Walking track gets started via grant from TSET
Ground was broken to cheers and applause at a celebratory event Friday at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City, marking the beginnings of a new walking track for the institution and surrounding community.
Officials from OSU-Oklahoma City and the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) were on hand at OSU-OKC’s Wellness Center to announce the official beginning of the walking track phase of the project.
Phung Yip, director of Campus Events and Wellness at OSU-OKC, said the funds from TSET will provide a way to make OSU-OKC healthier for its existing students, faculty and staff, and a more integral part of the surrounding community.
“My hope for everybody with this new track that we are getting with the funds from TSET is that everybody will be able to walk outside during their breaks,” she said. “We are trying to make it more easy and friendly so that everyone can use it.”
The walking track is part of “Cowboy Fit: Wellness Empowerment for Underserved Populations,” an initiative to promote physical activity and healthier lifestyles, strengthen health policies and improve infrastructure. It is funded by a grant from TSET.
“TSET is excited to partner with OSU-OKC to reinvigorate its fitness offerings to students and the community,” said Thomas Larson, TSET director of public information and outreach. “Once complete, this project will provide a wonderful space and programming for people to engage in safe, fun physical activity.”
The TSET Healthy Living Innovations grant supports large-scale initiatives that promote health behavioral change to improve the health of Oklahomans. Under this grant, TSET awarded Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma City up to $500,000 to renovate the campus’ deteriorating asphalt walking track, install fitness equipment and launch Cowboy Fit, a series of wellness education events open to the public.
The walking track renovations will include additional lighting, seating and security devices. As part of the grant, OSU-OKC will also install an outdoor fitness pad including pickle ball courts and has already launched a series of wellness educational events.
“This is going to be so good for the community,” said Kevin Galloway, Wellness Center manager at OSU-OKC. “New lights, new cameras, new action!”
About The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust
The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) serves as a partner and bridge builder for organizations working toward shaping a healthier future for all Oklahomans. TSET provides leadership at the intersections of health by working across the state, by cultivating innovative and life-changing research, and by 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, visit Oklahoma.gov/TSET.
About Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City
Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City (OSU-OKC) is part of the modern land-grant system of Oklahoma State University. OSU-OKC is a two-year public institution, offering more than 40 degrees and certificate options. Through quality education, a supportive environment, leadership training and service opportunities, OSU-OKC trains students to work and educates them to lead. OSU-OKC graduates are found throughout the community serving as police officers, firefighters, nurses, teachers, healthcare professionals and business owners. More information is available at www.osuokc.edu.