City of Sand Springs unveils new downtown LED light system

Community Development Director Grant Gerondale speaks at the unveiling of the Main Street LED Light project. 

Sand Springs Mayor Mike Burdge (left) and Community Development Director Grant Gerondale (right) speak at the unveiling of the Main Street LED Light project. 

Sand Springs Mayor Mike Burdge leads kids in a countdown to the unveiling of the Main Street LED Light project. 

Stormwater and Utilities Technician Jon Odle programmed the Main Street LED lights and will be in charge of choosing themes throughout the year.

Stormwater and Utilities Technician Jon Odle programmed the Main Street LED lights and will be in charge of choosing themes throughout the year.

The City of Sand Springs unveiled a new feature in the downtown shopping district Tuesday evening.

A system of LED (light-emitting diode) lights was revealed under the Highway 412 overpass over Main Street that will change color throughout the year to reflect themes such as holidays, cancer awareness, and this weekend's 29th Annual Herbal Affair.

"This project has been three years in the making," said Community Development Director Grant Gerondale. "It takes a long time to put something like this together. From the budgeting and the conceptualization to the initial design drawing to getting (Department of Transportation) approval." 

The dual-purpose lights are intended to improve public safety in the dimly lit area, as well as to help bridge the downtown shopping district to the new River West development. 

"I think you're gonna really enjoy this nice little package, I think it's going to add a lot of value to the community," said Gerondale. 

The project is funded with Vision 2025 taxes intended for quality of life enrichment. Studio 45 Architects, CMSWillbrook construction management, and Third Generation Electric were involved in the design, installation, and programming of the lights.

Sand Springs Stormwater and Utilities Technician Jon Odle will operate the lights for the City, creating themes for various holidays and events throughout the year, as well as ensuring they continue to function properly. 

"Jon has embraced this thing completely," said Gerondale. "After tonight it's Jon's show."

The lights will turn on automatically half an hour before sunset and will shut off at 2:00 a.m.

Gerondale asked for public input regarding the project, saying the City is open to adding similar projects with community support.