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Taneytown parks to replace and rewire light poles after nesting and smoke incident; cameras added to deter dirt-bike use
Summary
Parks staff reported rodent nesting inside field light poles, a smoke incident at Roberts Mill that required fire response, and a planned $818,550 repair and rewiring effort; additional cameras will be installed at Roberts Mill and Memorial Park to deter vandalism and capture incidents.
Taneytown's Parks & Recreation staff told the advisory board on Nov. 12 that nesting inside athletic-field light poles has caused a safety incident and that the town will remove fixtures, clean poles and repair wiring across its parks.
Staff said a recent evening game prompted a fire-department response after smoke was seen coming from a 70-foot light pole. Inspections showed nesting materials and rodent damage inside many poles; the town plans to take down poles and fixtures for cleaning, rewiring and sealing to reduce future nesting. In the meeting staff described the repair and labor estimate as about $818,550 (as stated in the meeting).
To address vandalism and unauthorized vehicle access, the department will add cameras to the soccer-storage shed at Roberts Mill and to Memorial Park (including the gazebo, playground and tennis courts). Board members reported seeing dirt bikes driving across fields and into stormwater areas; staff said the new cameras should provide footage to help identify those responsible.
No formal procurement was voted on Nov. 12; staff will coordinate repairs and return with cost breakdowns and recommended funding sources or adjustments to the capital plan.
