City Council reviews Victory Field Stadium lighting costs and options for residents

The Watertown City Council convened on March 11, 2025, to address growing concerns from residents regarding the use of stadium lights at Victory Field. The meeting aimed to review the operational hours of lights in city parks, assess their functionality, and explore cost-reduction options in response to complaints about excessive brightness and late-night usage.

Residents expressed frustration over the stadium lights being left on until 10 PM, often illuminating an empty field. Dan Grossman, a local resident, provided estimates on the energy costs associated with the current halogen lights, comparing them to typical residential lighting expenses. His insights highlighted the financial implications of maintaining such bright lighting for a facility that is frequently unused during late hours.

Councilor Piccirrelli acknowledged the issue, noting that the lights were originally installed to facilitate nighttime filming of games. He advocated for establishing reasonable guidelines to manage their use. Peterson Toler emphasized the need for monitoring costs and suggested implementing an automatic shutoff mechanism for park lights. However, he noted that the existing halogen lights at Victory Field do not support such technology, indicating a potential need for upgrades to LED lighting.

The council discussed various solutions, including the installation of an on-off switch at Victory Field, a system for residents to request light activation, and the possibility of dimming the lights. The technical staff clarified that the current halogen lights lack automatic timing features, making it impractical for residents to control them directly. While dimming is possible, it is limited to two zones, restricting flexibility in managing light levels.

The council also considered redirecting nighttime activities to other fields with less intense lighting, such as BBN Field, to alleviate the burden on Victory Field. The discussion underscored the importance of balancing community needs for nighttime exercise opportunities with the desire to minimize energy costs and light pollution.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the council's commitment to addressing resident concerns while exploring practical solutions for managing park lighting. The potential transition to LED lights was recognized as a significant step toward enhancing control over lighting and reducing costs. As the council moves forward, further discussions and evaluations will be necessary to implement effective changes that satisfy both residents and operational requirements.