City of Owasso

PROJECT PURPOSE

To improve public health through opportunities for exercise and outdoor recreation in a manner that will allow social distancing, the proposed bicycle and pedestrian trail would serve to provide the first pedestrian and bicycle link from Owasso into the Tulsa Regional Trails system. Additionally, the project implements several trail segments identified on the adopted regional bicycle and trails master plan. The trail would begin at McCarty Park at the parking lot for the Waggin Tails dog park. There is a restroom facility near the beginning of the trail, and together with the parking lot makes an excellent trailhead. The trail will utilize an existing nine foot diameter cattle tunnel beneath the existing railroad spur. Watco Railroad, who operates the railroad, has given permission to utilize this tunnel for the facility. The project also proposes trail segments connecting into Owasso?s original town, known as the Redbud District, further enhancing pedestrian connectively to the District. All proposed trail segments are separated from vehicular traffic, adding an element of safety. Multiple public opinion surveys over the past 10 years have indicated a desire for pedestrian trails. There is little doubt the project would be heavily used by citizens for exercise and outdoor recreation.

EVIDENCE

None

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Owasso has a significant number of facilities serving youth sports, but lacks passive recreation amenities such as pedestrian and bicycle trails. These types of facilities are generally more utilized by an older demographic, which COVID 19 has impacted more than other groups. Recently, the community has approved several developments catering to this demographic and empty nesters. Further, there have been a number of newly approved apartment projects, which are providing affordable housing options for individuals who may be not be able to own their own home. Many of these projects may have more intimate active spaces, such weight rooms, swimming pool, clubhouse, etc., but fewer passive recreational areas where individuals can get away from being in close proximity to others. The proposed project would offer such an amenity. Finally, the project would offer a connection into the original parts of Owasso, where a significant portion of lower income individuals live. Many of these individuals have little or no recreational opportunities nearby, and the proposed project will link this area of the community into a large passive recreation amenity. In summary, this project serves to provide access and recreation options for groups that have been directly impacted from COVID 19.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

For this project, the measure of performance would be an increase in the activity levels of the citizens of the City of Owasso and the surrounding areas. An increase in the level of activity would relate to an increase in the quality of life and overall health of the citizens.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma