McLaughlin Field Lighting Project Nears Completion

Wet weather has delayed the installation of lights at McLaughlin Field, but the project is expected to be finished soon.

Parks and Recreation Director Darren Dunkle said rains have caused the field to be soggy and soft and not ideal for the replacement of the field lights. Dunkle said conditions are improving and he hoped the new lights are fully installed soon.

They were delayed by some wet conditions out, but I talked to them (Monday) and they said they hoped to be completed by next week, Dunkle said.

MUSCO Lighting began the installation of the lights Aug. 27 and was expected to take just a few weeks to complete the job. Dunkle said he expected the project would be done in early September.

At Mondays meeting Dunkle told the city council the project was dealing with unplanned weather delays.

That area, especially on the northeast end where the bank comes down in both directions, holds water well, he said.

Dunkle said part of the contract said the contractor has to fix any damage done to the fields. With the grounds wet, the contractor and Dunkle decided it didnt make much sense to work in the fields and cause unnecessary damage.

MUSCO is removing the eight older wood poles at the field. The old setup was more than 25 years old and in need of a replacement.

The original plan was to replace the wiring and upgrade the lights, however, Dunkle discovered it would cost nearly the same amount of money to replace the whole system, poles included.

The eight old wooden poles will be removed and replaced with four new metal poles. Despite the reduction in poles, Dunkle said the light output should be better.

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McLaughlin Field Lighting Project Nears Completion