Wewoka Walkability Workshop

Wewoka, Oklahoma | Summer 2018
View the Final Report Below

On July 17, 2018, the City of Wewoka invited the University of Oklahoma Institute for Quality Communities (IQC) to conduct a walkability workshop. The project was funded in part by a grant from the Oklahoma Municipal League. Wewoka, meaning “barking water” in the Seminole language, is located between Seminole and Holdenville, with a population of about 4,000 people. The goal of the meeting was to identify possible improvements to enhance walkability in Wewoka, and better improve the safety and security of its citizens, especially kids. This stemmed from the results of a questionnaire survey conducted by the city in April of 2018, for parents to rate the walkability of their kids’ routes to and from school.

The workshop which took place at the Civic Center had approximately 30 people in attendance, including city officials, TSET representatives, and residents. The meeting started off with a presentation led by the IQC director, to review concepts and principles of walkability. Thereafter, the IQC staff led the group in a walking tour of two (2) groups to learn about Wewoka’s walking destinations, walking routes, and obstacles to walking.

Both groups took a starting point at the intersection of 12th Street and S Okfuskee Avenue. The first group toured north all around the school district area, while the second group toured south exploring the frequently walked route from the school to the football stadium, and the grocery store area.

Finally, both groups reconvened at the starting point of the walks, and then to the Civic Center for lunch. This report outlines the results of the walk and feasible recommendations to improve Wewoka walkability.