Todd Durham, City of Kingman Parks crewman, had the task of stringing the top row of lights at more than 40 feet off the ground. Photo by Aaron Ricca
KINGMAN – Tis’ the time o’ year.
A City of Kingman Parks Department lighting team made up of Rocky Burdine, Josh Bathauer, Kyle Davis and Todd Durham have been getting Locomotive Park ready for the colorful, festive Christmas season.
“There are others that helped at times, but these were the four involved the most,” said Mathew Golder, Assistant Parks Superintendent.
Three of those crewmembers were stringing up lights and a star on the more than 40-foot pine tree along Route 66/Andy Devine Avenue Thursday and Friday.
The lights will be lit in conjunction with the Kingman Street of Lights Christmas Festival Saturday, Dec. 7 and stay lit until shortly after New Year’s Day. The yearly festival will include a ceremony featuring city councilmembers and the mayor.
The crew began stringing lights at the park in October to ensure they had ample time to complete the lighting installation of the trees, locomotive, caboose and ramada by the deadline.
“Priorities can shift, and there are days when we’re unable to focus on the lights, so starting early provides us with more flexibility,” said Golder.
Even though the grass grows more slowly this time of year, the parks team remains incredibly busy.
“Our parks are open 365 days a year, and maintaining them, along with handling responsibilities in other areas, requires a significant amount of work,” Golder said.
The lighting layout generally remains consistent from year to year.
“We always look for opportunities to add new features,” Golder said. “Additionally, we frequently replace lights due to wear and tear or occasional vandalism.”
Aaron Ricca
