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Board approves using donated funds to light Wilford Field 3, calls for coordinated parks planning
Summary
Board of Works approved moving forward with lighting field 3 at Wilford using a partial donation from Adams Memorial Hospital and board capital funds, while members asked for a coordinated fundraising and parks-plan update before further projects.
The Decatur City Board of Works voted to proceed with installing lights on Wilford Field 3 using a partial donation from Adams Memorial Hospital and previously approved park-board capital funds, while urging a coordinated approach to future park fundraising and projects.
Jeremy (board member) presented the parks request, saying Adams Memorial Hospital had donated $125,000 toward a lighting project originally quoted at $150,000 per field; costs rose to about $133,000 after a later contractor estimate. Jeremy said the park board previously approved using capital operating dollars to pay the balance. “They donated 1.25,” Jeremy summarized of the hospital gift; staff said the final vendor estimate elevated the city’s share.
Board members questioned the need, frequency of use and fundraising governance. One member noted coaches said teams rarely play past dark and that, for many youth seasons, daylight suffices. “I think it's a waste of people's money to light fields that aren't gonna be turned on,” a council member said. Other members said larger tournaments do require lights and that donated funds were raised specifically for lighting.
Mayor (title) said he supported using the money already donated to light Field 3 but asked for a more coordinated effort among the park board, the Board of Works and the city council for future projects and fundraising. Members requested a joint meeting with the park board to clarify goals, the parks master plan timeline and which projects have broad support. Park staff said the parks plan update is not expected to be ready for roughly 18 months.
After discussion, a motion to move forward with lighting Field 3 using the donated funds and board capital money passed by voice vote. The board did not adopt a multi-field commitment at this meeting, and members directed staff to schedule a meeting with the park board and council to align priorities and fundraising for future park improvements.
The board recorded no detailed payment schedule or construction timeline for Field 3 at the meeting; staff noted the park board had already voted to use capital funds to cover the remaining balance.
