21-02-2025
Duncan's Quality of Life forums spark grant submissions
Through the 'Destination Duncan: A Quality-of-Life Plan' and community forums, several grant applications continue to be processed to provide for the needs of Duncan residents.
During a routine Duncan City Council meeting Feb. 11, Community Development Director Nate Schacht said he's been working on several community grants. He then presented updates to the council about them.
In early January, Schacht said he applied for a small grant with Keep Oklahoma Beautiful. He said the grant would be for resources for the upcoming volunteer day to clean up community parks.
Schacht said the annual park cleanup day is scheduled for Saturday, April 19.
For a second grant, Schacht said he submitted one through TSET for a planning grant. He said he asked for about $25,000 and they would use the money to offset the costs for a master plan for Abe Raizen Park.
Schacht said there have been improvements made at the park. He said the land acquired in 2022, for 45 additional acres, will be good for additional ball fields, pickle ball courts and other park amenities or to hire an outside consultant for guidance.
For a third grant, Schacht said said he anticipates submitting to AARP for a community challenge grant. He said this would be geared toward residents 50 and older.
If they receive the grant, Schacht said they would like to purchase a number of personal portable generators. He said they would work with DRH Health to identify residents who rely on electricity for oxygen machines, refrigerator for medicines, insulin and more.
Schacht said they would also like to help produce about 50 backpacks for seniors which contain emergency supplies, like solar phone chargers, a multitool, a first aid kit and other necessities.
To make this work, Schacht said they would host several public meetings throughout the community to help educate on awareness of the natural occurrences in the region. He said seniors would be able to sign up to receive one of the backpacks.
In a final update, Schacht said if there's enough time they would look to submit a Southwest Oklahoma Regional Transportation Planning Organization (SORTPO) planning grant. He said the grant is up to $25,000.
