Council accepts completion and additional lighting controls for Leroy Jackson Sports Complex

Ridgecrest — The City Council accepted a notice of completion for improvements at the Leroy Jackson Sports Complex on May 21 after public works staff described final work and last‑minute additions to address runoff and lighting controls.

What was presented Public Works staff told council the project included finishing touches after a rain event that created runoff from the tennis courts and washed newly placed wood chips. Staff also described a late addition of remote lighting timers so the city can switch on individual fields separately. "We decided to install additional remote timers, so that way we can turn on each field's lighting individually. This will save all of our sports groups money," the project presenter said.

Cost and funding Staff said the project would be completed using available General Fund Reserve monies previously authorized by the council. A dollar amount stated during the presentation was not clear on the record; staff confirmed the project would be funded from the General Fund Reserve as previously authorized.

Public input and ADA note A public commenter who walks at the park asked that bench orientations be changed to face soccer fields; staff explained benches were oriented to maintain ADA turning‑radii and compliance with current code and that the city could explore widening pads around benches to improve usability.

Council action After brief discussion the council voted 5-0 to accept the notice of completion and close the project.

Ending note Staff said they will monitor the park to ensure the recent fixes and lighting changes meet field users' needs and will consider additional pad width around benches to balance ADA requirements with spectator use.