SAYRE — If you’ve driven past Kinimmer Park, noticed more city updates appearing online, or found yourself wondering about the large hole near the activity barn, you’ve already seen it: things are moving in Sayre.
Not with flashy slogans or grand announcements, but through meetings, votes, conversations, and projects that are increasingly visible to the public.
Over the past several months, the City of Sayre has taken a more deliberate approach to how ideas become decisions—and how those decisions are shared with the community.
SHOWING THE WORK
One example of that shift is a professionally produced “Sayre Industrial Park” video set to debut on the City of Sayre’s Facebook page this Friday.
The video provides a clear, straightforward overview of one of the city’s key economic assets and is designed to be easily shared with site selectors, business owners, and residents.
City Manager Ted Lawson said the goal is clarity—presenting Sayre accurately and professionally without overselling it.
Kay Allen, the city’s Community Development Coordinator, said the effort reflects a broader commitment to transparent and intentional communication.
“People should be able to see what we’re doing and why,” Allen said. “That matters.”
KEEPING LOCAL BUSINESSES LOCAL While outward-facing promotion is important, city officials say equal emphasis has been placed on supporting the businesses already rooted in Sayre.
That approach recently came into focus with downtown boutique Sassy Chic, after concerns surfaced about space and functionality. City staff met directly with the business owner to discuss options, including additional storage and layout improvements.
Officials said the situation wasn’t about incentives or announcements, but about conversation, problem-solving, and follow- through—an approach they hope becomes standard as the city works to retain and support local commerce.
FROM IDEA TO OFFICIAL ACTION If residents are looking for a clear example of how discussion turns into decision, the Horsepower Horseshoe project offers one.
The Route 66 landmark concept was introduced publicly last summer and generated local interest. At a recent City Council meeting, council members formally approved its placement at Kinimmer Park near the Route 66 corridor.
City officials emphasized that the vote itself mattered—not just for the project, but for the process. Ideas discussed publicly, evaluated openly, and approved through official action reflect the direction the city is moving.
Designed as a photo stop and gateway feature, the Horseshoe will include lighting and a QR code directing travelers to local attractions and information. Construction on the main structure is expected to begin later this month.
THE HOLE EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT Not every city project announces itself neatly. Some begin with a question mark.
East of the activity barn, a large excavation—often referred to simply as “the big hole”—has prompted curiosity. According to city offi cials, the excavation is part of an ongoing wastewater improvement project tied to an existing sewer lift station.
The underground storage component is designed to increase system capacity during peak usage. The excavation occurred early in the construction sequence, while delivery of the tank itself was delayed due to manufacturer issues.
QUIET WORK THAT MATTERS
Additional infrastructure projects are also moving forward this spring. Repainting of the North Water Tower is expected to begin in mid-April, and the city plans to install a 12-inch insertion valve near Greer Avenue and Fifth Street by the end of March.
The valve will allow crews to isolate sections of the water system during a future break, reducing the likelihood of a citywide outage without shutting off water service.
A CLEAR DIRECTION
Taken together, the projects reflect a steady, coordinated approach shaped more by long-term planning than quick wins.
City leaders say the focus has been on doing the work in public view, explaining it clearly, and moving forward one decision at a time.
This article marks the first installment of an ongoing feature, “Sayre in Motion,” focused on the practical, sometimes unglamorous work shaping the city’s future.
The “Sayre Industrial Park” video will debut on the City of Sayre’s Facebook page this Friday, offering residents an early look at how the city is presenting itself to prospective businesses and partners.
