County approves LED retrofit for Blanchard Woods fields, stadium lighting to meet tournament standards

The County Commission approved an independent-contractor agreement to retrofit sports-field lighting at Blanchard Woods Park with LED fixtures, including brighter stadium lighting for upcoming national championships.

Staff said the park's existing light levels tested far below recommended recreational standards; some areas measured as low as 5 foot-candles while the recommended level for recreational fields is about 30 foot-candles. The project uses funds allocated in the 2023–2028 SPLOST (special-purpose local-option sales tax) program, and staff recommended approval so installation could begin after the fall season, with work starting in November.

Project presenters said the retrofit will replace fixtures only (not poles), converting the existing system to LED. Staff noted the fixtures at Blanchard Woods had dimmed and shifted to an orange color over time and that the stadium portion will be upgraded to approach 50 foot-candles to meet event standards. Commissioners moved the item by consent and it was approved.

Staff did not provide a total contract price in the discussion; funding was referred to the existing SPLOST allocation for Blanchard Woods within the 2023–2028 program. The commission said other parks have funding for upgrades in the same SPLOST cycle and that Blanchard Woods is a top priority because its light levels were the worst tested.

The county will stage the work to avoid interfering with the fall athletic season and will return to the normal procurement and installation schedule for SPLOST-funded park improvements.