Ascot Park, Ballfield, Electrical

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EXCERPT FROM COUNCIL NEWLETTER AUGUST 6, 1993 Ballfield Lighting Rehabilitation Projects After a light fixture unexpectedly broke loose and fell from a pole at Kincaid Ballfield this past winter, Public Works contracted with National Wood Treating Company to inspect the condition of the wood lighting poles at our five lighted ballfield sites. Their inspection showed that due to age and decay approximately 30 %o needed to be replaced within 12 months and an additional 10% needed to be replaced within 24 months. Along with the poles showing decay, several of the poles have become twisted and have loose cross arms and light fixtures. Due to these problems of crossarm failure, pole twisting, and lamp performance depreciation the lighting level at the ballfield is below recommended recreational softball standards. These conditions have raised two issues: 1) liability and 2) adequacy of the lighting for the intended use. Because of the age and condition of the ballfield lighting systems; Public Works is proposing to replace, repair or eliminate the lighting systems at all five sites over the next three years. The priority for replacement is Kincaid, Graham, Shasta, and Amazon based on the data from the condition analysis report. Since Sheldon Ballfield is on School District 4J property and not used in Recreation Division's programmed activities, we plan to discuss the possibility of discontinuing lighting for this field with District 4J. In FY94, the plan is to remove the lighting system at Kincaid Ballfield and install a new system at Ascot Ballfield. This recommendation is based on the small size of Kincaid Ballfield and the historical negative impact that the lighting has had on the neighboring residents. Changing the lighting system to the larger ballfield has several advantages. It will allow all age groups to use the facility, has adequate off street parking and restrooms (features that are not present in Kincaid Ballfield); and has adequate land available to provide a buffer for the neighboring homes to mitigate any adverse affects that the lighting may cause. Both the Recreation Division and Kidsports staff support this recommendation. The second priority project of rehabilitating the lighting system at Graham Ballfield may also be accomplished in FY -94, if funding is available. Public Works Engineering Division plans to advertise in late August for bids to accomplish this work. For more information, please call John Etter or Johnny Medlin at 687 -5220.