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Staff: small solar lights used for immediate safety; BTA lighting included in $2.9M city package
Summary
Richmond parks staff told the April 1 commission that a $200 solar motion-sensor light was installed at a tennis court as a quick deterrent while a city-council appropriation of about $2.9 million will fund larger solar-lighting projects — including BTA pickleball courts — across 12 locations over two phases.
Parks staff told the Recreation and Parks Commission on April 1 that small, inexpensive solar motion-sensor lights are being used as immediate, operational fixes at problem locations while a larger city-funded lighting package will roll out in phased projects.
Alex (parks staff) explained that a recent solar motion-sensor light at a tennis court was intended to deter repeated misuse and cost about $200. "Well, this light cost $200," Alex said, framing the installation as a quick, low-cost operational response.
Darren Fitzpatrick, assistant deputy director for public works, said the city-council recently appropriated roughly $2.9 million for solar lighting across a package of sites and that BTA pickleball courts are included in the list. "In early February, I believe, city council appropriated 2.9 ish million dollars for solar lighting, and the BTA pickleball courts are part of that," Fitzpatrick said. Staff submitted 12 locations as part of that package and will prioritize projects by pedestrian and neighborhood safety; the first eight projects are scheduled for completion prior to June 1 and the remaining four are planned for the next fiscal year pending additional funding.
Commissioners expressed concern about perceived inconsistencies in prioritization — why a small $200 light could be installed quickly while grant-funded, larger BTA lighting has taken longer — and staff replied that the small installation did not require design work or a formal procurement process, whereas the larger program is part of a prioritized CIP package tied to council funding and scheduling.
Staff also provided a CIP status update on Wendell and Borman projects, saying both are moving forward with some change orders under review and a target of "late summer" for substantial completion, subject to parts availability and site conditions.
The commission asked for more detailed CIP updates in upcoming meetings so members can see sequencing, funding sources and anticipated completion dates.
