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Caroline County approves $566,167 for LED lighting at baseball and softball fields
Summary
The Caroline County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to spend $566,167 from fund balance to replace aging poles and install LED lighting at both the baseball and softball fields, with staff citing safety, ADA access and long-term savings from doing both fields together.
The Caroline County Board of Supervisors voted to install LED lighting and replace deteriorating poles at both the county baseball and softball fields, approving a combined contract totaling $566,167 and directing that the funds come from the county’s unencumbered fund balance. The decision followed staff presentations showing a savings of about $90,000 when both fields are upgraded together and testimony that the existing wooden poles are over 30 years old and failing.
The project breakdown presented by county staff set the baseball-field work at $395,864 and the softball-field work at $261,302. County facilities staff said the new system will use LED fixtures with downlighting and targeted uplighting sufficient to meet baseball-field sightline standards while replacing obsolete metal-halide fixtures that now require scarce replacement parts. “Replacing the wooden poles with concrete-and-steel poles and moving to LED will improve safety and reduce maintenance,” staff said during the presentation.
Board members debated usage, access and partners. Supervisor questions focused on who primarily uses the fields and the potential for joint projects with the school system; staff and supervisors said Parks & Recreation programs and middle-school teams both use the fields for practices and roughly eight home games per season. The board discussed ADA access and how the lighting and access improvements fit into broader park planning; several supervisors reiterated a desire for a comprehensive parks master plan so new infrastructure aligns with long-term field layouts.
Supervisor Thomas made the motion to approve the lighting contract as quoted, with Supervisor Seeley seconding. Supervisor Thomas explicitly noted the appropriation must come from the unencumbered fund balance; the board voiced unanimous assent and approved the project that evening. Staff said they will follow up with contract execution and scheduling to minimize disruption to spring sports.
The action closes an immediate safety and maintenance problem at the fields; it also sets the stage for broader park improvements supervisors have requested in prior meetings. The board directed staff to report back on scheduling and any coordination with Caroline County Public Schools.
