The City of Springfield has learned it will receive a nearly 21 million dollar federal grant to build a 3.3 mile “parkway” corridor connecting downtown Springfield to the nationally-acclaimed Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium.
In a press release sent from the city Wednesday afternoon, Mayor Ken McClure is quoted as describing the news as “transformational,” calling it a “giant step forward” in improving the city’s priorities of economic vitality and improving the quality of life for residents.
The Grant Avenue Parkway will run along Grant Avenue, creating an off-street pedestrian and bicycle pathway that will connect parks, amenities, trails, neighborhoods and attractions.
According to city officials, the announcement was made by U.S. Senator Roy Blunt’s office and the funding is from a BUILD Transportation Grant. The US Department of Transportation website describes these grants as capital funding that can go directly to any public entity for the purpose of investing in road, rail, transit and port projects.
Last month, Springfield hosted former Oklahoma City mayor Mick Cornett to give a public lecture as part of “Forward SGF,” which is an effort to identify and plan for Springfield’s long term, comprehensive goals. In that presentation at the Springfield Art Museum, Cornett identified “walkability,” a bicycle master plan, and landscaped surroundings as three items that helped improve Oklahoma City’s economy and attract new talent to the city.