City improves sports lighting at Goodlet Park for recreational use

In the heart of Hialeah, city officials gathered under the bright lights of the council chamber to discuss vital improvements to local parks, particularly focusing on enhancing sports lighting. The meeting, held on May 27, 2025, highlighted plans to upgrade lighting at Goodlet Park, ensuring that recreational fields, tennis courts, and the running track are well-lit for community use.

City representatives outlined a comprehensive strategy to enhance the existing lighting system, which includes adding new fixtures around the running track and dog park, as well as illuminating darker areas of the park to create a safer environment for evening activities. The initiative aims to provide consistent lighting throughout the facility, promoting increased usage and safety for residents.

The council discussed the contract with Musco, the company responsible for the installation and maintenance of the new lighting. For the first ten years, Musco will handle all maintenance, ensuring that any outages are promptly addressed through a system that alerts their office in Omaha. After this period, the city will assume responsibility for maintenance, raising concerns about the potential costs involved.

A significant point of discussion was the ongoing efforts to secure state funding for similar lighting upgrades across other parks. Despite previous requests to the legislature, funding has not yet been allocated, leaving city officials uncertain about future enhancements. The chief operating officer, Ismarie Montreal, noted that the state legislature is currently behind schedule, which complicates the timeline for potential funding announcements.

As the meeting concluded, the council members reflected on the importance of these improvements not just for Goodlet Park, but for the broader community. The discussions underscored a commitment to enhancing public spaces, even as they navigate the challenges of securing necessary funding. With the legislative session still ongoing, the city remains hopeful for additional support to light up more parks in the future, ensuring that Hialeah's recreational areas remain vibrant and accessible for all residents.