Sand Springs Daily: Data Center Decision and a Day in the Woods

Sand Springs local roundup: Google data center rezoning, neighborhood reaction, and trail events at Keystone Ancient Forest lead today’s news.

Google data center rezoning moves forward

On Tuesday, the Sand Springs City Council voted 6–1 to rezone roughly 827 acres near Highway 97 and Rock School Road for Project Spring, a large data center campus that would be operated by Google. Only a small portion of the site is expected to be developed, with much of the remaining land left as green space and buffering.

Developers say construction could begin in 2027 and run through 2029, with the facility paying for its own major power upgrades, including a new substation and transmission lines. Supporters point to hundreds of construction jobs, new long‑term positions, and millions in future tax revenue for the city, schools, and county.

Neighborhood pushback and legal fight continue

The rezoning vote followed months of packed public meetings, including this week’s special session at Charles Page High School. Many nearby residents argue the city moved too quickly, especially during last year’s annexation of the property, and they continue to question possible impacts on water use, noise, lighting, and wildlife.

Community groups opposing the project say they plan to keep pressing their case through an ongoing annexation lawsuit and continued organizing. Supporters counter that the project is a rare chance to diversify the local tax base without adding heavy traffic or strain on schools and other services.

Keystone Ancient Forest in the spotlight

While the data center debate plays out, Sand Springs is also drawing visitors for a quieter kind of activity. This afternoon’s group hike at Keystone Ancient Forest is bringing walkers onto miles of rocky, tree‑lined trail, with views over Keystone Lake and stands of centuries‑old cedars and post oaks.

Later this month, runners will return for the annual Ancient Trail Trek, offering 5K, 10K, and 15K courses through the same protected forest. The events line up with the city’s long‑running push to promote healthy, active living and showcase Sand Springs’ outdoor assets just a short drive from downtown.

Sources

• https://journalrecord.com/2026/02/05/sand-springs-google-data-center-approval/
• https://thejobwalk.com/p/google-wins-rezoning-approval-for-827-acre-data-center-campus-in-oklahoma
• https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/google-gets-greenlight-for-data-center-in-tulsa-oklahoma/
• https://krmg.com/2026/02/04/sand-springs-city-council-approves-rezoning-for-proposed-google-data-center/
• https://www.projectspringok.com/
• https://www.meetup.com/tulsa-outdoor-explorers-group/events/313224216/
• https://ancienttrailtrek.itsyourrace.com/
• https://www.oldgrowthforest.net/ok-keystone-ancient-forest