City's first on-site solar installation

Published on January 15, 2026

Lakewood will cut the ribbon for its first on-site solar installation on a city facility, generating enough renewable energy to offset 100 percent of the Charles Whitlock Recreation Center's electricity use.

WHAT: Solar project ribbon cutting

WHEN: 11 a.m.-noon, Thursday, Jan. 22

WHERE: Whitlock Recreation Center, 1555 Dover St.

WHY: First on-site solar installation on a City of Lakewood facility.

The solar installation is a 494 kW system that includes rooftop and parking canopy panels. This system will lower the city's operating costs, reduce environmental impacts and protect patrons' vehicles during storms.

The project also reflects Lakewood's commitment to sustainability, and it serves as one piece in a larger citywide effort to build a more sustainable community by modernizing buildings, improving energy efficiency and transitioning to renewable energy sources.

Speakers at the ribbon cutting will include Lakewood City Council, staff from Lakewood's Sustainability and Community Development Department, a representative from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs that provided grant funding for the system and McKinstry Essention, the design-build contractor for installation of the solar system.

A time-lapse video of the parking lot canopy panels' installation is available online.

- Lakewood -

To view this announcement in another language, please read the post on LakewoodCO.gov and select a language from the drop-down menu above the search bar.

Para ver este comunicado en otro idioma, lea la publicación en LakewoodCO.gov y seleccione un idioma en el menú desplegable encima de la barra de búsqueda.

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