HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — To the delight of space cadets, alien life form enthusiasts and Huntsville's community of fun-loving science buffs, Washington Park was bathed in the cool and sleek light of their very own Unidentified Flying Objects Thursday night. Downtown Huntsville's micropark was the setting for two new light fixtures that glow blue and orange each night.
Lockheed Martin engineers designed the lights which were unveiled as part of Engineers Week, also called E-Week. They are part of several art installations sponsored by the aerospace company to support revitalization efforts in the communities it serves.
Stephanie Bastiaans with Lockheed said the project was an exciting way to bring employees into the community. She added that the UFO lights will be a permanent fixture of the park.
“That’s something tangible that they can see and touch for years to come," Bastiaans said. "It’s important to provide these opportunities to employees and there’s something very powerful about leaving your mark in your community.”
E-Week is a push to encourage students to focus on careers in STEM, which the company says is a top priority. “Inspiring the next generation is a big part of why we celebrate Engineer’s Week each year," said Bastiaans.
Last summer, Lockheed Martin Space employed 59 college interns at their Huntsville site, as well as 6 high school interns from local schools.
Attendees at the event were also treated to the Downtown Huntsville Secret Art Trail, which shows participants downtown’s public art, giving them an opportunity to learn about the artists and take a step off the beaten path.