The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) has recently awarded nearly $4.6 million to fund 11 community projects aimed at improving health outcomes in Oklahoma by enhancing infrastructure. These projects, which will be funded over three years, include the development of plans for community parks and trail systems, improvements to community fitness centers, and the creation of ADA-compliant sidewalks and playgrounds.

TSET Executive Director Julie Bisbee highlighted the link between environments that encourage physical activity and improved health outcomes, emphasizing 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.

The 11 awardees and their respective projects are listed in the funding breakdown below:

1. City of Enid – Development of a Community Park Master Plan

2. City of Lawton – Improvements to Lawton Community Center Fitness Facility

3. City of McAlester – Creation of an ADA-Compliant Sidewalk in Downtown McAlester

4. City of Midwest City – Creation of a Multi-Use Trail System in Midwest City Parks

5. City of Norman – Improvements to Norman Community Center Fitness Facility

6. City of Ponca City – Development of a Community Park Master Plan with Trails and Playgrounds

7. City of Stillwater – Improvements to Stillwater Community Center Fitness Facility

8. Edmond Public Schools – Creation of an ADA-Compliant Sidewalk at Edmond Memorial High School Playground

9. Lakeshore Schools District – Creation of an ADA-Compliant Sidewalk at Wakeland Elementary School Playground

10. Oklahoma State University – Improvements to OSU Wellness Center Fitness Facility

11. YMCA Tulsa – Improvements to the YMCA Tulsa Downtown Health & Wellness Center