New football lights to prevent light pollution

New energy-efficient LED lights were added to the football field Aug. 7. The school board decided to install them June 12.

The school board had previously considered installing new lights, due to complaints from photographers about poor lighting, light pollution issues and the time it took to turn the lights on.

“We looked at doing this project years ago, and it was just too expensive,” assistant principal Jason Meskis said.

Principal Kevin Buchanan said the new lights are more focused and better for nearby residents.

“We want to be considerate to our neighbors — especially the neighbors that are able to see the lights from the football field,” Buchanan said.

According to Buchanan, the old lights were more expensive to run and maintain; they would also take longer to warm up and turn off.

“We have actually had situations where the lights have gone out during games and we have to wait 15 minutes for them to cool down before you can recharge them and get them going again,” Buchanan said.

Buchanan said he is excited about the new additions.

“In the past, it was difficult to find LED lights that we could install on our poles. We would have had to put a whole new pole system up because [the lights] were heavier and bigger, and that’s not the case anymore,” Buchanan said. “The technology has gotten smaller and lighter.”

The upgraded lighting system complies with the district’s environmental efficiency goals.

“It was an older system that needed an upgrade. The newer system is more energy efficient, and it’s more aligned with our environmental goals in terms of the district,” Buchanan said.

Meskis explained that because the new lights are LED lights, they don’t have to be replaced as often, saving both time and energy.

“[The new lights] don’t take as much power to light them, so it saves energy,” Meskis said.

The lights are focused on the field, which is a huge improvement, as light pollution doesn’t disturb the neighbors. This could have been dangerous for those watching in the stands, as the light only focuses on the field and not the stands, so the district is adding additional lighting.

“The lights are so focused on the field that they are adding some additional lighting for the stands to keep people safe,” Meskis said.

The football team tested the new lights for the first time at a night practice Wednesday, Aug. 23, shortly before their home game Friday, Aug. 25.

“[Getting new lights] will result in a better game for the crowd and better playing conditions for the team,” senior and football player Sean MacKinnon said. “I’m glad we’re getting the lights.”