Parks
More at occf.org/parks
Strengthening Communities with Green Expertise Over the past 30 years, grants awarded through our Parks & Public Space Initiative have continuously transformed green spaces across Oklahoma City – from community parks to public schools and playgrounds. What started in 1990 as an estate gift of $1.5 million designated to public beautification by local school teacher Margaret Annis Boys has flourished into a successful program that goes farther than just what meets the eye. “In addition to funding, we provide expertise and partner with grantees to ensure a successful and sustainable project,” said Brian Dougherty, director of the Parks & Public Space Initiative.
$94,353 awarded to 8 projects City of Harrah - $22,000 for a tree trunk play structure and bench at Lions Park adjacent to Clara Reynolds Elementary. City of Midwest City - $7,600 for trees and benches on the Spirit Trails as part of the city’s trail expansion and connectivity project. Fields and Futures - $10,000 to build a multi-purpose athletic track at Jefferson Middle School. Friends of Will Rogers Gardens Foundation - $20,000 for a memory garden at Will Rogers Park to meet the special needs of people with Dementia/Alzheimer’s disease.
Going Beyond Beautification A grant awarded to Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) in 2004 for the addition of park trees surrounding a storm water detention pond has grown into a fruitful partnership that has extended beyond the project’s functional purpose and improved the quality of life for the local community. After touring the grounds and working with the OCCC development team, Oklahoma City Community Foundation’s Parks and Public Space Initiative director Brian Dougherty was able to help identify various landscaping opportunities that would add value to the OCCC project.
Historic Preservation, Inc. - $5,000 to renovate plantings at the historic Harn Park in Heritage Hills. Lincoln Terrace Neighborhood Association - $9,000 for plantings along the Lindsay median and in Nichols Court Park in the Lincoln Terrace neighborhood. Linwood Place Neighborhood Association - $9,753 for a water fountain, trees and other updates along the 19th street median and Waymon’s Park. Mesta Park Neighborhood Association - $11,000 for trees and landscaping to enhance Perle Mesta Park.
“The support provided through the OCCF’s parks initiative has helped transform our campus with dozens of trees planted for our students, faculty, staff and the entire community to enjoy,” said Chris Collins, director of development for Oklahoma City Community College. Today, the pond is a popular campus attraction, inviting students, visitors and locals to seek recreation and shade and continues to improve the quality of life for the community.
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Oklahoma City Community Foundation
