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 improving infrastructure. TSET will fund projects such as developing plans for community parks and trail systems, improving community fitness centers, and creating ADA-compliant sidewalks and playgrounds. The 11 awardees and their projects are listed in the funding structure.
These projects aim to improve walkability, accessibility and overall community infrastructure to promote physical activity, which can lead to reduced risk of obesity, heart disease and stroke. TSET Executive Director Julie Bisbee highlighted the link between environments that encourage physical activity and improved health outcomes, stressing the importance of creating public spaces that promote active lifestyles.
The programs will be funded over three years, with TSET looking forward to seeing how these projects will impact communities across Oklahoma. Bisbee emphasized the importance of thoughtfully designing downtowns, parks, community centers and other public spaces to encourage active lifestyles and promote overall health.