Wide, unobstructed, well-maintained sidewalks with no gaps or dead ends are the best infrastructure communities of all sizes can invest in. From urban to suburban to rural areas, sidewalks provide democratic, inexpensive access to transit, parks, jobs, education and all other aspects of daily living.

 Sidewalks play a crucial role in connecting communities in several ways:

1. Pedestrian Accessibility: Sidewalks provide safe paths for pedestrians, allowing people to walk from one place to another within a neighborhood or community. This accessibility promotes physical activity, encourages social interaction and fosters a sense of belonging.
2. Community Interaction: Sidewalks serve as meeting places where people can interact with neighbors, engage in conversations and build relationships. These casual encounters help strengthen social bonds and create a sense of community cohesion.
3. Access to Amenities: Sidewalks connect residents to essential amenities such as parks, schools, shops and public transportation hubs. Easy access to these facilities enhances the quality of life and promotes economic vitality within the community.
4. Safety and Well-being: Well-designed sidewalks contribute to pedestrian safety by separating foot traffic from vehicular traffic. This separation reduces the risk of accidents and creates a safer environment for pedestrians, including children and the elderly.
5. Promotion of Active Transportation: Sidewalks encourage walking and cycling as alternative modes of transportation, reducing reliance on cars and mitigating traffic congestion. This promotes a healthier lifestyle, reduces air pollution and contributes to environmental sustainability.
6. Inclusive Design: Accessible sidewalks accommodate individuals with disabilities, ensuring equal access to public spaces for all members of the community. This inclusivity promotes diversity and fosters a sense of belonging among residents.
7. Cultural Exchange: Sidewalks often host community events, such as street fairs, markets and festivals, where people can celebrate cultural diversity, share traditions and learn from one another. These events strengthen social ties and enrich the cultural fabric of the community.

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Leveraging Grant Opportunities

‍Various grant opportunities are available to communities for infrastructure upgrades to support the enhancement of community connectivity. These grants provide funding for a wide range of projects, including but not limited to:

•  Sidewalk enhancements and repairs

•  Bicycle lane expansions and bike-sharing programs

•  Development of accessible parks and recreational facilities

•  Implementation of resilience measures such as floodplain management and hazard mitigation

•  Updating water and wastewater infrastructure

Various grants, such as the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), North Central Oklahoma Governments (NCOG), Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG), Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE), Northern Oklahoma Transportation Authority (NOTA), Southwestern Oklahoma Transportation Authority (SWOTA), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and grants through the Council of Local Governments, provide funding opportunities for communities to improve their infrastructure. By leveraging these grant opportunities, they can invest in projects that promote inclusivity, accessibility and sustainability, thereby enhancing community connectivity and resilience for all residents. Cowan group engineers have experience writing these grants and designing projects to connect communities. Here are a few examples of recent projects CGE has been working on:

Palmer Loop in Midwest City is a multi-purpose concrete trail running from SE 15th Street/Century Boulevard to SE 29th Street/Midwest Boulevard. This trail is part of Midwest City's Spirit Trail network, providing a much-needed connection between Joe B. Barnes Regional Park and Midwest City’s Original Mile, as well as popular amenities and destinations along SE 29th Street. Initial funding for this project was provided through the 2014 Federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP-2014) and the Safe Routes to School Program. The City of Midwest City also provided funding to help complete the project.

Tan Da Ko Trail was part of a Recreational Trails Program through the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department funded grant that runs through the campground part of the Civilian Conservation Corps Lake Park. This trail was completed using crushed granite, an ADA compliant surface and path that adds to the rustic charm and feel of the park. Visitors frequent the area for gatherings, picnics and fishing, the trail is an accessible way to include all in nature.

The streetscape in Broken Arrow creates an aesthetically pleasing downtown space that is welcoming to pedestrians and encourages the public to gather, as well as promoting the local economy.

The Coweta sidewalk project provides a safer route to school by connecting a sidewalk to an existing sidewalk on Broadway and extending to the High School and Grade school. This route also provides a way for students walking to school to stay off the road and away from vehicles, including a pedestrian walking path over the railroad tracks. This project was funded by a Transportation Alternative Project Grant. This project should be completed in 2026.

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