Next Steps

A few next steps have been discussed by the OU and Afton team.

The Afton team can continue to build support among local residents and get even more feedback on the ideas prepared by students. Many people may want to volunteer and provide in-kind services, labor, or materials toward the ultimate goal of creating this facility.

Afton team can continue to build local partnerships and support among the community. Existing relationships include Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, Cherokee Nation, utility companies, and local schools and churches that could provide programming on the site. In the future, a establishing a community foundation could provide a channel for local residents to donate to local causes like the farmers market.

Afton team can utilize the text, materials, and findings from this report in support of grants and funding opportunities. Afton’s rural location, challenges with food insecurity, and location along Route 66 make the community an attractive investment for many funding opportunities. Watch for grants and funding related to health, food, Route 66, and local utility and railroad companies.

The design proposals in this report have contributed to a stronger understanding of priorities and preferences for the space. Additional technical work by licensed professionals will be required to turn renderings into reality. Some regional professionals may be interested in contributing on a pro bono basis.