Sen. Boren says TSET grant benefiting Norman children, families underscores importance of the trust’s independence

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman, said a $598,000 grant approved by the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust’s (TSET) Board of Directors for Reaves Park will benefit thousands of families in Norman, and points to the importance of the agency’s ability to award those funds without interference from politicians.

The grant will be distributed to the city over the next two years to replace the aging playground with a modern, inclusive playscape that honors the original community-build design of the Kid’s Space at the park. TSET was created by voters to award grants for programs to improve the state’s health, including cancer research and public health initiatives funded through a legal settlement with tobacco companies.

“There was an attempt this past legislative session to essentially let lawmakers raid TSET funds for other purposes, and I fought against it – this wasn’t the first time they tried this and it won’t be the last,” Boren said. “This grant will have a health benefit for thousands who take advantage of the facilities at Reaves Park. That’s why it is so important to protect the independence of TSET from politicians who want to divert funds elsewhere.”

The new playground equipment will be a more accessible space, meaning children of all abilities will be able to play together in a safe, fun environment. The modernized playground will feature materials that will resemble the original wood structure, but with a longer lifespan, with an accessible surface and inclusive play features.

“The Kid’s Space addresses one of the critical needs for improving health in Oklahoma, and that’s increasing physical activity. We need to make sure those efforts take into account the safety and well-being of children of all abilities,” Boren said. “By protecting TSET, we’re ensuring projects like these can continue to be funded for years to come.”

-END-

For more information, contact:  Sen. Mary Boren at 405-521-5553 or Mary.Boren@oksenate.gov