March 27, 2023 8:00 AM

Athletic Field Closures - Lighting Repairs

In an effort to protect our citizens in our parks, the Park and Recreation Department (PKR) will be taking steps to examine and repair potentially damaged light poles at the following parks:
• Crawford Memorial
• Crown
• Cummings
• Fretz
• J.J. Craft
• Kleberg/Rylie
• Samuell Grand
• Sargent

First, PKR will be utilizing a consultant to test poles exceeding thirty (30) years of age for evidence of degradation. Testing will be prioritized by the most heavily utilized fields first to reduce the impact to the reservation system. Based on this testing, if the poles do not have evidence of degradation, the field will remain in service and the poles placed on a maintenance schedule for replacement as part of the 2024 Bond Program. If the poles have evidence of degradation, the field will be taken out of service until all light poles can be removed. At that time, daytime play will be able to resume. At facilities where there is evidence of degradation, the light poles at one field per facility will be scheduled for replacement utilizing operating funds so that some night use will be able to resume. The light poles at the remaining fields at the facility will be scheduled for replacement as part of the 2024 Bond Program.

Second, PKR will be using the National Weather Service (NWS) “wind advisory” system to make a determination as to when fields may need to be closed during the period of high winds. Fields will be closed during the wind advisory which is issued when the following conditions are expected: 1) sustained winds of 31 to 39 miles per hour (MPH) for an hour or more; and 2) wind gusts of 46 to 57 mph are forecasted for any duration. These same fields will also be closed during periods when the NWS has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch which includes the possibility for high winds.

We do not have an anticipated time frame for repairs but will continue to provide updates as we make progress towards reopening the fields for nighttime play.