Plans for illuminating a section of Rogers Lane and for constructing new amenities at a park in southwest Lawton were approved recently by the City Council.
The Fires Innovation Science and Technology Accelerator and the City of Lawton joined hands to apply for a grant from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Public Works Director Michael Watrous recalled.
The application included numerous improvements at FISTA. “We applied for a grant of $14,961,172,” he said. “Of that $14.9 million, $6.7 million was requested for lighting improvement at three locations:
• Gore Boulevard and the Interstate 44 interchange.
• Rogers Lane and the I-44 interchange.
• Lighting along Rogers Lane.
The state Commerce Department approved a $9.6 million grant, of which “no more than $2 million” was authorized for lighting improvements on Rogers Lane and I-44 exits in proximity to Fort Sill…” Consequently, the City of Lawton scaled back its plans and reduced the project scope to “the I-44/Rogers Lane interchange and then as far west as we can get with the $2 million,” Watrous said.
The City Council engaged Freese and Nichols consultants/ engineers to design the street lighting project.
The council also approved plans Dec. 10 for improvements to Lee West Park, at Southwest 67th Street and Lynnwood Avenue, and authorized city staff to advertise the project for competitive bids.
The park features walking trails, picnic areas, scenic views, a basketball court, and a field that doubles as a baseball and soccer field. It also has playground equipment, although “there are plans to replace that with new equipment,” Parks Director Larry Parks noted.
New amenities at Lee West will include a splash pad, a sidewalk and a parking lot.