Exeter board hears pitch from youth baseball league about installing lights at Courier Field; board asks for details before decision

Board member Patrick informed trustees that representatives from the Exeter Junior Baseball and Softball League (EJBSL) will request the board consider a multi‑year priority use agreement for Courier Field if the league invests in lighting and related infrastructure.

The request is currently a heads‑up; EJBSL representatives (including Dan Provost and Rusty, the district facilities manager) will appear at the May meeting with cost estimates and operational details. Board members asked staff to report on several items before any vote: which other leagues or organizations currently use the Courier/Wash fields, whether abutters have been contacted about lights and potential impacts, who would own and maintain the lights, electricity cost and ongoing maintenance responsibilities, and whether lights would reduce the district’s scheduling flexibility.

Facilities manager Rusty told the board he has tried to contact abutters and has not yet received responses. Board members asked that staff gather written answers and circulate them before the next meeting so the board and residents can evaluate trade‑offs, including how a prioritization agreement could limit other community uses of the field.