Lighting Up The River Parks

Big improvements are on the way for Tulsa's River Parks.  Construction is well underway on a multi-million dollar improvement project along the River Trail.  News On 6 anchor Craig Day reports part of that plan includes new lighting.

They are putting up brand new lights that will line the River Trail.  It's hoped they will make River Parks safer and more user friendly.

Along the Arkansas River in Tulsa, construction crews are hard at work on a number of improvements.  It's part of a $12.4 million project funded with a donation from the Kaiser Family Foundation.  The owner of the River's Edge Bistro has been watching the progress.

"It's going to be wonderful when it is done.  We needed it," said River's Edge owner Hillary Coppel.

The three year project started in September of last year.  Trails are being widened and landscaping added.  But, the new lighting along the trail is what has caught the eye of some people.

"It's going to make people more comfortable to come to the park and walk later when it is cooler in the evening," said River's Edge owner Hillary Coppel.

People like friends Kayla Upson and Kyndall Wing.  They say the River Park can be scary at night.

"You never know who is out here.  You never know who is walking around.  And, I heard about the lights I think that is really great because say I want to go ride my bike myself.  People can see me instead of me being in the dark," said Kayla Upson of Tulsa.

"Definitely more comfortable, especially to bring her down here at night," said Kyndall Wing of Owasso.

Already, 40 of the new light, between 21st and 31^st, are up and running.

"This is a long lasting light.  It has a strong watt bulb that will evenly light the area," said Tanya Pitzer with River Parks.

It's hoped the upgrade will improve safety and make the area more user friendly and attractive.  There will be 40 new lights per mile, on both sides of the river.  They'll run from 11th to 71st Street.