HomeMy WebLinkAboutLights volleyball court
Parks Commission
Date: 3/21/11
Item: 6
ITEM: Discussion and consideration of amending the Park CIP to include lighting improvements
and possible volleyball court improvements at Lions Park
SUBMITTED BY: Carol Kriegler, Project Assistant
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
As a part of the CIP planning process, there was considerable discussion about the possible
need for replacement lights at Lions Park. Public Works Superintendant Mike Bouthilet had
recommended placement of $30,000 in the Park CIP for the light replacement. There was little
information and detail for the Commission to consider regarding the current status of lighting at
the park and few details related to age, condition, and the record of repair of the existing lights.
The existing fixtures are over 40 years old and "quartz". By today's standards they require very
high energy and are considered to be very inefficient. The city's electrician has described the
potential energy savings in changing out the fixtures as "immense". In addition, the fixtures are
badly rusted out and the cords between the fixtures and junction boxes are deteriorated. Over
the past several years, the lights have required repair by a licensed electrician 1-2 times per year
with additional attention / work required by the Public Works staff. Currently, the cost for
contracted repair of the lights is about $1,200.00 a year. This does not include the time and
expense associated with the Public Works staff maintaining the lights, which includes changing
out bulbs and resetting the circuit breaker on a regular basis. Resetting the circuit breaker
requires them to climb the light pole, which results in considerable risk exposure.
As mentioned previously, todays fixtures are engineered for efficiency and will reduce operating
costs by reducing energy consumption, repairs and maintenance. Additionally, it is anticipated
that fewer light fixtures will be required and that the new fixtures will offer more glare and spill-
light control thereby reducing light pollution.
Additionally, Commission member Zeno expressed that it might be appropriate to consider
lighting of the volleyball court at the time of any future lighting improvement project at the park. At
the February meeting, the Parks Commission reviewed recommended standards / specifications
for outdoor sand volleyball courts. A staff report was also made regarding the general condition
of the volleyball court and the potential for general improvements. The Park Commission might
want to consider improvements to the volleyball court to include excavation and expansion to
include boundary markers and improvements to the standard / net system. The Commission
also discussed the merits of having 2 volleyball courts available. A cost estimate comparision will
be made available for the Commission’s consideration.