ANDERSON, Indiana (March 18, 2011) – Stroll down Historic Eighth Street just west of Downtown Anderson and you will come to a charming little City Park known as Elmo Funk Park.  Long known to area residents as a peaceful oasis amid the city, the park reflects the glory days of the famous gas light era of Central Indiana amid the old world charm of the Victorian style houses.

The park was illuminated by the original 100 year old gaslights that had been used to light Eighth Street; however, a century of wear and neglect had taken its toll on these lamps.  The lamps had become worn and broken and the incandescent bulbs that were installed a few years ago were continually burning out, making the park very dim at night.

Thanks to a matching grant from the City of Anderson and the efforts of Continental Inc, a local Anderson Engineering Company, the lamps at Elmo Funk Park have been refurbished to their original glory.  Special high intensity LEDs were chosen that replicated the color of the gas lights of old. Continental’s lighting engineers used optical design software to create a light that emulates the soft glow and ambiance of the original gas lights.

Judy Nagengast, owner and CEO of Continental Inc. said, “This installation officially launches our new LED lighting Division, Solas Ray Lighting.  The City of Anderson’s innovative grant made this project possible.  The Elmo Funk Park installation not only enhances our hometown of Anderson, but gives us a showcase for our new products.  Our plans include developing and manufacturing a complete line of outdoor LED products.  What you see at Elmo Funk Park is just a beginning!”

The second and final phase of the grant is a series of 6 ultra-bright new LED Fixtures that will be installed at the Broadway entrance to Shadyside Park this spring.    The grant was provided by the City of Anderson, Small Business Collaboration Program with the purpose of enhancing the success of area businesses and growth or retention of jobs in Anderson.

Kris Ockomon remarked “These lights are not only environmentally friendly, attractive and cost efficient but they are made by Solas Ray Lighting, a new local company division that adds to the employment base while improving our community. This is one more example of promoting expansion of local business that has benefited the City.”

John Gates, Anderson City Park Director, says of the new lights “Elmo Funk Park, a downtown park in the historic area of Anderson, now bestows a brighter, more ambient lighted Park appearance creating a Park setting of the original gaslights of the late 19th century.  Thanks to Continental Inc, a local Engineering Company and a grant from the City of Anderson, new LED powered park light fixtures illuminate a Park atmosphere that symbolizes the radiance of the historic neighborhood.”

Linda Dawson, Executive Director, City of Anderson Economic & Community Development commented “These new lights produce a historic look and at the same time is a cleaner and less expensive option.  This is a scenario that is nothing but positive.  We expect to see more and more of these LED lights gracing our city streets and private properties.”

Continental Inc., at 1524 Jackson Street in Anderson, recently launched their new LED Outdoor Lighting Division known as Solas Ray Lighting.  Solas Ray Lighting specializes in environmentally friendly lighting products including low voltage LED lamps and Solar LED lighting.  Solas Ray has a complete line of antique cast aluminum street LED lighting fixtures for residential and commercial usage.  Continental also refurbishes and retrofits existing fixtures with energy saving LED lighting technology.

For more information visit www.solasray.com.

Contact Information:

• Continental Inc.
  Judy Nagengast, CEO
  765-778-9999 x302
  Judy@continentalinc.com

• Solas Ray Lighting
  Bill Linden
  765-778-9999 x305
  blinden@solasray.com

• City of Anderson
  Linda Dawson
  765-648-6115
  LDawson@cityofanderson.com