Sand Springs Couples Host 6th Annual Pregnancy and Infant Loss 5K

Left to Right: Matt Barnett, Cassie Barnett, Paige Ryan, Austin Ryan. (Courtesy).

Pregnancy is often greeted with a great deal of celebration and excitement. Couples plan photo shoots for their announcements, followed by maternity photos. Baby showers have become elaborate affairs, and gender reveals have reached comedic and even dangerous magnitudes.

But what few people want to talk about is how many of those children will never celebrate their first birthday.

According to the World Health Organization, 10 to 15% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, and nearly 2 million babies are stillborn each year.

The level of loss and heartache that a parent goes through in these situations can’t be measured, affects everyone differently, and often leaves the parent feeling alone, confused, betrayed, and any other number of emotions.

And far too often they go through that pain without the community support that they had during their pregnancy. Folks turn out for baby showers, but there are no stillbirth showers.

That’s why two Sand Springs couples are hosting an annual Pregnancy and Infant Loss 5K.

“This is the second one we’ve been involved with,” said event co-organizer Matt Barnett.

“We just partnered in with Austin and Paige Ryan. They’ve been doing this for a couple years after they lost their first kid. Paige and my wife got close after we lost our first child.”

Jacob Austin Ryan was stillborn on January 23, 2018 and the Ryan family started the 5K and Fun Run that year in his honor.

Matt and Cassie Barnett lost their daughter, Elizabeth “Elle” Jane Bartnett to stillbirth on August 28th, 2021 and joined the Ryans in co-hosting the event last year.

“We started doing the run with them last year and it went well,” said Matt Barnett. “We added HillSpring into the mix and our church really got behind it. And then unfortunately we lost another kid.”

Paxton “Pax” Brently Barnett was also stillborn on March 23rd, 2023.

The Barnetts, who are both on staff at HillSpring Church in Sand Springs, often speak from the pulpit about the loss of their children and how it has affected both their faith and their marriage, shining a light on a difficult subject that’s rarely discussed publicly.

They hope the 5K will help bring attention to the issue and let other parents dealing with loss know that they’re not alone.

“Find community,” said Matt Barnett. “I would beg people, don’t do it alone. Find a community. Find a MEND group, find churches, find organizations that you can lean on and people who have been through the same experience.”

“Grief is long and it’s weird and it’s just unpredictable. It’s not fair to do it alone, so we need people to help.”

Mommies Enduring Neonatal Death (MEND) is one of two organizations that the 5K is raising money for.

“MEND is an organization that really helps put support groups together for families who have went through infant and pregnancy loss,” said Barnett. “They were really helpful for my wife when she went through this.”

The other organization is Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, which provides families going through a loss with newborn photography sessions.

“Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep is a weird one for us” said Barnett. “I didn’t know if I wanted that the first time we lost somebody, but I never realized how much I would cherish that. It’s just another example of how they were real and how they mattered.”

The 2023 race on October 7th drew 78 entrees for the 5K any many more participated in the fun run at Case Community Park.

11-year-old Canyon Carnahan, of Sand Springs, won the race handily with a time of 22:01. Greg and Kiera Barnes, of Mannford, finished second and third in 23:36 and 24:17.

“It’s been really successful,” said Barnett. “I think last year we raised around $8,000 or so. That’s the most we’ve ever raised and we’re hoping to get close to that or more this year.”

The race drew everyone from avid runners to supporters of the cause to families who have experienced their own losses.

“It’s beautiful,” said Barnett. “There’s a lot of community involvement. The City’s involved with this, local churches, we have about 20 sponsors for the event. It really is a lot of people coming together so it’s really cool.”

5K Results

Men

22:01 Canyon Carnahan
23:36 Greg Barnes
24:22 Jeff Parks
24:41 Kory Brown
27:19 Kenny White
27:19 Caleb Smith
28:16 Shuan Adams
30:18 Bryce Beall
32:08 Christopher Matthews
32:19 Cayden Holder
33:24 Kevin Rouk
34:29 Bradley Potts
35:07 Kaidyn Cowan
35:13 Bobby White
35:48 Kurtis Crawford
36:10 Eli Beall
36:11 Daniel Henderson
37:20 Scott Emigh
43:44 Justin Carnahan
46:17 Keaton Smith
46:27 Ryan Johnson
49:23 Jacob Rupp
54:49 Ron Mayes
55:22 John Sommers
58:07 Bobby McIntosh
58:47 George Stabler
58:50 Andrew Arms
59:19 Shawn Smith
59:25 Nick Julkowski
1:05:22 Chris Wilson

Women

24:17 Kiera Barnes
27:24 Chezney Kelley
27:29 Audrey Fincannon
28:09 Shelby Champ
28:26 Shannon Hamilton
28:43 Katelynn Castleman
28:45 Kassie Billingsly
29:11 Ashley Cox
29:25 Nancy Vanderburg
32:50 Victoria Buchanan
33:24 Kelly Holder
33:38 Kynlee Carnahan
35:54 Patricia Harsley
37:23 Victoria Middleton
38:42 Alison Holder
41:47 Andee Sage
43:10 Charity Emigh
43:42 Heather Carnahan
44:27 Sericca Walters
44:27 Kara Enkey
45:24 Regan Pidcock
45:27 Madison Smith
45:42 Amber Cowan
48:08 Haylee Dewberry
48:44 Tiffany Rowe
49:16 Michelle Key
49:23 Savannah Lytle
54:01 Emily Smith
54:03 Casey Arms
55:20 Heather Sommers
56:41 Kendra McIntosh
57:05 Karen Smith
58:07 Carolynn Canfield
58:37 Kaylee Kendall
58:38 Natasha Odom
58:44 Shannon Strabala
58:45 Claire Julkowski
58:49 Meoldy Hilligoss
58:49 Piper Brooks
58:50 Ashley Vanderburg
58:50 Hannah McGarvey
58:55 Lindsey Julkowski
59:41 Pam Jackson
1:03:26 Lana Greenfield
1:04:05 Paulette Bennet
1:04:05 Theresa Greene
1:04:10 Randy-Lynne Wach
1:05:22 Tamara Boyles

Black Lives Matter rally scheduled for Tuesday at Sand Springs park

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A Black Lives Matter rally is being planned for Tuesday, June 16, at 5:00 p.m. in Case Community Park in Sand Springs. The gathering will take place on the Great Lawn, and is being organized by Charles Page High School alumni Imani Jennings and Travis Allen.

Speakers who are scheduled to speak at the event include State Representative Regina Goodwin, Mary I. Williams, Nia MaRae Byrd, April Ghahagan, Pastor Robert Turner, Alyxandria Fredieu, Reverend Mareo Johnson, Imani Jennings, Tykebrean Chesier, and Sand Springs Police Chief Mike Carter.

Organizers have requested that attendees wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Water and food will be provided.

There will be a candlelight vigil after dark to commemorate victims of police brutality.

Sand Springs Parks Department unveils latest plans for new disc golf course, seeks community input

The Sand Springs Parks Department has released the latest plans for a new disc golf course redesign and is asking for community feedback.

The new layout will be located in the same general area as the existing course, but will add increased hole-length, professional signage, new tee pads, and will utilize the wooded areas under the Highway 97 bridge among other changes. The course is being designed by 2009 PDGA World Champion Avery Jenkins.

Disc Golf first came to Case Community Park (then dubbed River City Park) in 2012 after existing baskets were relocated from a nine-hole course at Ray Brown Park. The new course used two alternate natural tees per basket to create an 18-hole layout that was often crowded since two groups could be playing towards the same basket at the same time. The course was located along the creek at the entrance to the park.

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During a $6 million remodel of the park in 2017, a roadway, parking lot, and splash pad were constructed in the middle of the existing course, and the baskets were relocated to the deepest part of the grounds near the BMX track. The current course features a full 18 holes with few overlapping fairways and professional concrete tees. There are, however, several holes that throw across the walking trail, and the new course will aim to eliminate those safety issues.

The new proposed course design was created by DiscGolfPark, a multi-national corporation headquartered in Tampere, Finland. The Sand Springs course will be the first DiscGolfPark in Oklahoma and the fourth layout designed by Jenkins, who is a touring member of Team Discmania. Jenkins previously designed Shady Rest DiscGolfPark in Mammoth Lakes, California, LHC DiscGolfPark in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and co-designed The Sanctuary DiscGolfPark in Delta, Ohio. He is a transplant to Oklahoma, and currently lives in Pawhuska where he manages The Lodge at Taylor Ranch disc golf courses. Jenkins’s course designs average a 4.2 out of 5 rating on U-Disc, the official score app of the PDGA.

DiscGolfPark uses several unique concepts, including a turf tee pad. Most Oklahoma courses utilize concrete tees, but the turf pads are well reviewed by touring professionals like Paul McBeth and Simon Lizotte who praise the natural look and feel. The tees are also safer than concrete tees, which are easy for an inattentive player to trip over.

The new course will come with all new baskets and will also include a large Info Board showing the course layout, rules and guidelines. All of the new equipment will come with warranties.

The proposed Sand Springs layout will feature 18 tees with two permanent basket placements per hole. Unlike some area courses, which alternate baskets between long and short placements, the Sand Springs course will have short and long baskets at the same time. This creative layout will allow more experienced players to play alongside their lesser-experienced friends, or for players to play a full 36 holes.

The shorter “White” layout will be a par 54 at a total of 4690 feet, with holes ranging from 205 to 460. For comparison, the current layout is a par 54 at a total of 4212 feet, with holes ranging from 142 to 349. The longer “Blue” layout will be a par 56 at a total of 6226 feet, with holes ranging from 225 to 635.

The newest layout design isn’t final, as the department is still seeking input from local players. Parks staff plan on marking tee and basket locations within the next week, weather permitting, so that players can walk the course and get a feel for the changes.

Case Community Park is the flagship of the Sand Springs Parks Department, located at 2500 South River City Park Road along the Arkansas River. The 100-acre grounds include baseball, softball, soccer, and BMX complexes, a Community Center, a splash pad, four playgrounds, a skate park, a trail system, an amphitheater, horseshoe pits, basketball and volleyball courts, and more.

The playgrounds and sports courts are currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the disc golf course, walking trails, and green space are still open, though patrons are encouraged to remain ten feet apart at all times. Parks staff have been periodically disinfecting the golf baskets throughout the day.

A new roadway is also planned that will allow visitors to cross over the river levee that surrounds the park. This will create a park entrance from the Sheffield Crossing development near the disc golf course and softball/BMX complexes. A paved parking lot is also planned.

Photo Gallery: Sand Springs Snow Day

By Scott Emigh

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Sand Springs Disc Golf Course to receive new professional redesign by World Champion Avery Jenkins

The Sand Springs Parks Advisory Board heard plans for a new disc golf course layout at their Monday evening meeting. The new layout will be located in the same general area as the existing course, but will add increased hole-length, professional signage, new tee pads, and will utilize the wooded areas under the Highway 97 bridge among other changes. The course is being designed by 2009 PDGA World Champion Avery Jenkins.

Disc Golf first came to Case Community Park (then dubbed River City Park) in 2012 after existing baskets were relocated from a nine-hole course at Ray Brown Park. The new course used two alternate natural tees per basket to create an 18-hole layout that was often crowded since two groups could be playing towards the same basket at the same time. The course was located along the creek at the entrance to the park.

Following a $6 million remodel of the park in 2017, a roadway, parking lot, and splash pad were constructed in the middle of the existing course, and the baskets were relocated to the deepest part of the grounds near the BMX track. The current course features a full 18 holes with few overlapping fairways and professional concrete tees. There are, however, several holes that throw across the walking trail, and the new course will eliminate those safety issues.

The new proposed course design was created by DiscGolfPark, a multi-national corporation headquartered in Tampere, Finland. The Sand Springs course will be the first DiscGolfPark in Oklahoma and the third layout designed by Jenkins, who is a touring member of Team Innova. Jenkins previously designed LHC DiscGolfPark in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and co-designed The Sanctuary DiscGolfPark in Delta, Ohio. He is a transplant to Oklahoma, and currently lives in Pawhuska where he helps manage The Lodge at Taylor Ranch disc golf courses.

DiscGolfPark uses several unique concepts, including a turf tee pad. Most Oklahoma courses utilize concrete tees, but the turf pads are well reviewed by touring professionals like Paul McBeth and Simon Lizotte who praise the natural look and feel. The tees are also safer than concrete tees, which are easy for an inattentive player to trip over.

The new course will come with all new baskets and will also include a large Info Board showing the course layout, rules and guidelines. All of the new equipment will come with warranties.

The proposed Sand Springs layout checks in at 6680 feet with a par of 57, including three par 4s. Hole 4 will be the longest at a whopping 820 feet, followed by Hole 18 at 640 feet. The overall square footage of the course will increase significantly with expansions north of the BMX track service road and deeper into the woods beneath the Highway 97 bridge.

Those longer distances won’t be permanent, however, as the course will have multiple pin locations. During tournaments the course directors will be able to move the baskets to their longest length, then the baskets will be moved back for year-round recreational play. Parks staff want the course to be desirable for professionals, beginners, and everyone in between.

The Tulsa metropolitan area is considered by many to be the Mecca of disc golf, with dozens of courses and over 4,000 members in the Tulsa Disc Golf Facebook group. The Tulsa Disc Sports Association hosts weekly mini-tournaments during the summer months and Tulsa even hosted the Am World Championships in 2006.

The newest layout design isn’t final, as the Parks Advisory Board voted Monday to allow the course to utilize a two-acre field that was previously designated an “avoidance area.” The field once housed the Sand Springs Round Up Club rodeo arena, which was demolished in 2018. The area was initially intended to be used as a possible practice field for youth sports teams, but that plan was scrapped due to limited parking.

Jenkins is also waiting for contractors to finishing clearing overgrowth before he submits his final plans. Significant work is already underway along the river and under the Highway 97 bridge. Workers are increasing the amount of playable land, as well as increasing the aesthetic appeal and river view. The final plans will then have to be approved by the Advisory Board and the City Council.

Case Community Park is the flagship of the Sand Springs Parks Department, located at 2500 South River City Park Road along the Arkansas River. The 100-acre grounds include baseball, softball, soccer, and BMX complexes, a Community Center, a splash pad, four playgrounds, a skate park, a trail system, an amphitheater, horseshoe pits, basketball and volleyball courts, and more. The entire park was submerged during historic flooding in May of 2019, but the last of the repairs are expected to be complete in time for the spring softball and baseball seasons.

A new roadway is also planned that will allow visitors to cross over the river levee that surrounds the park. This will create a park entrance from the Sheffield Crossing development near the disc golf course and softball/BMX complexes.

ONEOK donates $150,000 to repair Sand Springs park damaged in flood

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Sand Springs, OK- Sand Springs Park Friends, Inc. has received a major donation from ONEOK to assist with the continued flood recovery at Case Community Park. ONEOK announced the gifting of $150,000 to Sand Springs Park Friends, Inc. for work at the park’s heavily damaged softball complex.

Following the flooding events of May 2019, the entire 100 acre Case Community Park was submerged beneath six feet of flowing water. The impact leveled fences, uprooted large trees, ruined sports playing surfaces and pulled apart electrical connections buried within the sports complex.

Following today’s gift from ONEOK, the Parks Department will oversee repairs to the softball complex in the coming weeks, replacing it to a pre-flood condition in time for the opening of the 2020 softball season.

“We’ve built this wonderful park with great partnerships and community support over the years”, stated City of Sand Springs Parks Director Jeff Edwards. “We’re grateful for ONEOK and their support of our mission to rebuild the softball complex and deliver quality of life services to our citizens.”

Sand Springs Park Friends, Inc. was created in 2007 by the City of Sand Springs City Council to help facilitate an easy, visible tool to generate philanthropic support and create improvements to the City’s parks system. Sand Springs Park Friends, Inc. is a non-profit 501c3 organization registered with the State of Oklahoma and the IRS to accept charitable contributions.

For more information about the City of Sand Springs, please visit www.sandspringsok.org and follow the City’s social media on Face Book and Instagram for the latest updates.

Flood-damaged playgrounds reopen in Sand Springs's Case Community Park

The two largest playgrounds in Case Community Park are officially open for visitors. The artificial turf in the playgrounds was ruined during a historic summer 2019 flood that completely submerged the city’s 120-acre flagship park. Now, eight months later,the playground next to the splash pad, and the playground next to the Great Lawn are open to the public.

The park itself opened not long after the flood, due to a community outpouring of volunteer cleanup efforts. The City hosted a cleanup day that saw hundreds of volunteers turn out, then individual groups like the Power of Partial Improvement continued the effort.

The BMX track, soccer fields, basketball court, biking/walking trail, disc golf course, skate park, boat ramp, picnic shelters, and splash pad have been open since July, but the playgrounds were held up due to the turf. The Parks Department had to wait on their insurance company to process the claim, then due to the price of the turf, the project had to go through a public bid process. The project ultimately came in at $45,281.40.

At the City Council December meeting, Council approved a supplemental appropriation of $102,000 to continue repair efforts throughout the park. $35,000 was approved to repair the infield playing surfaces at the Will Ramsey Softball Complex, which suffered the most damage of the park’s facilities. Not only was the grading ruined by the powerful river current, but most of the fencing was ruined, as was the playground turf and the concessions building.

The playground turf at both the Softball and Baseball complexes are still in need of replacement, but should be finished soon.

Great Raft Race to launch in Sand Springs Monday morning

The 24th Annual Great Tulsa Raft Race will be launching from Case Community Park in Sand Springs Monday, September 2nd beginning at 8:00 a.m. Hundreds of uniquely crafted homemade rafts will take to the waters of the Arkansas River in a race to Tulsa’s River West Festival Park.

The iconic showcase of Tulsa ingenuity first ran from 1973 through 1991 before being discontinued, and was resurrected by the Tulsa Young Professional Foundation in 2015 with overwhelming success.

Kayaks, canoes, inflatable rafts, and homemade rafts float approximately eight miles in a timed race. While competitive rafters enjoy the exhilarating race to the finish line, most spectators are entranced by the unique floats showcased in the design challenge. Awards are presented for Best of Show, Best Engineered, and Most Creative, in addition to the timed race winners.

While many families prefer the ease of sleeping in and catching the final leg of the race in Tulsa, there are exciting perks to watching the show bright and early in Sand Springs. Many of the more kooky and creative rafts won’t make it to Tulsa due to poor engineering. Some of the neatest aesthetic designs are crafted without proper expertise in seaworthiness, and won’t even make it off the Sand Springs boat ramp without sinking. Every year fan-favorites hit the river and immediately begin taking on water - leading to a mad dash by the rafters to bail water and corral their vessel to the shore before it is submerged.

Only a few hundred viewers are treated to this sight as most of Sand Springs’s fans watch from the Highway 97 Arkansas River bridge instead of journeying into the park. However, there is plenty of room in the park for onlookers, and the Sand Springs Parks Department will have bleachers set up near the launch point. The River City Trail that runs through the park also has several great viewing locations downstream from the launch point, and one of the best spots to get right up on the water is beneath the Highway 97 bridge on either the north or south sides of the river.

The northbound bridge over the river does have a pedestrian path that is safe from traffic, and in past years the Sand Springs Police and Fire Departments have narrowed the southbound bridge to a single lane to ensure the safety of onlookers watching from the shoulder of the highway.

The best views, however, can be found at ground-level from the shoreline, and there is easy access with plenty of shade in Case Park beneath the bridges. Case Park will also offering free parking at the soccer and baseball complexes, whereas the Finish Line Festival in Tulsa charges $10 to park.

Launches will last from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in Sand Springs, and rafts will be arriving at River West Festival Park from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The earliest arrivals will be the kayaks and speed racers, while those who build large lumbering contraptions may take longer to make their way downstream. There will be food trucks and concessions, as well as music from DJ Connection in Sand Springs.

At the Finish Line Festival there will be inflatables for the kids, as well as a Cardboard Regatta raft competition and a Sand Castle Exhibition. Yard games will be set up throughout the park and tournaments will be held in corn-hole and volleyball. There will food trucks, retail and nonprofit vendors, a Conquer the Gauntlet Youth Obstacle Course, kayak rentals, live music, and even $40 helicopter rides.

The Speed Awards will be presented at 12:00 p.m. and the Design Awards will be presented at 4:30 p.m.

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Sand Springs Fire Department rescues stranded boat with elderly pilot

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The Sand Springs Fire Department performed a successful water rescue late Sunday night, retrieving a stranded boat with a single passenger.

The boat’s pilot claims to have put into the Arkansas River before daylight Sunday morning and was stranded for most of the day. The 74-year-old man was without a cellular phone and his plight was reported by a third party who spotted him on the water.

The pilot says he recently purchased the boat and it was his first time putting it in the water. The vehicle began having motor problems early on and ultimately stalled out and partially flooded.

According to Captain Shelby Baughn, the Tulsa Police Department helicopter was unavailable to provide assistance, and the Tulsa Fire Department was called in to help. However, the Sand Springs rescue boat located the stranded vessel shortly before TFD arrived and the flooded boat was hauled out of the water just before midnight.

City of Sand Springs recognizes flood recovery volunteers, swears in new officers

Municipal Judge R. Jay McAtee administered the Oath of Office to newly appointed Sand Springs Police Officers Tyler Kruse and David Meacham at Monday evening’s City Council meeting.

Mayor Jim Spoon read a Mayoral Proclamation honoring the various organizations that helped during and after the historic flooding earlier this summer.

American Red Cross, Samaritan’s Purse, Sand Springs Local Church Network, Sand Springs Community Services, Team Rubicon, All Hands and Hearts, Platinum Oilfield Services, Kirby Smith Equipment, Yellowhouse Machinery, All Saints Episcopal School, and The Power of Partial Improvements were among the organizations mentioned in the decree.

Council unanimously approved the use of $207,559 in emergency reserve funds for flood recovery operations, including $8,000 on volleyball court sand, $11,000 on park-wide fill-in dirt, $31,000 on new fencing at the BMX Track, $30,000 on BMX Track asphalt, $17,000 on laser grading at the softball and baseball fields, $37,000 for new playground surfacing, $5,000 for soccer field irrigation equipment, $10,000 for dumpster rental, and $9,000 for new concessions building interior.

Resolution No. 19-31 and Ordinance No. 1335 were not voted on by the Council. Rupe Helmer Group requested the items be removed from the agenda after deciding not to pursue a controversial Dollar General construction project on Highway 97 in an area that some local residents believed should be reserved for residential development.

The Ward 4 Council Seat is currently vacant following the resignation of Councilwoman Christine Hamner, who recently moved outside of the Ward 4 boundaries. Because her term expires in the Spring, the Council is looking to appoint a temporary Councilperson rather than having a special election. Interested citizens can pick up an application from the City Clerk. The deadline for consideration is Wednesday, August 21st at noon.

Other Council news…

Council unanimously approved a Fiscal Year 2020 insurance plan through the Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group with annual premiums totaling $234,214.

Council unanimously approved a sales tax rebate agreement with Reasor’s LLC for Fiscal Year 2020. The City approved a ten-year $2 million rebate agreement in 2011 as part of an incentive package to bring the business to Sand Springs.

Council unanimously approved a $153,132 contract with Superion LLC for financial software.

Council unanimously approved a $27,804 contract with Tyler Technologies for Municipal Court software.

Council unanimously approved the purchase of three Dodge Durangos and one Dodge Charger for the Police Department at a cost of $106,467.

Council unanimously approved the purchase of two commercial Cub Cadet mowers at a cost of $25,598.

Council unanimously approved the purchase of a Jacobson Sprayer XP-175 at a cost of $50,744.

Council unanimously voted to continue an existing Transportation Agreement for Fiscal Year 2020. The City supplies a driver, 14-passenger bus, maintenance on the vehicle, and fuel in order to provide limited free transportation for senior citizens.

Council unanimously voted to renew a $57,020 contract with Metropolitan Tulsa Transit Authority for bus services in Sand Springs.

Council unanimously voted to approve a change order to a contract with Crossland Construction for the Water Treatment Plant Beautification Wall project, authorizing an increase of $30,324.23 in contract amount, and an increase of 33 days in contract times. The overall project is valued at $1,144,131.83 is funded via a voter-approved general obligation bond package.

Council unanimously voted to authorize execution of all documents transfers, and payments related to the Main Street Improvement Project. Main Street will be reconstructed from 1st Street south to its current terminus, and will be extended to intersect with Highway 97 just north of the Arkansas River bridge. A new frontage road will be constructed to connect Main Street to the Highway 412 on-ramp at Lincoln Avenue.

Council unanimously approved a reconciliatory change order to the Morrow Road Widening Project, increasing a contract with Crossland Heavy Contractors by $3,919.90 and 49 days. The project was completed last month at a final cost of $1,410,919.90.

Council unanimously voted to authorize execution of all documents, transfers, and payments related to the Highway 97 Wideneing Project.

Council unanimously voted to authorize all documents, transfers, and payments related to the Sand Springs Pogue Airport Electrical Fault and PAPI Upgrade.

Council unanimously voted to approve a Specific Use Permit for medical marijuana growing and processing at 1200 East Charles Page Boulevard in the former K-Mart building. They also voted to rezone the property from Commercial Shopping to Commercial General.

Council unanimously voted to rezone 1201 North Cleveland Avenue to Residential Manufactured Home. The property has been a mobile home park since the 1950s but wasn’t properly rezoned when zoning designations were changed to their modern format.

Council unanimously approved a resolution to accept a grant offer and authorize payment and signatures relating to a series of draining improvements at Pogue Airport.

In Municipal Authority meeting news…

Trustees unanimously approved a one-year extension to a lease agreement with the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce for the former public works building at 109 North Garfield Avenue. The Chamber relocated their operations there a year ago and has been remodeling the building to create a small business incubator.

Trustees unanimously approved a one-year extension to an agreement with Waste Management of Oklahoma, Inc.

Case Community Park Splash Pad to reopen Friday

The Rotary Super Splash Pad in Case Community Park will reopen to the public Friday, July 19th, for the first time since a flooded Arkansas River submerged the 120-acre grounds on May 22nd.

The city’s flagship park was under as much as seven feet of water in some areas for more than a week during the historic flooding that saw Keystone Dam outflows in excess of 300,000 cubic feet per second.

Hundreds of volunteers have invested countless hours in cleaning up the grounds and facilities over the past six weeks.

The BMX track is open after extensive dirt work and repairs. The soccer fields, biking/walking trail, disc golf course, boat ramp, skate park, and picnic shelters are also open.

While none of the actual playground equipment was damaged by the flood, the artificial turf beneath the equipment was ruined. The playgrounds areas are fenced off and will remain closed until new turf can be installed in the near future.

The restroom facilities and concession stands are all closed, but port-o-johns have been brought in for the short-term.

Parks Director Jeff Edwards says it will likely be several weeks before the playgrounds can reopen, and months before the restrooms and concession facilities are finished.

Formerly known as River City Park, Case Park underwent a $6.2 million renovation in 2016 thanks to Vision 2025 funding and a $2 million donation by local philanthropists Mike and Pat Case. It is located at 2500 South River City Park Road and is open from dawn till midnight.

Case Community Park in Sand Springs re-opens after extensive flood damage

Case Community Park in Sand Springs is officially open to the public for the first time since a flooded Arkansas River submerged the 120-acre grounds on May 22nd.

The city’s flagship park was under as much as seven feet of water in some areas for more than a week during the historic flooding that saw Keystone Dam outflows in excess of 300,000 cubic feet per second.

Hundreds of volunteers have invested countless hours in cleaning up the grounds and facilities over the past six weeks.

The BMX track is open after extensive dirt work and repairs. The soccer fields, biking/walking trail, disc golf course, boat ramp, skate park, and picnic shelters are also open.

While none of the actual playground equipment was damaged by the flood, the artificial turf beneath the equipment was ruined. The playgrounds areas are fenced off and will remain closed until new turf can be installed in the near future.

The Rotary Super Splash Pad is closed due to electrical damage, but is expected to reopen soon. The restroom facilities are all closed, but port-o-johns have been brought in for the short-term.

Formerly known as River City Park, Case Park underwent a $6.2 million renovation in 2016 thanks to Vision 2025 funding and a $2 million donation by local philanthropists Mike and Pat Case. It is located at 2500 South River City Park Road and is open from dawn till midnight.

Nine Fun Free Summer Destinations in Sand Springs

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Hundreds of Sandites are still picking up the pieces after historic flooding devastated low-lying river-side areas outside of the protection of the levee system.

Not only did many flood victims lose their homes, but the entire community lost access to the 100-acre recreational paradise that is Case Community Park.

Soccer, Softball, Baseball, Disc Golf, Volleyball, Basketball, Trails, Horse Shoes, BMX, playgrounds, and the Rotary Super Splash Pad were all taken from Sand Springs for the foreseeable future.

Despite the tragic park closure, there are still many great opportunities for Sand Springs residents to find some rest, relaxation, recreation, and entertainment.

Case Community Center

While most of Case Community Park may be closed, the community center at the north end of the park escaped the flood waters and is open for business. Although part of the building is set aside for FEMA operations, there are still plenty of fun activities.

Pickleball, Zumba, Tai Chi, Tiny Tots in Training, Dance Fitness, and Senior Exercise are only a few of the regularly scheduled activities. There’s an open basketball court, workout equipment, an indoor track, ping pong, video games, and more!

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Case Community Skate Park

Also open for recreation is the 7,000 sq. ft. skate park located just south of the Community Center. Break out your skateboard, scooter, or bicycle and hit the quarter pipe! Ramps, stairs, rails, banks, bridges, all open from dawn till dusk!

Click here for more information on the Skate Park and Community Center.

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Sand Springs Historical and Cultural Museum

Located in the heart of the downtown Triangle district, this beautiful example of Art Deco architecture is on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a fun and educational way to spend your afternoon.

Constructed in 1929 as a public library, the building was commissioned by Lucile Page to honor her late husband, Charles Page, the founder and patriarch of Sand Springs.

The library was converted into a museum following the construction of the new Charles Page Library building in 2001. The museum features a permanent exhibit on the history of Sand Springs and legacy of its benefactor, as well as rotating art and history exhibits.

Click here for more information on the museum.

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Katy Trail & Centennial Park

Go for a bike ride along Katy Trail! Free parking for the trail is available at the Stage Department Store, right by the original site of the sandy springs from which our town draws its name. This easy-rated trail system can take you as far as you want to go, meeting with Newblock Park Trail and Riverparks East Trail in Tulsa. You can also take it south along Highway 97 into Prattville.

Click here for more information on Katy Trail.

Keystone Ancient Forest

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Enjoy 1,360 acres of 300-year-old post oaks, 500-year-old cedars, wildlife, beautiful scenery, and about eight miles of hiking trails at varying difficulties. See the untamed wilderness that has remained mostly unchanged since it was first traversed by famed explorer Washington Irving almost 200 years ago. This park was one of the deciding factors in why Expedia named Sand Springs as Oklahoma’s Best Getaway Location for 2019.

Click here for more information on Keystone Ancient Forest.

Page Park

This north-side park features playground equipment, tennis courts, basketball, grills, swing sets, a teeter-totter, and a large open field for baseball, softball, kite-flying, etc.

Pratt Civitan Park

This recently-renovated south-side beauty offers basketball, tennis, swing sets, playground equipment, grills, a brand new restroom facility, and the City’s only open splash pad.

Ray Brown Park

One of the most recent park renovations includes new playground equipment, swing sets, grills, a picnic area, a trail, and lots of open space for group activities.

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Sand Springs Lake Park

The Sand Springs Lake is another historic piece of Sand Springs. Originally a weekend destination for neighboring Tulsans, it used to be a popular swimming hole with a petting zoo and amusement park. Those days are long gone, but it’s still a quaint afternoon getaway with an ADA-accessible trail, a beautiful garden, and well-stocked ecosystem of fish.

ZegART Studios

One great place for summer activities is ZegART Studios. The local art studio and gallery features great affordable summer camp classes for youth ages 6-18. Learn to express yourself through mobiles, wall hangings, macrame, painting, mosaics, metal engraving, string art, wood work, birdhouses, acrylics, and more.

Click here for more information on ZegART Studios.

Harper’s Hut Shaved Ice & Java

With cheap delicious snow cones, voted Best in Tulsa County in 2016, and lots of free activities for the kiddos, Harper’s Hut is a must-stop for all Sand Springs visitors. Toss a frisbee or a football, practice your disc golf throw, hula hoop, play corn hole, and have your picture taken aboard a pirate ship!

Click here for more information on Harper’s Hut.

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Sertoma and Pier 51 fireworks shows canceled due to flooding

The annual Pier 51 and Sand Springs Sertoma Club fireworks shows have been canceled for the 2019 season due to flooding.

The Sertoma Club has hosted an annual fireworks show on July 3rd since 1989, but this is the second time in the past three years that the event has been canceled. In 2017 the club had to cancel their show due to construction in Case Community Park. Now it has been called off due to extensive flood damage after the entirety of Case Park was submerged for more than a week.

Pier 51 on Keystone Lake also hosts an annual Independence Day fireworks show and has called off their festivities due to high waters and low revenue. At press time Keystone Lake is 25 feet higher than this date last year. According to event organizers, the area from which the fireworks are normally launched is currently submerged. High water levels and questionable lake conditions due to upstream flooding have put a damper on the Keystone-area economy this season.

One fireworks show that will continue unimpeded is the eighth annual Big Blast Fireworks Show and Kids Fun Fest at 17516 West 8th Street. Festivities kick off at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, June 22nd with the fireworks show beginning at dark. There will be free games, prizes, concessions and more with $10 kids passes available for unlimited inflatable jumps and a pony ride.

Sand Springs City Council issues continuance on controversial Dollar General location

Possible future site for a Dollar General store.

The Sand Springs City Council took no action on a controversial ordinance to rezone a vacant lot at 2702 North State Highway 97. More than fifty local citizens showed up in opposition to a proposed Dollar General location that they feel is inappropriately located in a residential area.

Council was schedule to vote on rezoning the land from residential to commercial to allow the construction of a Dollar General store by AAB Engineering. Because the Council meeting was moved forward a week from its previously scheduled date, Dollar General representatives were unable to be present for the meeting, and requested a continuance.

Because of the lack of representation from Dollar General, and because of the absence of Vice Mayor Patty Dixon, Council voted 5-1 in favor of delaying the rezoning vote until the July 22nd meeting.

In the rezoning application, AAB Engineering points to the close proximity of a gas station, water tower, mini storage facility, church, and radio station as justification for the commercial zoning. Additionally, a 1981 plat of the land indicated that business or commercial operations would be allowed on the lot.

However, the property sits at the intersection of Pond Drive, which is entirely residential. Approximately 238 local residents signed a petition in opposition of the rezoning, citing their desire for a quiet, rural community, and fear that the construction of a Dollar General would lead to additional future development in the area.

The City of Sand Springs voted to annex the Osage County land on May 20th. The Planning Commission voted 2-2 on the rezoning application at their last week’s meeting, failing to recommend either approval or denial of the request. However, the City staff has recommended approval.

Mayor Jim Spoon remarked that he was impressed with the public turnout for the meeting, and hoped to see as many citizens at the next meeting. One citizen remarked that they would be bringing even more opposition to the next meeting.

Police Chief Mike Carter gave a presentation regarding the 2019 Policing Plan and took public comment on the subject. This is the fourth year the department has adopted a policing plan and last year’s version was awarded the International Association of Chiefs of Police Leadership in Community Policing Award.

All officers will be issued new business cards with their name, badge number, and a website address to file online compliments or complaints. Following an unscientific Facebook poll with 93% community approval, the department will no longer restrict the hiring of officers with visible tattoos.

The department recently purchased six new police bicycles. They have been used successfully to silently close in on late night burglary suspects, to patrol trails systems and crowded community events, and to teach children how to ride bikes safely.

As part of the department’s Community Policing and Crime Reduction Plan officers took 51 students from Sand Springs Public Schools to a Tulsa ropes course to participate in the Community Trust Champions project.

The 2019 Policing Plan also calls for increased traffic violation warnings in lieu of fines, an improved system of acknowledging community complaints and disciplining officers, increased training and certifications, increased transparency, collaboration with local businesses for economic development, participation in the Hispanic Affairs Commission, Autism Awareness Training, and Critical Incident Inoculation Training.

In Other News:

Council revisited a request by Councilman Brian Jackson to have a Masonic Cornerstone installed at the new Billie A Hall Public Safety Center. The motion was previously defeated at both May Council meetings.

More than a dozen Masonic Lodge members turned out in support of the resolution, and former City Councilman Dean Nichols spoke on their behalf. The measure was approved by unanimous 6-0 vote.

Council unanimously approved the Worker’s Compensation Plan through the Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group with a yearly premium of $489,706.

Council unanimously approved a resolution clarifying the City’s rules regarding retention of certain public records. The resolution allows for the immediate destruction of emails, social media posts, text messages, voicemails, and browsing history, leaving their retention up to the sole discretion of the individual employees involved.

Council unanimously approved an agreement with Crawford & Associates in the amount of $50,000 for accounting and consulting services.

Council unanimously approved an agreement with Arledge and Associates in the amount of $35,875 for for financial statement audit services.

Council unanimously approved a continuance regarding a rezoning request at the former K-Mart building. Council will vote July 22nd on whether to rezone 1200 East Charles Page Boulevard from Commercial Shopping to Commercial General.

Council unanimously approved a ratification of a Memorandum of Understanding for participation in the Southwest Area Tactical Team.

Council unanimously voted to declare as surplus two 2007 John Deere backhoes for trade-in.

Council unanimously voted to purchase a Yanmar Vio-80 Compact Excavator from DitchWitch of Tulsa for $102,550, and an Interstate 50TDL Equipment Trailer for $27,750.

Council unanimously approved a resolution setting forth guidelines to assist the City in pursuing legal claims and in responding to legal claims against the City.

Council unanimously approved a resolution affirming a Declaration of Emergency following the May 2019 Flood Event. The declaration authorizes and affirms the execution of contracts, budget amendments, waivers of competitive bidding, and payments to the pursuant contracts to restore City property and equipment that was damaged during the flood. City Staff is currently estimating a budgetary impact of $1,581,600 in flood damages.

Council unanimously approved a Master Service Agreement with Motorola Solutions for recurring services related to Motorola MCC 7500 dispatch consoles.

Council unanimously approved the appointment of the following individuals to various boards and committees:

• Mike Burdge to Council Appointment Committee.

• Christine Hamner to Council Appointment Committee.

• Patty Dixon to Council Appointment Committee.

• Mike Burdge to Council Finance and Development Committee.

• Jim Spoon to Council Finance and Development Committee.

• Patty Dixon to Council Finance and Development Committee.

• Patty Dixon to Council Legislative Committee.

• Christine Hamner to Council Legislative Committee.

• Brian Jackson to Council Legislative Committee.

• Jim Spoon to Council Public Works Advisory Committee.

• Beau Wilson to Council Public Works Advisory Committee.

• Phil Nollan to Council Public Works Advisory Committee.

• Mike Burdge to the INCOG Board of Directors.

• Jim Spoon as Alternate to the INCOG Board of Directors.

• Jim Spoon to the INCOG General Assembly.

• Elizabeth Gray as Alternate to the INCOG General Assembly.

• Mike Burdge to the INCOG Legislative Consortium.

• Jim Spoon as Alternate to the Legislative Consortium.

• Derek Campbell to the INCOG - Tulsa Metropolitan Area Transportation Policy Committee.

• TJ Davis as Alternate to the INCOG - Tulsa Metropolitan Area Transportation Policy Committee.

• Phil Nollan to the Sand Springs Parks Advisory Board.

• Daniel Comer to the Sand Springs Parks Advisory Board.

• Harold Neal to the Sand Springs Planning Commission.

• Keri Fothergill to the Sand Springs Planning Commission.

• Phil Nollan to the Sand Springs Economic Development Authority.

• Troy Zickefoose to the Tulsa County Criminal Justice Sales Tax Overview Committee.

• Leia Anderson to the Pogue Airport Advisory Board.

• Rick Westcott to the Pogue Airport Advisory Board.

• Elizabeth Gray to the Sand Springs/Sapulpa Joint Board.

• Derek Campbell to the Sand Springs/Sapulpa Joint Board.

In the Municipal Authority meeting following City Council, Trustees unanimously approved a $31,551 Agreement Renewal with the Metropolitan Environmental Trust for administering and operating the Sand Springs Recycling Project.

Trustees unanimously approved a one-year extension to a contract with Talley Golf, who operates the pro shop, grill, golf cart rental, and other services at the Canyons at Blackjack Ridge.

Registration opens for 2019 Great Raft Race

Registration is officially open for the 2019 Great Tulsa Raft Race, which will take place on Labor Day, September 2nd. Early bird prices start at $45 per participant and will increase to $55 in July and $70 in August. Registration will close August 30th.

Participants can enter kayaks, canoes, inflatable rafts, or homemade rafts. The race launches on the Arkansas River from Case Community Park in Sand Springs and terminates in Tulsa’s River West Festival Park.

Click here to view our 2018 Great Raft Race photo gallery.

The historic race ran annually from 1973 to 1991 before being resurrected in 2015. It is hosted by the Tulsa Young Professional Foundation.

There are two categories for homemade rafts. Small rafts can be no larger than 8 x 10 feet, while large rafts can be no larger than 12 x 16 ft. The organization will have one-man kayaks and six-person inflatable rubber rafts for rental.

Both Corporate Challengers and recreational Pokey Okies will receive prizes for Best of Show, Best Engineered, and Most Creative. The Corporate division will also be timed with a Fastest Down the River award.

Free registration will be provided for 15 local schools to participate in the STEM School Challenge. Students age 12 and over will use their skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics to compete in the same four categories as the corporate challengers.

A Cardboard Regatta race will be held in the lagoon at the Finish Line Festival for students under the age of 12. They can build their cardboard raft ahead of time or with free provided materials the day-of.

River West park will host the Finish Line Festival with music, food trucks, inflatable activities, lawn games, retail vendors, and more. Admission is free to spectators, though pets will not be permitted.

In the event that water levels are too low to float, or too high to float safely, full refunds will be issued for all participants. Severe weather conditions could also cancel or delay the event.

Click here to visit the registration site.

Click here to apply for the STEM Challenge.

For more information click here to visit the official Raft Race site.

Texas private school visits Sand Springs to help clean up flood damage

A group of 26 volunteers from All Saints Episcopal School in Tyler, Texas visited Sand Springs Tuesday and put in a full day of work at the recently flooded Case Community Park.

23 high school-aged students and their three adult escorts teamed up with local volunteer group The Power of Partial Improvements to muck out the concessions and restroom buildings throughout the park. They also power-washed silt from the sidewalks, splash pad, and buildings.

The group is spending the week in Tulsa on their annual school mission trip to assist with flood-damaged areas, feed the homeless, and other community projects. They are staying at Oral Roberts University, and have also been working with Restore Hope Ministries on Charles Page Boulevard, organizing donations and prepping cleaning supply packages for flood victims.

The Power of Partial Improvements typically works to clean up trash along the Oklahoma shorelines, but was unable to take the students too close to the water due to the large number of displaced snakes in the area. For more information on PPI, or to make a donation toward their conservation efforts, click here to visit them online.

Power of Partial Improvements to host cleanup day Tuesday at Case Community Park

Volunteers work in Case Community Park at a Saturday volunteer event.

Tulsa-based nonprofit “Power of Partial Improvements” will be hosting a volunteer day Tuesday in Sand Springs to help with the flood damage in Case Community Park.

The 120-acre park was under 4-8 feet of water for more than a week and it will remain closed to the public for the foreseeable future. The City of Sand Springs held a community cleanup day Saturday that attracted about 400 people, but the work is far from finished.

Power of Partial Improvements is focused on aiding in the conservation and maintenance of Oklahoma’s 55,646 miles of shoreline. In the past they have worked to clean up areas in the old Estill Park area along Wekiwa Road that have been used as illegal dumping grounds.

They won’t be doing too much around the Arkansas River shoreline this week due to the large number of displaced snakes. Instead they’ll be working to clean up the area around the Rotary Super Splash Pad and the youth sports facilities.

The group has a large number of volunteers visiting from Texas, and is also encouraging the local community to come out and find somewhere to get plugged in. PPI will be working from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Equipment and lunch will be provided, but volunteers are instructed to wear close-toed shoes.

Volunteers will meet at Case Community Center at 1050 West Wekiwa Road.