Dark Sky PA asks Upper Allen parks board for after‑dark stargazing access

Mark Rose, chair of Dark Sky PA and a member of the Mechanicsburg Environmental Advisory Council, asked the Upper Allen Township Parks & Recreation Board to permit occasional after‑dark stargazing events in township parks and presented research on light pollution’s ecological and human‑health effects. He said municipalities can adopt straightforward lighting practices and use model ordinance language from Dark Sky International; “My presentation is called the importance of a naturally dark night sky,” Rose told the board, and he outlined biological effects on birds, insects and human circadian rhythms.

Rose asked specifically that the board allow periodic use of park space (he cited Generations and Simpson Park as possibilities) and offered to coordinate with staff and police on dates and safety. He said local examples and satellite data show substantial wasted energy in the region — “Mechanicsburg ... we're wasting about 240,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a year,” he said — and argued that protecting nighttime habitat supports biodiversity and well‑being. Staff responded that no formal motion was needed that night and asked Rose to work with staff on logistics; the board indicated general support but raised parking and trail‑safety concerns for after‑dark events.