LAWTON – Lights and cameras have been installed in several city parks to enhance security.
The City Council approved a $119,000 contract to install lighting in six Lawton parks: Elmer Thomas, Prairie, George M. Lee, Panther, Fred Bentley, and Gray Warr. The contract was awarded to First Light, of Tulsa, which had the “lowest and most responsible” bid among five that were submitted.
In a related matter, two dozen cameras have been installed in Lawton parks in accordance with a City Council directive issued in August 2023.
Parks and Recreation Director Larry Parks said eight cameras have been positioned in Elmer Thomas Park and Miracle Field, seven in Greer Park and its Kids Zone playground fort, and nine at the McMahon ballfields and skate park. Cost: $36,000, he reported. Proposed locations for new security cameras, Parks said, include:
• Dry stalls at Robinson’s Landing at Lake Lawtonka.
• Dry and wet stalls at School House Slough.
• Restroom entrances at lakes Ellsworth and Lawtonka.
• All gyms, halls, classrooms and entrances at Lawton’s community centers.
• Highland Cemetery’s shop building, chapel, office and columbaria.
• Eastside Park ballfields.
• Lee West Park basketball court.
• Greer Park tennis complex.
• Bathroom entrances, wading pools and splash pads at the aquatic center to be constructed in Elmer Thomas Park.
Security cameras in the parks “serve the public interest, foster a safe environment where families can thrive, and aid in the investigation and resolution of incidents in the parks,” the council stated.