Let there be light in fields

COSTA MESA — The city’s chronically short supply of lighted athletic fields got a small boost Tuesday, with the City Council’s approval of a plan to light two more fields at the Farm Sports Complex.

The two fields closest to Fairview Road already have permanent lights, and now the two in the center of the complex will be lighted as well.

The council voted unanimously to approve the lighting plan and hire McKenzie Electric Inc. to install the lights for $677,500. The contract and plan were approved without comment in a 4-0 vote, with Councilman Eric Bever absent.

As well as adding the new lights, McKenzie will overhaul the existing light fixtures on the two largest fields to make them more energy efficient and reduce the amount of light that spills over the edges of fields.

Residents have been clamoring for more fields, especially lighted ones, with leaders of youth soccer and football groups saying they’re constantly competing for practice time.

Ron Nugent, an executive board member with Costa Mesa Pop Warner football, said he was very pleased with the council’s vote.

“Our No. 1 frustration has been not having lit fields. It’s been a big safety issue for our kids,” he said. “The city obviously has made strides to improve the quality and safety of the fields for our kids.”

The plan to add lights at the Farm looked like it might be headed for trouble in 2006 when two parks commissioners — one who is now Councilwoman Wendy Leece — opposed it. They chose to support homeowners who live by the Farm, who were worried about how the lights would affect their quality of life.

Lights will be installed this summer during field maintenance. Nugent expects the new lights to be ready this fall.