By Conrad Dudderar
Staff Writer
The first Yukon Main Street painting project was named a winner at Keep Oklahoma Beautiful’s annual awards gala.
In September 2021, dozens of volunteers repainted the old DX service station at 545 W Main.
The building’s exterior was painted light green with a tan trim during the two-day “Paint Oklahoma Beautiful” project, funded by a grant from Keep Oklahoma Beautiful and sponsor HIS Paint.
Some 14 months later, the effort paid off.
Yukon Main Street officials accepted a non-profit service award during Keep Oklahoma Beautiful’s 32nd Annual Environmental Excellence Celebration on Nov. 18 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.
Last year’s paint beautification effort was chosen because of its positive impact through job creation and expanding retail space, according to Yukon Main Street Director Vicki Davis.
“Besides beautifying downtown, we hope that property improvement prompts more business and commercial activity,” Davis said.
After the old DX station was repainted in fall 2021, interior improvements were completed in leased retail and office spaces. Business owners Deanna Highfill and Delanie O’Toole subsequently opened Little Collective Co. inside the previously vacant building.
Through an on-line vote, Yukon was among three finalists in a Paint Oklahoma Beautiful contest.
Yukon’s thriving Main Street program earned $750 for its beautification fund when the sponsor awarded a 2022 painting project second place.
Yukon Main Street volunteers completed the second Paint Oklahoma Beautiful project Sept. 22 and 24.
This two-day effort refreshed the former Ross Garage service station, 900 W Main, which was painted tan.
The goal is for viable businesses to occupy now-vacant buildings, said Yukon Mayor Shelli Selby, a Main Street board member.
The annual paint project is a great opportunity to revitalize downtown Yukon and “make it more beautiful,” Selby said.
As the Paint Oklahoma Beautiful sponsor, HIS Paint provides recycled paint for the beautification effort.
TOP 4 FINALIST
The Yukon Main Street program was in the running for two other awards announced at Keep Oklahoma Beautiful’s recent Environmental Excellence Celebration:
- Top four finalist for Affiliate of the Year, among 63 affiliates across Oklahoma.
- Top four finalist for OG&E’s Grant Innovation Award for the “Great American Cleanup,” Yukon’s downtown clean-up and planting day.
The Yukon Main Street office, 528 W Main, is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To volunteer or help with future Yukon Main Street beautification efforts, call (405) 350-5999 or visit www.yukon66mainstreet.com
