Photo Credit: Courtesy of Hubbell Lighting
Editor’s Note: This column, “LBWA” (Leadership By Wandering Around), is based on the premise that, in order to find out what’s going on in the field, a parks and rec leader has to leave his or her desk and “wander around” the area of operations, talk to people, ask questions, and kick around ideas with the individuals in the thick of delivering services to the public. So the author will bring up issues and ask the leaders among the readership to share their knowledge and experiences.
Sports-field lighting, from design and purchase to installation, operation, and maintenance, is arguably one of the largest consumers in parks and rec department budgets.
Increased demand for use of limited sports-field space has led to more night practices and games for adult and youth leagues, and even after-dark special events. Thus, sport lights are burning longer and, unless carefully monitored, participants aren’t always the most conscientious when it comes to prudent use.