Several fields at local schools and parks could be getting new lights, which could extend the hours that local soccer, baseball, football and lacrosse players can use city facilities.
The October Planning Commission docket includes multiple special use permit requests for new stadium lights at Francis C. Hammond Middle School, George Washington Middle School, Jefferson Houston Elementary School, Patrick Henry Elementary School and Simpson Stadium Park.
The plans call for the installation of sixty-foot poles at each facility with lights on them. According to city documents, "The fixtures are designed to comply with the International Dark-Sky Association's Community Friendly Outdoor Sports Lighting Program and provide full cut off lighting."
The IDSA's guidelines call for lights to be angled in such a way that reduces light pollution and light spillover on adjacent neighborhoods.
"The lighting system controls will enable staff to operate the lights remotely and program specific dates and times for use. The lights are proposed to operate with the same hours as existing field lighting and cut off at 10 p.m."
The Dept. of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities has started a community engagement program to educate residents about the projects. The goal is to increase availability of recreational fields for residents and community programs and reduce scheduling conflicts for youth and adult sports.
The last time the City of Alexandria proposed adding lights to a stadium -- at what is now Alexandria City High School -- residents sued the city over the matter. Through mediation, the city adopted new regulations for the usage of the stadium lights, including limits on usage.
