Council authorizes application for National Fitness Campaign partnership to build outdoor fitness court at Cat Creek

The Claremore City Council voted on April 3 to authorize staff to apply for a National Fitness Campaign partnership and to serve as a passthrough for grant and sponsor dollars to build an outdoor fitness court at Cat Creek Dog Park.

The presenting staff member asked for permission to apply and explained the city’s role would be to serve as a pass‑through for outside sponsors and to provide certain in‑kind work (estimated at about $35,000). The project’s total cost was estimated in the presentation at roughly $244,759; the presenter said Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Cherokee Nation have already committed funds that reduce the city’s fundraising need by about half and that more partners are being sought.

According to staff, the Cherokee Nation requested timing to secure funding before its next fiscal reallocation; staff therefore hopes to move quickly on the application and to finalize external sponsorships before the Cherokee Nation’s funding window closes. The presenter emphasized that the city is not committing direct project funds at this stage and would only proceed with construction once adequate outside funding and agreements are in place.

A motion to approve the application and the partnership authorization was made, seconded and approved by roll call.

Why it matters: The project is a public‑private partnership aimed at improving park amenities and promoting community fitness; early sponsor commitments significantly reduce the city’s financial exposure if the project moves forward.

Next steps: Staff will complete the application, continue fundraising for remaining costs, and return with project documents and any required agreements before construction begins.