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Commissioners accept Program Open Space grants to fund LED field lights and parks plan
Summary
The board approved two Program Open Space grants: $275,400 (with $30,600 local match) for LED light retrofits at Chancellor's Run Regional Park and $25,000 (no match) for a Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan update.
The Board of County Commissioners voted to accept two FY2025 Program Open Space grants for Recreation and Parks: a $275,400 grant (with a $30,600 local match) to retrofit LED lighting on Fields 3 and 4 at Chancellor's Run Regional Park, and a $25,000 planning grant to support the five‑year Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan required for future open space funding.
Director Bevans and parks staff described the LED retrofit as part of a multi‑year plan to convert aging lights countywide. Staff said LED conversion can reduce electric bills by roughly 70% at a given field, improve light quality for users, and remove the need for league‑managed timed switches that had been used with older halogen fixtures. The county also worked with SMECO on prior retrofits and received a $52,000 rebate toward earlier projects, staff said.
Commissioners asked whether the retrofit would complete Chancellor's Run; staff said two fields remain on warranty and the current project focuses on older fixtures not covered by warranty. Commissioners approved the grants and authorized the commissioner president to sign related documents. Staff said the project will include league coordination so league presidents retain on/off control of lights for scheduled play.
The packet lists the LED retrofit as RP2503 with a 9:1 state‑to‑local funding ratio; the parks planning grant is RP2102 and carries no local match requirement. The board recorded unanimous support on a voice vote.
