02/22/1995 Park Board Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Cities gain control of more accessible,cities must find balance between the need forr lighted facilities and individual citizens who nuisance light could he adversely affected as a result of the lighting. People who live near or drive past outdoor lighting are less CE2AIG GALLOP tolerant of lighting that results in glare or spill. "Ten years ago,we didn't think much about nuisance light. Now it's a major For many communities, lighted sports football program but sparked the soccer design consideration,"says Jim O'Brien fields are the most economical way to association's interest in evening games of Wunderlich-Malec Engineering in balance growing demand for recre- as well. Eden Prairie. "Citizens realize they don't ational programming with limited city Lighting also makes some activities have to put up with it...municipalities budgets. more convenient for working parents don't want the complaints." It's often less expensive to light an and adult participants. In Rosemount, O'Brien estimates that light control existing field to increase its use than to two downtown skating rinks are open 24 has been a critical issue in 75 percent of' build additional facilities. Lighted hours a day for the coimenience of recent sports-lighting projects. But new playing fields are a cost-effective way for second-shift workers and others who technology makes it cost-effective to a municipality to initiate,expand,or don't have typical schedules. It's not control spill light and glare without continue popular recreation programs. unusual to find late-night skaters or a sacrificing quality of light on the playing Cottage Grove's youth football spirited broomball competition at 2:00 field. program was threatened when a nearby or 3:00 a.m. "The lights are there Just a few years ago,light control city began restricting access to its lighted might as well use them,"says Dave meant either blocking or absorbing football field.At the time,Cottage Bechtold, Rosemount park and recre- light. Either method significantly Grove had no lighted facilities suitable ation director. reduced the amount of light on the J�\ for recreational play. Lighting a field at Whether lighting is a response to playing field subsequently increasing l Hanilet Park not only preserved the pent-up demand or to make programs installation and operating costs. t: A Reflector modifications make a difference in light control situations.The effect of ballfield lighting on neighboring houses are visible in the photo at left.The house is barely visible after reflector modifications were added, as shown in the photo on the right. f Photos compliments of Musco Sports Lighting,Inc. ;r 4