Montrose, CO — In an effort to improve park safety for pedestrians and boost energy efficiency within the community, the city has installed new solar-powered outdoor lighting in Rotary Park with more solar lights eyed for installation soon.
City crews have been busy installing the nine new street-style lights along the walking path on the southern end of the park. Each LED light is attached to a buried concrete base and runs entirely off of solar power. LED lighting is an energy-saving alternative to traditional incandescent bulbs and can be up to 10 times more efficient.
The southern end of Rotary Park is a popular walking area for local residents throughout the year.
According to city Public Works Assistant Manager Jackie Bubenik, installation of the lights requires zero trenching because the lights are not connected to a larger power system.
"The solar lights will be the new standard for Montrose parks going forward," Bubenik said. The city is also using the new LED technology to replace older lighting fixtures that are either no longer working or less energy efficient. "By using solar lighting we also have more options on how we place lighting along paths.”
The lights require very low maintenance and have a lifespan of approximately 20 years, saving tens of thousands of dollars in energy costs.
Phase one of the project to install nine new lights will be completed within the next few days. Bubenik said the city is looking to place nine additional solar lights, possibly by the end of 2021.
For other city news visit: CityofMontrose.org.