Sand Springs to Host Exciting Array of Community Events June 9-10
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Car shows, professional wrestling, cornhole tournaments, fishing derbies, live music and more awaits visits to Sand Springs on the weekend of June 9-11.
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Editorial: River City Park doesn't need a renovation
/It's about fifteen till noon with a heat index of 89 degrees and a steady breeze to combat the humidity. I'm on my weekly trek through River City Park, taking photos of the construction progress, and I'm reminded that although all the hype is around the new projects in the park, the existing features are already worth the trip.
I parked by the Jerry Adair Baseball Complex, named for one of Sand Springs's greatest athletes, and rebuilt just a few years ago thanks to countless community donations and volunteer hours after a devastating tornado.
It is the West Side Alliance 3V3 tournament weekend so the soccer fields are packed. This is normal for Sand Springs. The WSA is one of the largest and most active soccer programs in the state.
The shaved ice banners are flying and the splash pad is open. A massive contribution from the Rotary Club and the nonprofit concession stand ran by WSA volunteers offer one of the best places in Sand Springs for kids to cool down and hang out.
Once you pass the hubbub of the Inez Kirk Soccer Complex, the park begins to quiet down.
The River City Trail winds along the river and with a little TLC along the shoreline, the park could easily be the premier viewing destination of the Great Raft Race
I'm passing The Great Lawn and the new playground facilities now. For now the great lawn is a great mess, but soon enough it'll be a beautiful site to host concerts, festivals, and other community gatherings.
I stop at the playground to snap some pics and do a little playing of my own. It has been a year since Pokémon Go debuted, but it has managed to maintain its appeal for those of us who spent our childhood playing the games, collecting the cards, and watching the show. I battle the Gym located in the playground, then continue walking and hatching Pokémon eggs.
The restrooms are being updated and modern art is littered along the perimeter of the lawn. A minuteman stands to watch over the grounds, the mascot of Sand Springs. The amphitheater is exciting. I look forward to many great concerts here.
Once you pass the great lawn there's a boat ramp to the rive. The dam is open and the river is running. Not as uncommon as it used to be, but still a treat compared to the sandbars we're so used to.
Volleyball courts have been here for ages, the Horseshoe pits have been relocated, and a Thunder Cares Basketball Court is being built.
I'm getting into the back of the park now. The Will Ramsey Softball Complex, the rodeo arena, the BMX track, and the disc golf course. Round Up Club volunteers are currently painting the facility in hopes of reversing a City Council decision to demolish it at the end of the season. The new disc golf course is nice. I've played it a couple of times now.
I have reached the end of the park where it terminates beneath the Arkansas River bridge. The trail goes up the levee and meets Katy Trail allowing you to go into Prattville or back to Tulsa. The trail system will take you all the way to the new Gathering Place and beyond, though I don't see why anyone in Sand Springs would need to go that far when we have such a beautiful park right here.
Though the new additions are welcome, and the park has always had its flaws, the bones of the park will be the same in September as they were a year ago. Packed soccer, baseball, and softball fields. Tulsa's only BMX track, a uniquely wooded disc golf course, nearly a mile of river shore, playgrounds, a splash pad, and a well-paved and shaded trail.
The $6 million renovation will bring improvements and additions to Sand Springs's flagship park, but a simple Saturday morning stroll more than shows that River City Park doesn't need a renovation to be one of Sand Springs's greatest assets.
14th Annual Rotary Bass Tournament returns to Keystone Lake this weekend
/The Fourteenth Annual Sand Springs Rotary Bass Tournament is this weekend on Keystone Lake and you aren't likely to find a better excuse to go fishing.
Rotary Club claims a motto of "Service Above Self" and has a ninety-year history of meeting both the local and the international community's needs through student loans, scholarships, donations, and fundraisers.
In recent years they have held fundraisers for Sand Springs Community Services, Salvation Army, Red Cross, Boy Scouts, the Tulsa Boys Home, Senior Celebration, Relay for Life, Sertoma Club, Special Olympics, and the Sand Springs Home.
The bass tournament is sponsored by Bill Knight Automotive and Collision Repair, and is held at the Prairie View Boat Ramp in Mannford. There is a $100 entry fee per two-person team, and a $1,000 Big Bass prize sponsored by Blackbeard Marine. Smaller prizes include marine oil, hitches, gas, reels, tackle, t-shirts, and more. There will also be free hamburgers, hot dogs, soda, and beer.
The bass tournament is just one of many annual fundraisers put on by the Rotarians. They also hold an annual bean dinner, chili cookoff, 5K Run, and golf tournament.
In just three months, Rotary Club will host the Tenth Annual Downhill Derby soapbox car race in downtown Sand Springs. Downhill Derby offers a day of family-friendly fun that attracts hundreds of spectators and participants every year.
For more information on the fishing tournament, contact Mike Luttrell, Tournament Director, at 918.633.0666 or 918.526.2510.
Sand Springs Rotary Club hosts local nonprofit organization showcase
/The Sand Springs Rotary Club and the Sand Springs United Methodist Church hosted a nonprofit showcase this past Thursday and dozens of local organizations participated. The free public event included free food and door prizes to help bring public awareness and attention to the organizations and the opportunities for community involvement.
2 Angel Toy Run is an annual event hosted by Church That Matters in South Sand Springs with the purpose of providing toys for children at Christmas time, as well as scholarships for Charles Page High School students. The Toy Run is held each November. The annual event is named for Hannah Christian and Cassidy Rotramel, two Charles Page High School students who were killed in a motor vehicle accident in 2010. For more information, visit www.2angelstoyrun.com
The Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce is an organization of local businesses, organizations, and individuals working together to bring growth and economic development to Sand Springs. Members meet the first Monday of each month at noon in an open forum at the Tulsa Technology Center. For more information, visit www.sandspringschamber.com
Church That Matters seeks "to be a church that matters to God, each other, our city, and the world." The church has Wednesday evening youth service from 7:00 to 8:30, and three Sunday morning services at 8:30, 10:00, and 11:30. For more information, visit www.churchthatmatters.com
Camp Courage is an independent Christian youth camp located in Owasso and holds traditional camps during the Summer, Spring, and Fall breaks. They also offer a day camp with fishing, hiking, canoeing, paintball, swimming, archery, and more. For more information, visit www.campcourageusa.com
Counseling & Recovery Services of Oklahoma is an outpatient community mental health clinic for adults and children. The organization believes in "treating the whole person," both mentally and physically. They offer adult and children's mental health services, substance abuse assistance, physician visits, pharmaceutical needs, housing, and more. For more information, visit www.crsok.org
Daughters of the American Revolution is a women's only group that works to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. The group meets every third Thursday at 11:30 a.m. at Greentree Retirement Center in Sand Springs. Membership requires that a person be directly descended from a person involved in the United States' struggle for independence, and is only for adults aged 18+. For more information, visit www.oklahomadar.org
Day Spring Villa Women & Children's Shelter provides physical, emotional, Christ-like care to enable women and their children to live God-honoring lives. The shelter accepts any and all victims of domestic violence, human sex trafficking, and more. For more information, visit www.dayspringvilla.com
Hillspring Church is located in South Sand Springs and offers numerous small groups including Kids Outdoor Zone and Zumba. They are also hosting a motorcycle Toy Run on December 3rd at 11:30 a.m. For more information, visit www.hillspring.tv
Junior Achievement of Oklahoma serves K-12th grade students by introducing financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship into the classroom by empowering the students through exciting, hands-on learning experiences. For more information, visit www.jaok.org
Mobile Missions Network is a local organization seeking to meet the needs of mobile home communities in Northeast Oklahoma. Volunteers meet Sunday evenings at the River Oaks, Shannon Valley, and Valley Brook Mobile Communities from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. MMN hosts special events in these communities, including sports camps, bible clubs, and Halloween parties. They also help provide Christmas gifts and help families with light remodeling projects in the area. For more information, visit www.mobilemissionsnetwork.com
Oasis Adult Day Services provides affordable daytime care in a home-like environment for cognitively or physically impaired adults. Oasis has locations at 5525 East 51st Street, Tulsa, and 410 East Lee Street, Sapulpa. For more information, visit www.oasisads.org
Osage Forest of Peace bills itself as an "interspiritual Contemplative Retreat Center." The grounds are open to guests seven days a week with meditation times at 7:00 a.m. and noon daily, plus a 4:45 time on Tuesdays through Saturday. The Forest hosts various retreats and programs, with overnight cabins, meals, yoga classes, hiking, as well as a Zen Garden and labyrinth. For more information, visit www.forestofpeace.org.
Rotary Club of Sand Springs is the local chapter of a worldwide organization promoting service over self. Rotary believes that service is the basis for success and happiness in business and community life. The local chapter meets ever Friday at 12:00 noon at Broadway Baptist Church. Some of the annual activities sponsored by Rotary include Downhill Derby, the Nonprofit Showcase, a February Chili Cook-off, and a June Bass fishing tournament. For more information, visit www.sandspringsrotary.com
Saint Francis Community Services works toward the recruitment, certification, and retention of quality foster homes in Oklahoma. The organization is not associated with Tulsa hospital, and is corporately located in Kansas. For more information, contact jason.cloud@st-francis.org
Sand Springs Area Support Group for the Visually Limited meets on the third Monday of each month at the Lucile Page Manor Community Room in Sand Springs. The organization helps the visually impaired, and their caregivers, to access resources and creative solutions to overcoming the disability.
Sand Springs Community Services, Inc. assists Sand Springs area residents experiencing economic crisis in moving forward towards self-sufficiency. For more information, visit www.sscsok.org
Sand Springs Community Thanksgiving Dinner is sponsored by the Sand Springs United Methodist Church, and works to prepare and deliver Thanksgiving meals to Sand Springs and West Tulsa residents. Volunteers meet the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, as well as Thanksgiving day at the UMC Family Life Center. For more information, contact mcreeves@cox.net
Sand Springs Community Theater is dedicated to the exploration and celebration of the performing arts. The company performs three to four shows per year, hosts fundraisers and school workshops, and provides one scholarship each year for a Charles Page High School senior. For more information, visit www.pageplayers.com
The Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum is dedicated to the acquisition, preservation, interpretation and exhibition of information and materials related to the history and culture of the Sand Springs community and surrounding area. The museum holds an annual Night at the Museum event the week of Halloween, as well as a Christmas display. The Art of Giving Holiday Open House will be Saturday, December 18th from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 and will feature the Sand Springs Community Band, Sand Springs Service Clubs, and the Festival of Trees in the museum. For more information, contact SSmuseumSS2@gmail.com.
The Sand Springs Education Foundation is a private partner organization of the Sand Springs Public School district and helps provide creative and innovative materials that cannot be funded through local, state, or federal means. For more information, visit www.sandspringseducationfoundation.com
Sand Springs Park Friends, Inc is a fundraising organization for quality of life projects for Sand Springs Parks. For more information, visit www.sandspringsok.org
The Sand Springs Sertoma Club seeks to meet the needs of those impacted by hearing loss and meets each Tuesday at noon at the Sand Springs IHOP. The Sertoma Club sponsors the annual Sand Springs Fireworks show, as well as an annual Murder Mystery dinner. For more information, visit www.sertoma.org
The Sand Springs Symphony League works each year to bring symphony music performances to Sand Springs elementary school students. For more information, contact sandspringssymphonyleague@gmail.com
The Sand Springs Women's Chamber is organized for the purpose of advancing literacy through charitable, civic and literacy programs in Sand Springs. Members meet the second Wednesday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Case Community Center, September through May of each year. For more information, contact dmyers@mysersmm.com
Sandite Team Animal Rescue (S.T.A.R.) is dedicated to the rescue and care of abused, neglected, and homeless pets. Volunteers work to find homes and foster homes for animals in the Sand Springs pound. They provide veterinary care, spay-neuter services, transportation, and foster care for hundreds of cats and dogs. For more information, visit www.STARescue.com
Springs, Inc. provides assistance in daily living for people with intellectual disabilities. The organization is committed to the principle of normalization. For more information, visit www.springsinc.org
Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club of Sand Springs is the local chapter of an international organization rooted in Christianity. The ministry seeks to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. For more information, visit www.salarmytulsa.org
Sand Springs Pilot Club, serving the community since 1954
/By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief
The Sand Springs Rotary Club and the Sand Springs United Methodist Church hosted a nonprofit showcase this past Thursday and twenty-nine local organizations participated. The free public event included free food and door prizes to help bring public awareness and attention to the organizations and the opportunities for community involvement. One of those organizations is the Sand Springs Pilot Club.
Pilot International was founded by Elizabeth Leonard in Macon, Georgia in 1921, and has since grown to include more than 7,500 members in nearly 400 clubs across the globe. One of those clubs is located right here in Sand Springs.
The Sand Springs Pilot Club was first chartered in 1954 and currently meets twice monthly for lunch and to learn about the needs of the community and make plans for meeting those needs.
The club is heavily involved in Sand Springs Public Schools as well as meeting other local needs. Members holds a weekly reading program at Garfield Elementary School, help fund school projects, and give scholarships annually to Charles Page High School students. They also sponsor one girl per year to attend The American Legion Auxiliary Girls State—a nonpartisan program that teaches young women about responsible citizenship and love for God and Country.
Another way the club contributes to the community is with Brain Minders. Pilot Club volunteers visit local elementary schools and daycare centers to teach children about the importance of using proper safety equipment when riding bikes, skateboards, etc.
The club also makes donations to Sand Springs Community Services, Senior Celebration, Sertoma Fireworks Event, Special Olympics, and more.
The local chapter meets on the first and third Thursdays of each month at noon at Crescent Café. For more information, visit www.pilotclubcares.org.
Operation Christmas Child taking donations Monday at United Methodist Church
/Courtesy of Samaritan's Purse.
By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief
The Sand Springs Rotary Club and the Sand Springs United Methodist Church hosted a nonprofit showcase Thursday and twenty-nine local organizations participated. The free public event included free food and door prizes to help bring public awareness and attention to the organizations and the opportunities for community involvement. One of those organizations seeks to make Christmas a reality for children across the globe.
Operation Christmas Child is headed by Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief effort headed by evangelist Franklin Graham. The organization was founded in 1970 and first began Operation Christmas Child in 1993.
This year more than 4,500 locations will serve as collection sites for shoeboxes filled with school supplies, hygiene items, notes of encouragement, and toys. The goal this year is to reach 12 million children across the world
One of the drop-off locations is at the Sand Springs United Methodist Church Family Living Center, and the final day to contribute is Monday, November 21st. Boxes must be dropped off no later than noon.
Donations may be made in a shoebox or small plastic container. Visit www.samaritanspurse.org for the full list of what you may and may not include. Boxes are to be arranged for either a girl or boy, in age ranges of 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. You can also donate $7 online to follow your box and see who receives it and where in the world they are.
The Family Living Center is located at 101 W. 38th Street in South Sand Springs.
Rotary Club and Parks Department receive awards, City approves OneVoice Legislative Agenda
/By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief
The Sand Springs City Council met in a regular monthly meeting Monday evening at City Hall and approved several City ordinances and resolutions. Only nine citizens showed up to the public event.
Mayor Mike Burdge presented a Mayoral Proclamation recognizing the Sand Springs Rotary Club for their contribution toward the Rotary Super Splash pad in Case Community Park. "It was great working with Parks, and we're thrilled with how the project turned out," said a representative from the Rotary Club.
City Council unanimously approved a specific use permit allowing the construction of the new Public Safety facility to be constructed in the Sheffield Crossing development. The facility will house the new Police Headquarters, Fire Station, Training/Conference areas, and a Municipal Jail. The jail is a simple local lockup similar to what's already located in downtown, but slightly larger. A special use permit is a standard requirement for any City jail and the proposed location received little-to-no objection from abutting property owners.
Council unanimously voted to support the 2017 OneVoice Regional Legislative Agenda. The seven-page agenda represents the City and surrounding area's priorities for the upcoming legislative session and what they hope the State and Federal legislatures will focus on. The agenda lays out thirty bullet points in three categories, including: creating an educated and healthy workforce, building infrastructure critical to business, and ensuring a prosperous economy.
SEE RELATED: OneVoice Regional Legislative Agenda
Council unanimously voted to approve an ordinance allowing the use of three-year rabies immunizations. Existing ordinance require an annual vaccine for dogs and cats within the City limits, but some veterinarians have begun use of a three-year vaccine that previously wouldn't have been sufficient from a legal standpoint. Pet owners may now make use of either form of vaccine.
Council unanimously voted to affirm two abandoned and dilapidated properties on the North side of the river as public nuisances, clearing the way for their demolition. The properties are located at 514 1/2 N. Washington Ave., and 521 N. Lincoln Ave.
Council unanimously voted to authorize the transfer of property located at 320 N. Lincoln Ave. This allows the City to sell or convey the property. The land is currently being looked at by an anonymous local technical school program that wants to use the property for a housing construction project. The property is now declared as surplus and neighbors have thirty days to protest its use in such a manner, if they so desire.
Consent Agenda, unanimously approved 7-0-0
Council approved a contract with R.L. Shears Company to conduct a sidewalk inventory and prepare a pedestrian improvements plan for the South side of the river. The City previously contracted with Shears Company for a similar project on the North side of the river, using grant funding from the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust. The South-side project will also be funded with a TSET grant of $49,880.
Council approved resolution 17-10, redirecting $60,000 from the Economic Development Capitol Fund to the Morrow Road Widening project. The section of Morrow Road from Highway 97 to Broad Street will be expanded from two to three lanes in preparation for the construction of the Sheffield Crossing development and the future City Public Safety Facility. The City has contracted with Craig & Keithline, Inc. for the project.
Council authorized an expenditure of up-to $30,369.25 to Garland's Backhoe Service, Inc. for a BPS Water Line Relocation project along Highway 51. As part of the same project, Council approved expenditure of up-to $67,960 to Tomcat Consultants, LLC. for the rental of temporary portable water tanks for six months while the Highway 51 Standpipe is replaced.
Council approved an additional $2,700 payment to Nova Painting, LLC to the existing $219,100 contract for sandblasting and painting of the Prue Road water tower.
Council approved expenses up-to $82,000 payable to Tetra Tech, Inc. for the Northside Water Distribution Disinfection System Improvement project.
In Other News:
Sand Springs citizen Gregory Fisher was recently named by Governor Mary Fallin to the Oklahoma 9-1-1 Management Authority. He is filling a newly created position and will serve as a representative of Sand Springs.
The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge restaurant is now open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. seven days a week.
City offices will be closed November 24th through 25th due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
The Chandler Park Lights on the Hill festival begins November 25th.
The Sand Springs Festival of Lights Christmas Parade is currently scheduled for December 2nd. There is currently no word on if the Chamber of Commerce will reschedule the event should the Sandite Football team win their playoff game Friday night. Last year the Charles Page High School Football team won their semi-final playoff game and qualified for the State Championship for the first time in 49 years. The Chamber rescheduled the Parade for that Saturday so as to not conflict with the historic game. The Sandites are once again in the semi-finals Friday and the State Championship game is once again on the same night as the parade. The theme for this year's parade is "All American Christmas" due to 2016 being both a Presidential Election year and an Olympic year.
The Sand Springs Community Theater will be putting on a free play on December 4th at the Central Ninth Grade Center. "Tomato Plant Girl" recently won its category in a competition in Stillwater and will be moving on to the Regional performance in Lafayette, Louisiana in April. The December performance will be free, but will also be taking cash donations for the April trip, as well as canned food donations for the Sand Springs Community Services.
The Sand Springs Parks Department recently won an award for their renovation of the Jerry Adair Baseball Park following tornado damage in 2015. The award recognizes both the quality of the renovation as well as the timeliness.
The Food for Fines amnesty day the City recently implemented saw more than 291 participants, more than 100 of whom had warrants recalled as a result of their canned food donations. The day began at 8:00 a.m. with people lined up waiting, and the two City workers involved worked till 7:30 p.m. with no lunch and no breaks. The City doesn't yet have numbers on loss/gain of revenue, but considers the event to be a large success.
Sand Springs bans electronic-cigarettes on City property, approves purchase agreement with OmniTRAX
/By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief
The Sand Springs City Council unanimously voted Monday evening to ban the use of electronic cigarettes on all City property, including public parks. Ordinance No. 1290, presented by City Planner Brad Bates, amends the existing City of Sand Springs Tobacco Free City Properties and Buildings Ordinance to include vapor-based products that have gained popularity in recent year.
The City of Sand Springs has been a "tobacco-free" city since 2009 in an effort to alleviate public health concerns and promote a healthy public environment. The City qualifies as a Certified Healthy Community and Certified Healthy Business through the State of Oklahoma's Certified Healthy program, entitling it to certain grant funding through the State Health Department. To-date, the City has received $50,000 that have been used toward healthy living and improvement studies. This new amendment is a step toward Gold Level recognition from the Health Department that would qualify the City for an additional $50,000 grant.
In other news, the Council unanimously approved the Consent Agenda, which is made up of items considered to be "routine," including:
- Approval of Resolution No. 17-07 for the 2017 City Council Election.
- Mayor Mike Burdge (Ward 3) and Vice-Mayor (Ward 4) will both be up for reelection in 2017. Citizens do not vote for Mayor or Vice-Mayor, but vote only on City Council positions. The Council itself elects a Mayor and Vice-Mayor from within.
- The filing period will open December 5th, 2016 and will close December 7th, 2016. Candidates must reside within the Ward they are running for election in, and must be at-minimum 25 years of age by May 1st, 2017. If more than two candidates file for an office, a primary election will be held on Tuesday, February 14th, 2017. The general (runoff) election will be held April 4th, 2017. City Council elections are non-partisan.
- Approval of a Traffic Enforcement Agreement between the City of Sand Springs and the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office for reimbursement of overtime and operating expenses incurred for the grant period October 1, 2016 through September 30, 2017.
- The Sand Springs Police Department will receive a $50,000 grant from OHSO for the purpose of reimbursing overtime and operating expenses resulting from the targeting of impaired and aggressive drivers. It will also allow for a designee to travel to the Lifesavers Conference in Long Beach, California.
- Approval of an Emergency Management Performance Agreement between the City of Sand Springs and the Oklahoma Office of Emergency Management providing a 50/50 sub-grant portion of funds to develop comprehensive emergency preparedness for all hazards.
- This is a routine fund-matching grant that the City has taken advantage of for nearly two decades. The City allocates $20,000 for emergency preparedness each year, and FEMA matches with a contribution of $20,000.
- Acceptance of $20,090 from Sand Springs Park Friends, Inc.
- This is the final portion of the $70,000 pledge by the Sand Springs Rotary Club for construction of the Rotary Super Splash Pad in River City Parks.
Following the Consent Agenda, the Council also unanimously passed Resolution No. 17-08, with the purpose of informing Sand Springs citizens of potential impact of State Question 777 on the ability of the City to to regulate land use activities and other potential effects.
SQ777, also known as the "Oklahoma Right to Farm Amendment," will be on the November 8, 2016 ballot as a proposed constitutional amendment. The specific text of the question can be viewed here. Resolution 17-08, drafted by Vice-Mayor John Fothergill, reminds citizens of the role local government plays in regulating land usage and zoning according to the community desires and needs. The full resolution can be read here.
City Council unanimously approved a resolution concerning the location of the future public safety facility for the City. Resolution 17-06 was unanimously passed, authorizing the City to purchase 10 acres at a cost of $1.00 per foot from OmniTRAX. The current planned location of the facility is on the South side of Morrow Road, across the street from the Walmart Supercenter. The transaction will cost the City approximately $435,600. The purchase is not final yet, but the terms of the agreement are not expected to change.
Stone Villa Second addition.
Council unanimously approved the final plat for the new Stone Villa addition in South Sand Springs. The addition will include 87 lots on 19.8 acres.
In Council Correspondence, Pogue Airport and Airport Supervisor Ken Madison received praise for the quality of the airport and the hospitality of the administration.
Boy Scout Troop 507 was on hand to observe the City Council meeting and get a taste of local government.
Mike and Pat Case donate $2 million for massive park renovation; Sand Springs breaks ground
/Mike Case gives an address at the Case Community Park groundbreaking ceremony. (Photo: Scott Emigh)
By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief
City of Sand Springs officials and Parks Department employees gathered together Tuesday morning at the Case Community Center to celebrate a new development in River City Park. The 100-acre park will receive a $6.2 million renovation thanks to Vision 2025 funding and a $2 million donation by Mike and Pat Case of Case & Associates.
Artist rendering of the new Case Community Park entrance. (Courtesy)
What is currently known as River City Park is already the biggest park in Sand Springs and will soon become one of the nicest in Tulsa County thanks to Vision 2025 surplus funding and the Case family's benevolence.
Tulsa County approved millions in surplus Vision 2025 sales tax funding for Sand Springs in February of last year and Case & Associates CEO Mike Case pledged an additional $2 million to fully fund the ambitious Sand Springs parks vision.
Left to Right: Councilman Phil Nolan, Councilman Brian Jackson, Mayor Mike Burdge, Mike Case, Pat Case, Councilwoman Patty Dixon, Vice-Mayor John Fothergill, Councilman Beau Wilson. (Photo: Scott Emigh)
"This is only possible because of generous donors like Mike and Pat Case," said Sand Springs City Councilwoman Patty Dixon. "Even though Mike and Pat now reside in Tulsa, they have always considered Sand Springs home."
"I've always thought Sand Springs was a great place to live. I still do and I think it's getting better and better," said Mike Case.
Artist rendering of the "Great Lawn" and amphitheater. (Courtesy)
Mayor Mike Burdge discussed the similarities in population and quality of living between Sand Springs and Broken Arrow when he was growing up. "What changed was the attitude of the leadership in the City," said Burdge. "If we can get this park to be a location spot, get stuff going on here every month...the possibilities are unlimited."
The park is already the home of the Sand Springs Soccer Club recreational league, the West Side Alliance competitive soccer league, Sand Springs Little League baseball and softball, the Round Up Club rodeo arena, and the Sand Springs BMX Association. The recent addition of the Rotary Club Super Splash Pad has rounded out what was already a destination park for many in the Sand Springs area.
Planned layout for Case Community Park. (Courtesy)
The new funding will provide for the demolition of old structures and the construction of a new amphitheater. New sidewalks, signage, landscaping, and a large-scale entrance will add to the looks of the park.
Existing BMX track located in River City Parks. (Photo: Scott Emigh)
New sports facilities include two new youth baseball fields, a new tournament-sized soccer field, and a new half-court basketball court. An existing volleyball court will be renovated along with several horseshoe pits. The soccer fields, which currently have no special entrance, will receive a grand entry, as will the Jerry Adair Baseball Park, which is currently accessible only in a round-about way that requires leaving the park itself and driving down an industrial business road. An existing 18-hole disc golf course will be relocated deeper within the park in the area of the BMX track and Rodeo Arena.
Accessibility will be a major feature of the new renovations, with drop-off locations throughout the park, new parking and lighting, and new park shelters and restrooms. Park beautification is also a major goal with plans for improved view of the Arkansas River, nearly a dozen custom art pieces laser cut in Corten Steel and illuminated at night, as well as a grassy area being dubbed the "Great Lawn."
The Great Lawn will host a large outdoor pavilion and special event stage with remodeled restrooms and will be the premier viewing location for the annual Sertoma Fireworks Show, as well as will be the anchor location of the Chillin' and Grillin' Festival.
Construction is already under way in Case Community Park. (Photo: Scott Emigh)
There will be a new playground constructed near the Rotary Super Splash Pad, which is already home to a large concessions building ran by Sand Springs Soccer Club President Jeremy Herrington. The concessions serves hot food and Harper's Hut Shaved Ice throughout the summer as a fundraiser for youth baseball and soccer.
Public events like the Chilin' and Grillin' Festival, as well the newly revived Great Raft Race will be made even better due to new restroom housing, electrical power connections, water line service, and parking.
Parks Director Grant Gerondale expects the renovation to take about a year to complete.
Local couple brings Harper's Hut to River City Splash Pad
/By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief
The newest addition to the Harper’s Hut franchise opened this past weekend at the concession stand in River City Parks.
The new building opened last Friday under the management of Kim and Jeremy Herrington. Located immediately next to the new Sand Springs Rotary Super Splash Park, the concessions stand features a plethora of snack options including the famous shaved ice options from Harper’s Hut, as well as ice cream, hot dogs, Lil’ Caesar's pizza, and other food and drink.
The Herringtons are heavily invested in River City Parks as major contributors to the local youth soccer programs. Jeremy is the President of the Sand Springs Soccer Club and treasurer of the West Side Alliance soccer club. The couple doesn’t take home any profit from their new venture into the food industry. All funds raised by the stand go directly to benefit the youth soccer programs that they oversee.
Kim runs the stand throughout the week and Jeremy relieves her on the weekends when he’s not busy as VP of Operations at Cust-O-Bend, Inc. in Sand Springs.
“We’re all about Sand Springs,” says the Charles Page Class of ‘88 graduate. “I believe in service. See the flag, hear the music. That’s us, we’re here to serve you.”
The couple may have a lot on their plate, but that doesn’t stop them from showing up at the splash pad every day full of energy and excitement at the opportunity to give back to their community.
When I arrived at the splash pad Saturday, Jeremy was making his rounds to visit with all the parents, introduce himself, and get to know people. The couple has purchased Frisbees, balls, and other toys for the splash pad visitors to play with, all out of their own pocket.
“The City has given us a gift,” says Kim. “The Parks Department has been above and beyond wonderful.”
“I see the smile on the kids’ faces...that’s why I’m doing this.” said Jeremy.
Hours:
Mon-Sat 10:00 AM — 8:00 PM
Sunday 12:00PM — 6:00 PM
