan for accessible sidewalks along Main Street. The plan will address mobility barriers, uneven surfaces, inadequate crosswalks and non-compliant curb ramps to create a safer, more welcoming environment for residents of all abilities.

Under construction implementation, the City of Tishomingo will receive $214,300 for enhancements to Henrietta Gladdis Park, a town park that has become an important gathering space for residents. Improvements will include the addition of accessible playground equipment for children of all needs, a walking trail, improved lighting and a public restroom.

The board awarded the remaining $4.3 million for the following projects:

Planning, Design and Policy Development

Grantee	County	Total Award	Program
City of Pauls Valley	Garvin	$150,000	Development of a comprehensive plan to develop walking, jogging and biking trails to enhance active transportation
Eastern Oklahoma State College	Latimer	$110,000	Development of a plan for a new health and wellness center
Locust Grove Public Works Authority	Mayes	$56,350	Architectural and engineering services for Phase II improvements to Pipe Springs Park
Oklahoma State University – Northern Oklahoma College Campus	Garfield	$147,000	Development of a plan to improve a pond and expand access to recreational opportunities on the Northern Oklahoma College Campus

Construction Implementation

Grantee	County	Total Award	Program
City of Seminole	Seminole	$480,033	Improvements to Boomtown Park to provide a more user-friendly, walkable and ADA-inclusive environment
Cushing Public Schools	Payne	$975,512	Building a 1.63-mile concrete trail to close a gap in bicycle and pedestrian access through Cushing and provide access to Cushing Public Schools
Town of Fort Cobb	Caddo	$500,000	Improving the walkability and ADA compliance of downtown sidewalks
Town of Westville	Adair	$983,777	Further development of the town’s Parks and Open Spaces Master Plan, including connecting public areas, improving overall safety and refurbishing the former site of the Westville nursing home into a multi-use outdoor public space
Town of Wynnewood	Garvin	$902,660	Renovation of the Wynnewood swimming pool to include new equipment, shade structures, updates to the restrooms, lifeguard room and the addition of a kitchen

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 www.oklahoma.gov/TSET.

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The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) serves as a partner and bridge builder for organizations shaping a healthier future for all Oklahomans. TSET provides leadership at the intersections of health by working with local coalitions and initiatives across the state, cultivating innovative and life-changing research and working across public and private sectors to develop, support, implement and evaluate creative strategies to take advantage of emerging opportunities to improve the public’s health. To learn more, go to Oklahoma.gov/TSET.

Last Modified on Nov 17, 2023