Marble City joins ‘Paint Oklahoma Beautiful’ initiative
Marble City is a town in the midst of significant change, thanks in part to the “Paint Oklahoma Beautiful” program. Last Saturday, volunteers and local residents gathered to participate in the program, working together to paint the new Farmers and Art Market.
Marble City is a town in the midst of significant change, thanks in part to the “Paint Oklahoma Beautiful” program. Last Saturday, volunteers and local residents gathered to participate in the program, working together to paint the new Farmers and Art Market.
Marble City is one of the 19 communities recently selected to partake in the “Paint Oklahoma Beautiful” program, which falls under the umbrella of the “Keep Oklahoma Beautiful” initiative.
The ‘Farmers and Art Market, located in a renovated ‘open-air’ building, recently underwent structural repairs and received electricity upgrades. These enhancements are part of the ongoing revitalization efforts in Marble City.
Mayor Tamara Hibbard says that the building will be the home of the market, providing more options for vendors with the addition of electricity and increased security with locking windows.
“ This allows vendors to store some items in the area, keeping perishable items fresher,” Hibbard said.
Competing for the Best Visual Award in the “Communities Primed for Change” contest, finalists will be selected based on the transformation of their structures, as depicted in before and after photos. The winners will be announced during the Keep Oklahoma Beautiful 33rd Annual Environmental Excellence Awards Celebration on Nov. 17.
The “Paint Oklahoma Beautiful” program is a collaborative effort between H-I-S Paint and “Keep Oklahoma Beautiful.” With support from sponsors, KOB provides the paint and supplies stipends, while the chosen communities contribute their volunteer workforce.
H-I-S Paint’s CEO, Joe Cox, expressed his enthusiasm for the positive changes occurring in each participating community through the initiative. He noted the remarkable transformation potential of a “fresh coat of paint.’
In addition to the new market, Marble City is undergoing several other construction projects, ranging from essential infrastructure repairs to the construction of the expansive 22,800 sq. ft. Cherokee Community Center and pantry. The town is eagerly anticipating the completion of these projects and is looking forward to the return of the Marble City Mayhem event next year.
Hibbard says she is excited about the tourism potential that these new building projects will bring to the town.
“I view Marble City as ‘the gateway to the world’ due to its strategic central location, making it a pivotal stop for travelers heading to Northeastern State University (NSU), the picturesque Tahlequah, the heart of the Cherokee Nation, and the tranquil shores of Lake Tenkiller,” she said.
